By Adeyinka Adeniran
A week after receiving the Engineering and Innovation meritorious award at the Nigerian Excellence Awards in Public Service (NEAPS), the Executive Vice Chairman of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu, has been honoured with the prestigious ‘Royal African Young Leadership Award’ by the Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty Ooni Adeyeye Babatunde Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II.
The award was presented at the 4th edition of the Royal African Young Leadership Forum held on Saturday, July 13, 2024, in Ile-Ife, Osun State. The event organized by the palace of the progenitor of the Yoruba race, celebrates the achievements of outstanding young African leaders contributions to their communities and industries.
During the presentation, His Majesty, the Ooni of Ife, commended Khalil Halilu’s exemplary leadership at NASENI, emphasizing how his visionary leadership and innovative approaches are propelling Nigeria towards a technologically and industrially advanced nation.
The Ooni noted that Halilu’s outstanding performance is a source of immense pride for the youth of Nigeria and is crucial for the country’s economic prosperity. He also expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for recognizing illustrious young Nigerians, mentioning other notable appointees such as the Director-General of SMEDAN, Mr. Charles Odii, the Minister of Youth, Dr. Jamila Bio Ibrahim, and the Minister of Youth (State), Ayodele Olawande Wisdom.
“These young men are part of the government of our dear country. I want to use this opportunity to celebrate you and appreciate the President for putting you into government, thereby making your individual contributions to the development of Nigeria,” Ooni said.
Reacting to the award shortly after the presentation, the EVC/CEO of NASENI expressed gratitude for the recognition, stating, “I am honoured to receive this award from His Majesty, the Ooni of Ife. Previously, I admired the Royal African Young Leadership Forum Award on social media. Being acknowledged in this way underscores His Majesty’s commitment to recognizing and celebrating the positive impact individuals make in their respective endeavours.”
Halilu further emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts in driving technological innovation and industrial growth in Nigeria. He reiterated his commitment to continuing the work that NASENI is doing to advance the country’s technological infrastructure and enhance its global competitiveness.
The Royal African Young Leadership Forum is an annual event that brings together dynamic young leaders from various sectors to discuss and promote sustainable development in Africa. This year’s theme, “Africa of the Future: Better Together,” reflects the forum’s focus on unity and collective progress.
As Halilu continues to make impact in NASENI, his recognition at the Royal African Young Leadership Forum underscores his commitment to Nigeria’s technological and industrial growth. His work greatly inspires the youth of Nigeria and contributes to the nation’s economic development.
Alongside Halilu, other notable Africans, honoured include Dr. Jamila Bio Ibrahim, Ayodele Olawande Wisdom, and Charles O. Odii, among several young entrepreneurs selected from diverse background for their significant contributions to their fields.
