The Executive Governor of Zamfara State Dr Dauda Lawal has received the Outstanding Governor Award from the Daily Times in the North–West region during its centenary anniversary in Abuja.

The governor accepted the award today at the DTN@100 Times Heroes Awards, organised by Nigeria’s oldest newspaper to commemorate its 100th anniversary.

Governor Lawal was recognised for his leadership, public service, and contribution to national development.

The award was part of activities celebrating the centenary of the newspaper, which was first published in 1926 and has chronicled Nigeria’s political, economic, social, and cultural progress over the past century.

Chairman of the DTN@100 Heroes Awards Council, Bolaji Okusaga, stated that Governor Lawal was chosen because he received the highest nominations in the North-West.

“Following an extensive nomination and public voting process, you received the highest number of votes in this award category.

“The Times Heroes Award Council and other key stakeholders subsequently confirmed your selection in recognition of your leadership, public service, and contribution to national development,” Mr. Okusaga said.

Governor Lawal expressed his gratitude to the Board, Management, and Organising Committee of the Daily Times Nigeria @100 Celebration, the Times Heroes Award Council, and all Nigerians who supported his nomination.

He stated that the honour reflects his commitment to promoting good governance and effective public service in Zamfara State.

Other notable Nigerians honoured include the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume; and former President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Dr Akinwumi Adesina.

The newspaper announced that recipients of the DTN@100 Times Heroes Awards will be featured among the most outstanding individuals and institutions in the 700-page Nigerian Grand Book.

“This publication will serve as a national commemorative volume and a lasting record of the people, institutions, and achievements shaping Nigeria’s development.”

The foreword of the Nigerian Grand Book has been written by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The Group Chief Executive of Oando Plc, Jubril Adewale Tinubu, has congratulated Vice President Kashim Shettima on his 60th birthday, describing him as a distinguished public servant whose career has been defined by integrity, resilience and commitment to national service.

Tinubu, in a goodwill message issued on Wednesday, commended Shettima for his contributions to Nigeria’s development and his years of service in both the public and private sectors.

He said public service at the highest level requires sound judgment, resilience and the ability to remain focused amid the challenges associated with leadership.

“Happy 60th birthday, Your Excellency, Vice President Kashim Shettima, GCON.

“Public service at the highest levels in Nigeria is not a path for those in search of comfort. It demands sound judgement, resilience through challenging seasons, and the consistency to remain focused on the responsibility at hand,” Tinubu stated.

Reflecting on Shettima’s career, the Oando chief executive noted that the Vice President’s journey from banking to public administration had been marked by service and perseverance.

He particularly referenced Shettima’s tenure as governor of Borno State, describing his leadership of the state during difficult years as an important phase of his public career.

“From a distinguished career in banking to leading Borno through some of the toughest years in its history, and now as Vice President of our country, yours has been a journey marked by service, excellence and perseverance,” he said.

Tinubu also prayed for the Vice President as he begins his seventh decade, wishing him good health, wisdom and strength to continue serving the country.

“On this day and ever more, may Allah grant you good health, wisdom, strength, and joy in the company of those you hold dear.

“I wish you every blessing and fulfilment in your service to our great nation and its people,” he added.

The contemporary art and photography exhibition “Wake Up!” is back again for a second edition.

Curated by Awele Onwordi, Wake Up! 2 exhibition pays homage to the Nigerian youth and burgeoning street culture which many of its contributing artists reference in their works.

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Titled “Young, Wild, Free”, the exhibition celebrates the creativity, resilience, freedom and cultural influence found in Nigerian youth.

Taking aim at societal issues and economic concerns, the exhibit reflects the youth and their refusal to compromise or bow despite all the challenges stacked against them while charting youth culture through art, music, fashion, skateboarding, photography and community.

The exhibition will be held, once again, at the Angel and Muse Gallery at 25 Sumbo Jibowu street off Ribadu Road off Awolowo Road in Ikoyi.

It will open on Saturday 5 September 2026 and will run until 11 September 2026
This second edition which focuses on celebrating, nurturing and exploring artistic practices rooted in youth and street culture will feature works from DENCITY and SUPERGLIDER HOUSE.

Exhibiting artists include Ajilore Kehinde – their work is deeply influenced by Nigerian street culture and works of other artists like Slawn, Peters Ejiro, etc, Chuka Onwordi – graphic designer who embodies themes of death, melancholy and beauty in his works, ZIDYEP – Abuja based creative whose works move between digital and physical spaces through art, graphic design and air brushing , Franklyn Okoye – graphic designer and artist whose works explore themes of identity and hyper-reality, Awele Onwordi – founder & curator of WAKE UP and multidisciplinary artist whose practice spans character art, creative logo design, album covers and more , Oluchi Kogolo – digital illustrator whose work explores street culture, personality and storytelling through a raw and playful visual style and Kozetuo Apeji – multidisciplinary artists who work explores experimental approaches to problem solving through both digital and traditional art forms.

Commenting on the exhibition in her curatorial statement, Awele noted that “despite economic instability, limited opportunities and socio-political challenges, Nigerian youth continue to shape culture through music, fashion, art, skateboarding, raves, photography and community.”

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Continuing and harping on the raison d’etre of the exhibition she said, “Young, Wild and Free exists to celebrate Nigerian youth while also creating a platform that supports and amplifies them.”