Five Nigerian Governors Nominated for 2025 African Governors Excellence Award

Five Nigerian state governors have been shortlisted for the prestigious 2025 African Governors Excellence Award, an international recognition that honours transformative leadership and innovation in public governance across the continent.

The nominees include:

Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State

Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State

Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State

Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State

Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State

The award ceremony is scheduled to take place on August 19, 2025, in Paris, France.

According to Dr. Idahosa Osamahze, Vice Chairman of the Selection Committee, the award celebrates visionary leadership, outstanding governance, and impactful development initiatives in Africa’s sub-national governments.

“The award recognises excellence in public service and highlights governors whose policies and projects are driving sustainable socio-economic transformation,” Osamahze stated.

He noted that this year’s focus includes transformative achievements in healthcare, infrastructure, education, economic empowerment, and inclusive governance.

In addition to the Nigerian nominees, governors from Egypt and Kenya have also been selected:

From Egypt: Governor Abdel Amara (Kafr El Sheikh), Governor Amr Hanafi (Red Sea), Governor Gamal Nour El-Din (Asyut), and Governor Khaled Fouda (South Sinai).

* From Kenya: **Governor Hillary Barchok** (Bomet County), **Governor George Natembeya** (Trans Nzoia), **Governor Mohamed Adan Khalif** (Mandera), and **Governor Jeremiah Lomorukai** (Turkana).

“These leaders exemplify what governance with vision, integrity, and purpose can achieve,” said Osamahze. “Their efforts are not only transforming local communities but also inspiring the next generation of public leaders across Africa.”

The Paris event is expected to draw a distinguished audience of diplomats, policymakers, development partners, and stakeholders from across Africa and Europe. It will feature keynote speeches from global policy experts, panel sessions on innovation in sub-national governance, and networking opportunities aimed at fostering intergovernmental collaboration.