The Association of Corporate Online Editors (ACOE), on Tuesday, honoured exemplary Nigerians who have made remarkable contributions to public service delivery, humanitarian advancement, and national unity, as well as fallen heroes who sacrificed their lives for the country. The awards formed part of activities marking the association’s third investiture anniversary in Abuja.
ACOE Chairman, Shola Akingboye, said the ceremony reflects the association’s mission to promote national development by translating principles and policies into impactful programmes.
One of the highlights of the event was the recognition of Engr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote, Director-General/CEO of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), who was celebrated as one of Nigeria’s most visionary public sector reformers. Represented by NIMC’s Director of Media, Dr. Kayode Adegoke, her citation outlined wide-ranging reforms, including:
– Clearing legacy backlogs
– Expanding the national identity database to 250 million records
– Deploying mobile enrolment devices nationwide
– Driving data harmonisation across more than 20 federal agencies
– Introducing advanced verification systems and two-factor authentication
She was commended for empowering millions through digital identity and modernising the nation’s identity infrastructure.
Also honoured was the Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Shehu Mohammed, mni, for transformative leadership in road safety administration. His citation highlighted:
– Attainment of ISO 9001:2015 certification
– Expansion of national rescue services
– Deployment of 36,000 personnel and 750 patrol vehicles
– Launch of FRSC Traffic Radio 107.1 FM
– Technological innovations in driver licensing and crash analytics
He was described as a “Guardian of Public Safety” dedicated to ensuring safe journeys for all Nigerians.
Other award recipients included the Director General of the National Orientation Agency, Dr. Lanre Issa-Onilu; the CEO of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Chief Gbenga Komolafe; and Nigeria’s fallen heroes members of the armed forces who paid the ultimate price between 2010 and 2025. The tribute to the fallen heroes drew emotional standing ovations as ACOE reaffirmed its commitment to national unity and remembrance.
In his welcome address, Akingboye emphasised that the ACOE Award is free and strictly merit-based. He lauded the honourees, noting, “Your accomplishments remind us of what is possible when passion meets professionalism. You inspire us all.”
He also praised ACOE members for their resilience since the association’s formation three years ago, acknowledging their commitment to its core values of Speed, Accuracy, and Truth. He urged them to recommit to ethical practices and innovation in strengthening Nigeria’s corporate online media landscape.
“Our theme, ‘Strengthening Corporate Online Media for National Development,’ is at the heart of our mission,” he said. “This investiture is not just a celebration but a renewed pledge to transform Nigeria’s digital information ecosystem.”
The ceremony concluded with the cutting of the anniversary cake, group photographs, and networking among stakeholders.
