The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting integrity, justice, and accountability in Nigeria.
The organisation made the call at the 8th edition of the Gani Fawehinmi Impact and Integrity Awards (GFIIA) held in alignment with year 2025 International Human Rights Day with the theme :” Our Rights, Our Future , Right Now”.
Chairman of the HEDA Resource Centre, Mr. Olanrewaju Suraju described the awards as a moral compass that continues to remind the nation of the values championed by the late legal icon Chief Gani Fawehinmi courage in the face of oppression, unwavering integrity, and an unyielding commitment to justice and human rights.
Suraju noted the significance of the 2025 celebration that it aligns with the global theme for the 2025 International Human Rights Day: “Our Rights, Our Future, Right Now.”
He emphasized that against growing inequality, civic repression, and deepening social fractures, defending human rights and accountability has never been more urgent.
He highlighted that the awards continue to celebrate Nigerians who resist corruption and uphold transparency .
According to him, the honourees’ stories prove that integrity is still possible, powerful, and impactful, even in difficult times.
Suraju announced a new partnership with the Gani Fawehinmi Students’ Chambers, Faculty of Law, University of Lagos who co-hosted the event.
He said the collaboration reflects the belief that building a culture of integrity begins with mentorship, youth engagement, and early inspiration.
The HEDA chairman commended MacArthur Foundation, nominees, awardees, civil society allies, and members of the media for their continued support of the GFIIA.
“As we gather to honour these exceptional Nigerians, may we be reminded that integrity is not just a virtue; it is the foundation for national transformation,” Suraju said.
“Let today inspire each of us to stand firm for what is right, defend human dignity, and contribute to building a future defined by fairness, justice, and opportunity.”
Winners of the 2025 Gani Fawehinmi impact and integrity awards were; Winner Outstanding Integrity award category Dr. Mrs Lola Odeyale Ayo-Fashida; First runner up Barrister Olumide Kayode-Omosebi,Second runner up Mr Offiong Charles Ikpeme.
Winner Valuable Whistle Blower category, Pastor Nicholas Evaritus while Builder Kunle Awoodu was the first runner up.
Outstanding Impact Award category Hajiya Aishatu A’yan Guru Nahuce was announced as the winner of the Outstanding Impact Award, while Mary Ngozi Kekwaaru was the first runner up and Dayyabu Bala Gezawa is second runner up .
For the Nigerians in Diaspora Integrity Ambassador Award, Yetunde Abimbola-Alebiosu was announced as the winner.
Founder and Executive Director of The Gnosis Help Initiative and First runner up Outstanding Integrity award category ,Olumide Kayode-Omosebi commended HEDA for the recognition describing the award as a major encouragement for decades of humanitarian work carried out without financial reward.
“In about 25 years, we have not collected a dime from anyone we have helped. So when people come together to recognise what you’ve been doing for half your life, it feels good, it encourages,” he added.
