BY COLLINS OPUROZOR
It is no news that Governor Hope Uzodimma was last night honoured by Vanguard Newspaper as the Infrastructure Governor of the Year—a deserved recognition for his aggressive developmental strides in Imo State. However, some bitter politicians within the state have taken to social media to fly propaganda in response, praising a certain governor who they claim refuses to take awards while in office. While everyone is entitled to their personal style, the idea that leaders should avoid recognition during their tenure is not only parochial but also counterproductive. Globally, respected and effective leaders have received awards while still holding office. And there are compelling reasons why this should not only be accepted but encouraged.
First, awards serve as a motivation—not just for the leader in question—but for the entire government team and the public. When President Barack Obama received the Nobel Peace Prize in 2009 while still in office, it sent a message of global confidence in the values he represented. It encouraged his administration and supporters worldwide to continue pushing for peace and diplomacy. Recognition reinforces good behaviour and gives both the leader and citizens a sense of collective achievement.
Second, awards are often benchmarks that help in measuring progress. In 2011, Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for her efforts in promoting peace, democracy, and gender equality. That award validated her administration’s post-war rebuilding efforts. By recognizing a sitting leader, institutions and the public can assess the effectiveness of current policies, creating a yardstick for future growth and continuity.
Third, timely recognition has the power to attract international partnerships and investment. In 2017, Rwandan President Paul Kagame was awarded the African Union’s “Man of the Year” award for his reforms in governance and economic transformation. This recognition while in office helped project Rwanda as a stable, reform-driven destination for investment. Similarly, awards to serving leaders often spark renewed interest from global stakeholders looking for credible and visionary partners.
Fourth, receiving awards in office promotes transparency and accountability. For instance, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern of New Zealand received widespread international awards and acclaim for her leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic. Her transparency and responsiveness were part of why she was recognized, and such recognition ensured continued public scrutiny, keeping her administration on its toes. Far from being a distraction, awards invite deeper engagement with governance.
Fifth, refusing awards in the name of humility can sometimes conceal mediocrity. While some leaders claim not to want recognition, it may often be because there’s little or nothing to celebrate. In contrast, when Prime Minister Narendra Modi was awarded the Global Goalkeeper Award in 2019 for his Swachh Bharat (Clean India) mission, it drew attention to the actual impact of his sanitation policies. Genuine achievement speaks for itself—and recognition amplifies its reach.
Sixth, many advanced democracies understand the power of recognition in shaping political culture. Germany’s Chancellor Angela Merkel received numerous awards while in office, including the Time Magazine’s Person of the Year in 2015, for her leadership during the refugee crisis. These recognitions helped shape global perceptions of Germany’s policies and strengthened diplomatic ties. Similarly, honoring leaders while in service reflects active, ongoing appreciation of their service—not just posthumous or belated praise.
Seventh, it fosters healthy competition among public servants. In Nigeria, when Lagos State governors received awards for urban development and innovation, it inspired leaders in other states to up their game. Awards become indicators of progress and sources of pride for citizens who want to know that their votes and taxes are yielding visible dividends. Refusing such recognition under the guise of humility robs the people of their moment to celebrate progress.
Finally, those peddling propaganda against Governor Hope Uzodimma’s award miss the point. This recognition by Vanguard is not about vanity; it is about validating the unprecedented infrastructural renewal in Imo State. From road construction to public utilities and economic zones, Governor Uzodimma has transformed the landscape and restored confidence in leadership. Like global leaders who have been honored while still active, his award is timely, justifiable, and richly earned. Rather than spew bitterness, critics should rise to the challenge of matching his performance—or remain silent while history is being made.
*Opurozor is the Special Adviser to Governor Hope Uzodimma on Electronic and Creative Media.
