The Niger State Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Jonathan Vatsa, was on Sunday honoured with two different awards of excellence for good governance and impacting the lives of youths.
The awards were from an arm of the Nigerian Youth Council, Nigerian Youth Advocacy for Good Governance Initiative and the Men’s Fellowship of the Anglican Communion.
Presenting the award as Ambassador for Christ, the Bishop of the Minna Diocese of the Anglican Communion, Bishop Daniel Yisa, described Vatsa as one of the most progressive voices for structured change in Niger State and Nigeria in general.
In an interview, the President of the Anglican Men’s Fellowship, Chief Sanjo Alagbe, said: “The award is in recognition of his outstanding achievements in office as Commissioner and his promotion of good governance and his large heart, incapability of harbouring prejudice or vengeance and his uncompromising attitude to corruption.”
Also presenting the Award of Excellence to the Commissioner, the National Coordinator, NYAGGI, Alabi Akeem Abiodun, said Vatsa was picked as the “Icon for Humanitarian Service” after series of meetings, consultations and appraisals were carried out.
According to Abiodun: “Vatsa is the first Nigerlite to bag this award.
“Other notable Nigerians honored by this organisation are the President of the Federal Republic, Muhammadu Buhari; Deputy Governor of Zamfara State, Alhaji Ibrahim Wakkala Muhammad.
“The award is to acknowledge his notable contribution to the State, the Nation and encouraging of Nigerian youths to be responsible and active in State and National issues.
“He is a shining example, beacon of hope for the Nigerian youth.
“After a painstakingly and critical appraisal of all the states and the impact of individuals on the citizenry, we are happy to inform the general public that Vatsa has been selected as a Youth champion for the Year, 2017.”
While dedicating the award to God, fathers and youths for ensuing peace, the Commissioner said the awards came as a surprise.
He admonished the Nigerian youths to keep Nigeria as one, adding: “We don’t have any other country except Nigeria.
“We must not kill it.
“To keep Nigeria as one is a task that must be done.
“We may have our agitation but we need to come to the roundtable to express our grievances and then proffer solutions to them.”
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