The Minister of State for Finance, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite’s recent Zik Award is a timely affirmation of her contribution towards Nigeria’s economic reform agenda at a moment when decisive, inclusive economic leadership is most needed, writes Folalumi Alaran
The recent conferment of the Zik Prize in Leadership Award on the Minister of State for Finance, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, in Abuja, arrived at a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s economic journey. At a time when policymakers are aggressively striving towards ensuring inclusive economic growth, poverty alleviation and addressing inequality, her recognition stands as both an affirmation of progress and a reminder of the enormous work ahead.
Awards of this nature signal public acknowledgement of competence, resilience, and the capacity to steer difficult but necessary reforms.
The annual Zik’s Awards Lecture celebrates the life and ideals of Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe — the Zik of Africa — whose contributions to Nigeria’s independence and postcolonial leadership remain foundational to the nation’s democratic identity.
This year’s edition held in Abuja, brought together political leaders, academics, traditional rulers, and thought leaders to reflect on the values of patriotism, unity, and visionary leadership that defined Azikiwe’s legacy.
In his welcome address, Director-General of the Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe Annual Award Lecture, Chief Chineme Onyeke, appealed to the federal government to allocate land in Abuja for a proposed national legacy project in honor of the late nationalist.
He also announced plans for a Zik Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution, to be hosted in partnership with Nigerian universities, especially the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, alongside the establishment of a Zik Centre for Leadership and African Studies in Abuja — envisioned as a hub for research, dialogue, and the preservation of Azikiwe’s legacy.
However, for Uzoka-Anite, the Zik Award represents a renewed mandate to deepen the fiscal and economic reforms championed under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. As one of the policy technocrats shaping Nigeria’s economic architecture, she finds herself at the intersection of political expectations and economic realities.
This honour also reopens a broader national conversation about leadership, accountability, and the importance of continuity in implementing economic policy.
In her remarks, Uzoka-Anite said she was deeply honored to receive the award, describing it as both a personal milestone and a solemn call to service. She reaffirmed her commitment to building a fiscally strong, economically competitive, and socially inclusive Nigeria.
She also pledged to continue championing reforms that expand opportunities and strengthen the nation’s economic resilience.
“This recognition is not just a personal milestone for me; it is a reminder of the values that Zik embodied — courage, integrity, intellectual depth, and an unshakeable commitment to a unified, prosperous Nigeria,” she added.
“I accept this award with profound humility, mindful that leadership is ultimately about service — service to the nation, to the people, and to future generations.
“Whatever contributions I may have made were possible because of the collective efforts of colleagues, institutions, and partners who share the conviction that Nigeria can and must rise to its full potential,” she said further.
The minister said the honor has strengthened her resolve to sustain reforms that promote fiscal sustainability and inclusive growth, adding that she continues to draw inspiration from Zik’s enduring belief in the Nigerian project.
“As we strive to entrench reforms, expand opportunities, and build a resilient economy, I draw inspiration from Zik’s belief that progress is not a distant dream but a responsibility,” Uzoka-Anite said.
“I dedicate this award to all Nigerians who work every day with hope, resilience, and faith to build a better country.”
Further commenting on the award, on her social media page, the Minister wrote: “Heartfelt gratitude to the Nnamdi Azikiwe Foundation for this truly prestigious honour! Receiving the Zik Award for Distinguished Partner of the Nnamdi Azikiwe Foundation (DPNA) is a moment I will always treasure. I remain sincerely grateful to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Hope Uzodimma, for the privilege to contribute meaningfully under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
“And also, my gratitude to my mentor, Mr. Jim Ovia, for the opportunity to serve and grow under his leadership. To my incredible colleagues, thank you for your unwavering dedication, your teamwork, and the passion you bring to every task.
“This recognition isn’t just mine; it is a reflection of our collective commitment to nation-building, to service, and to a vision of a stronger, more unified Nigeria. To everyone who has supported, encouraged, and believed in me, thank you. Your faith fuels my drive. May God continue to bless our beloved country, Nigeria. “
The latest award comes a few days after she was recognised by The Mace Magazine, among President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Top 10 Performing Cabinet Ministers, an award she had described as “both humbling and inspiring,” pledging her commitment “to advancing our nation’s economic growth and fostering inclusive development for all Nigerians.”
Building on this momentum, Uzoka-Anite has continued to position her work within a broader reform vision, emphasising that national recognition only strengthens her resolve to align policy execution with the administration’s long-term economic agenda.
At the opening of the annual CBN Executive Policy Seminar in Abuja, recently, Uzoka-Anite had revealed that the federal government was currently working to establish a Unified National Framework that will bring together both monetary and fiscal instruments to drive structural transformation. Uzoka-Anite said during the event that the federal government would continue to improve Nigeria’s economic competitiveness and its social and developmental impact.
She said, “Our efforts must remain aligned toward clear targets — particularly reducing the cost of energy, shortening the time required to register businesses, ensuring secure payments, and simplifying interactions with government agencies.
“As we work toward these targets, we have recognized that the challenges we face are not cyclical but structural. Traditional monetary tightening alone cannot deliver the desired results. Therefore, we must complement it with coordinated fiscal expansion that can produce lasting impact.”
While highlighting the various initiatives of the government to reset the economy, she said the task ahead was to grow the nation and boost revenue mobilisation.
Also, in another separate event recently, the launch of the Disinflation and Growth Acceleration Strategy (DGAS), an initiative aimed at accelerating our nation’s economic development goals, the Minister had expressed optimism that the Tinubu administration was doing all it could to engender inclusive growth.
“His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has set an aggressive goal of building up GDP to $1 trillion by 2037. That would require GDP growth closer to 10% – 12% per annum consistently for the coming decade.
“Based on this understanding, we came together – the CBN and Ministry of Finance, to co-create and co-author a document we call the Disinflation and Growth Acceleration Strategy (DGAS). I am confident that, through the partnership of the Central Bank of Nigeria, the Federal Ministry of Finance, and the broader economic management team, DGAS will usher in a new era of non-inflationary, sustainable prosperity.
“Finally, I wish to use this opportunity to thank the teams at the Ministry of Finance and CBN for their tireless work on the DGAS document, which is ready; hopefully, our principals will make a big announcement on it imminently,” she had said.
Also speaking at the inaugural DELT-HER program, Developing Engineering Leaders Through HER (DELT-HER), an initiative of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) in collaboration with the Presidential Implementation Committee on Technology Transfer (PICTT), aimed at Inspiring the next generation of leaders, the Minister had also said: “Sustainable development cannot be achieved when 50% of the population women and girls are underrepresented in key sectors like science, engineering, and innovation. Innovation thrives when diversity is embraced. Women bring unique perspectives and approaches to problem-solving that are crucial to national progress.
“I believe the transformative power of empowering women and girls in science, engineering, and innovation. I’m applauding NASENI and PiCTT for the DELT-HER Initiative, designed to bridge the gender skills gap and equipping young women with technical expertise, leadership mentorship, and innovation platforms to excel in the technology ecosystem.
“When we unlock the potential of women and girls, we accelerate family prosperity, community advancement, and national development.”
Clearly, the Zik Award has amplified the urgency of sustaining these interventions. More importantly, it highlights the opportunity before Nigeria, through Uzoka-Anite’s Ministry, to consolidate reforms, broaden economic participation, and ensure that the gains of policy restructuring translate into real improvements in the lives of citizens. The award is a reflection of a leadership style rooted in diligence, accountability, and impact. At a time when public trust in institutions is being rebuilt, her recognition stands as evidence that focused, measurable service can still earn genuine admiration.
Ultimately, the Zik Award serves as both a recognition of past efforts and an encouragement for the journey ahead. It signals that excellence in public service is noticed, appreciated, and worth aspiring to. As Nigeria pushes forward with critical reforms, leaders like Uzoka-Anite provide a reminder that commitment, integrity, and results-driven governance remain essential ingredients for national renewal.
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