ACOE Holds Investiture, Honours NIMC DG, FRSC, Others
By Alabidun Shuaib AbdulRahman
The Association of Corporate Online Editors (ACOE) on Tuesday marked its third investiture anniversary in Abuja with the recognition of Nigerians who have distinguished themselves in public service, humanitarian work and national unity.
Chairman of ACOE, Shola Akingboye, said the award was in line with the association’s mandate to promote national development, strengthen professionalism in the digital media space and encourage excellence in public service.
He stressed that the selection process was merit–driven and free of influence.
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One of the major recognitions of the day was the award presented to the Director General/CEO of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), Engr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote, who was described as a leading reformer in Nigeria’s identity management sector.
Represented by NIMC’s Director of Media, Dr Kayode Adegoke, her citation highlighted several reforms under her leadership, including the clearance of long-standing backlogs, expansion of the national identity database to 250 million records, deployment of mobile enrolment devices across the country, data harmonisation with over 20 federal agencies, and the introduction of advanced verification systems and two-factor authentication.
She was commended for strengthening Nigeria’s digital identity infrastructure and supporting national planning efforts.
Similarly, the Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Shehu Mohammed, mni, was honoured for his contributions to road safety administration.
His citation pointed to the service’s ISO 9001:2015 certification, expansion of national rescue operations, deployment of 36,000 personnel and 750 patrol vehicles, launch of FRSC Traffic Radio 107.1FM, and improvements in driver licensing and crash analytics.
He was described as a leader committed to building “a Nigeria where every road journey ends safely.”
Other award recipients included the Director General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Dr Lanre Issa-Onilu; the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Chief Gbenga Komolafe; and Nigeria’s fallen heroes who were recognised posthumously.
The tribute to the soldiers received a standing ovation as the association reaffirmed its dedication to national unity and remembrance.
Akingboye, in his remarks, appreciated members of ACOE for sustaining the organisation’s vision over the past three years despite various challenges.
He said the association had remained committed to its core values of “Speed, Accuracy and Truth.”
“To our award recipients, your achievements show what is possible when passion is matched with professionalism. This honour is not just a plaque; it is a call to continue the work that set you apart,” he said.
He called on members of the association to remain committed to ethical reporting, innovation and collaboration in order to strengthen Nigeria’s corporate online media sector.
The event featured the cutting of the anniversary cake, group photographs and networking among participants.
