In a magnificent display of elegance and purpose, the “Treasure Base of the Nation” played host to the 7th Edition of the Trendsetters Awards this past Sunday. The event, which has grown into one of the region’s most prestigious gatherings, brought together a distinguished assembly of business titans, creative pioneers, and civic leaders to celebrate excellence under the theme: “Stewardship and Legacy: The Architecture of Lasting Influence.”
The evening reached its emotional and intellectual zenith during the welcome address by Gloria Boma Harry, the CEO of the Trendsetters Awards. Delivering a speech that was as much a philosophical treatise as it was a greeting, Ms Harry challenged the audience to reconsider the very nature of success.
“True influence is not measured by the noise we make, but by the silence of the structures we leave behind,” she remarked. Reflecting on the inception of the awards seven years ago in Rivers State, Ms Harry noted that the original mission to identify those who “set” rather than “follow” trends remains more vital than ever.
A significant highlight of the evening was the ceremonial cutting of the 7th Anniversary Cake. Flanked by distinguished guests, Ms Harry led the celebratory moment, symbolising seven years of consistent dedication to excellence in the South-South. The gesture served as a bridge between the stewardship of the past seven years and the legacy the organisation intends to build for the millennium.
Honourees of the Architecture of Influence
The ceremony transitioned into the presentation of awards, recognising individuals and organisations that have demonstrated exceptional leadership and service.
In the realm of health and wellness, Dr Vetty Agala was honoured with the Community Wellness and Equity Champion Award, while Dr Diana Babbo received the Pioneer in Preventive Health Award. The Healthcare Access Champion Award was presented to Dr Anuforo Edmund DMP, and the Rivers State Contributory Health Protection Programme was distinguished as the Working Agency of the Year.
Governance and administration were also prominently featured. Barr. Darlington Kinikanwo Owiriwa was named Administrator of the Year, while Hon. Mrs Tonye Briggs Oniyide was celebrated as the LGA Chairman of the Year. The Permanent Secretary of the Year title was conferred upon Dr Honour K. Sirawoo, mni, fcai, and Bar. Ibiso Briggs was recognised as the Civil Servant of the Year.
Academic and creative excellence were lauded through awards to Dr Ibitoru Pepple and Prof Doris Ademe-Godwin, who both received The Academic of the Year Award. In the arts, Dr Ken Osunwa was named Film Producer of the Year.
The media and sporting sectors were well represented by:
- Sir Celestine Ogolo: Publisher of the Year (Online Newspaper)
- Augustine Tanee: Publisher of the Year (Hardcopy Newspaper)
- Mr Sammy Wejinya: Sports Personality of the Year (Male)
- Princess Jetiba Soberekon, JP: Sports Personality of the Year (Female)
- Mr Abiodun Yusuf and Mr Kelvin Chimankpa: Both receiving the Journalist of the Year (Videographer) award.
Utilising the metaphor of architecture, the CEO urged the awardees to look beyond their personal successes. “Architecture requires a plan, resilience against the elements, and the patience to build brick by brick,” she remarked, posing a stirring question to the evening’s laureates: “Are you building a monument to yourself, or a cathedral for the community?”
As the ceremony concluded, the atmosphere was one of profound recommitment to the “noble architecture of stewardship” and the “enduring beauty of a selfless legacy.”
