The Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Community Engagement for the North Central zone, Abiodun Essiet, has been honoured with the Senior Special Assistant of the Year Award in the category of Public Engagement and Delivery at the 2026 edition of the 100 Most Influential Progressives Award.
The recognition was presented by The Progressives Magazine in acknowledgment of Essiet’s contributions to grassroots mobilisation, community development, and inclusive governance across the North Central region.
The award ceremony attracted political stakeholders, government officials, party supporters, and members of the progressive movement from different parts of the country, who gathered to celebrate individuals recognised for their impact in governance and public service.
According to the organisers, Essiet earned the honour due to her consistent efforts in strengthening the relationship between government institutions and local communities through sustained public engagement and peacebuilding initiatives.
Since her appointment by President Tinubu, she has reportedly spearheaded several outreach programmes aimed at promoting community inclusion, conflict resolution, youth participation, and support for vulnerable groups within the North Central zone.
The organisers noted that her initiatives aligned closely with the Renewed Hope agenda of the Tinubu administration, particularly in the areas of citizen engagement, social inclusion, and effective public service delivery.
Supporters and political associates present at the event described the recognition as a reflection of Essiet’s growing influence in grassroots governance and her commitment to connecting federal government policies with local communities.
Some attendees also praised her peacebuilding efforts in communities facing insecurity and social unrest, noting that her interventions had contributed to dialogue and community participation in parts of the region.
The 100 Most Influential Progressives Award is an annual platform designed to recognise individuals considered to have made significant contributions in leadership, governance, policy implementation, political development, and public service across Nigeria.
