By Chika Okeke
The Director-General of Bureau of Public Procurement, BPP, Dr Adebowale Adedokun has won the 2025 Public Procurement Reformer Award in recognition of his contributions to institutional transformation and reforms in public procurement.
It was presented at the 8th edition of the Blueprint Newspaper Public Lecture, Impact Series and Awards held in Abuja with the theme: “Security Challenges and Integrity of Nigeria’s 2027 Election’’.
Adedokun was also recognised for his leadership and commitment to transparency, accountability and improved service delivery, as well as his efforts in reshaping Nigeria’s public procurement system in line with the Renewed Hope Transformative Agenda.
The DG appreciated President Bola Tinubu for his commitment to national transformation and implementing policies that directly impact Nigerians.
He dedicated the award to Nigerians committed to the progress of the country, future generations and the staff of the BPP for their dedication to safeguarding public funds.
The Managing Director of Blueprint Newspaper, Mr Salisu Umar stated that the newspaper’s annual event began in 2018 as a platform to discuss issues of national interest and recognise Nigerians who had demonstrated exemplary leadership and transformational impact.
Umar informed that the theme of the 2026 edition was selected against the backdrop of prevailing security challenges in the country, adding that the awards were designed to honour eminent Nigerians who had made significant contributions to national development.
Chairman of the occasion, Sen. Abdulaziz Yari disclosed that security is the responsibility of all Nigerians, saying that security challenges had direct implications on the lives and well-being of citizens as well as the economy.
Yari noted that security and economic development remained among the priorities of the Tinubu administration, while calling for national unity and a better Nigeria for present and future generations.
Assistant Chief Information Officer of BPP, Ngozi Anyaelezu stated on Wednesday in Abuja, that the event brought together government officials, political leaders, traditional rulers, media practitioners and other stakeholders.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, commended Blueprint Newspaper for choosing a timely theme for the event, adding that the integrity of elections depended on a secure environment, credible institutions and responsible political actors.
He enjoined the media to discharge its responsibilities effectively and avoid the spread of misinformation.
The Guest Speaker, and Minister of Defence, retired Gen. Christopher Musa proposed a strategic framework to strengthen election security, including measures to protect electoral systems, communication networks and information platforms against cyber intrusion.
Musa, who was represented by Maj.-Gen. Olufemi Akinjobi disclosed that the role of the media would become more significant as Nigeria approached the 2027 general elections.
Akinjobi noted that electoral integrity depended not only on electoral and security agencies but also on the ability of the media to provide accurate information, educate citizens and promote national unity.
He described the 2027 election as a national project, adding that securing the electoral process was a collective responsibility involving government institutions, political leaders, security agencies, the media, civil society and citizens.
Other award recipients included the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Olayemi Cardoso; GMD/CEO of Zenith Bank, Adaora Umeoji; Governor of Sokoto State, Ahmed Aliyu; APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda; Governor of Zamfara, Dauda Lawal; Sen. Abdulaziz Yari; and Governor of Enugu State, Peter Ndubuisi Mbah.
