Arewa Stars Awards 2024: 16-Year-Old Hydrogen Gas Innovator and Others Recognized for Excellence
In an inspiring celebration of youth and innovation, 16-year-old Ammar Habibu, a pioneering hydrogen gas cooker innovator, was among the esteemed recipients of awards at the third edition of the Arewa 30 Under 30 Stars Award (ASA) held in 2024.
The vibrant ceremony took place at the Tahir Guest Palace in Kano, organized by Arewa Agenda, a subsidiary of Image Merchants Promotion Limited (IMPR), which publishes notable titles such as PRNigeria and Economic Confidential, in collaboration with Daily Nigerian.
Mallam Sanusi Bature, Chairman of the Award Jury and Director General of Media and Publicity for Kano State, shared insights on the criteria for selecting this year’s winners. He revealed that a total of 457 nominations were received from across all 19 Northern states, representing a diverse range of demographics, including secondary school students, university undergraduates, career professionals, and social entrepreneurs.
“The selection process was both competitive and rigorous,” Bature noted. “Initially, three nominees were shortlisted for each of the 30 categories, totaling 90 candidates in the first round. Based on their drive and impact, our judges then selected the ultimate winner in each category.”
The panel of judges featured an array of professionals, including development filmmaker Ameen M. Auwal, leadership coach Amina Ibrahim Idris, journalist Aisha Lawal, and academic and public relations expert Adnan Mukhtar Adam.
Among the notable awardees was Umar Audu, a journalist acclaimed for his investigative work exposing fake certificate racketeering syndicates in Cotonou, Benin Republic, who won in the Media Category. Lawan Bukar Maigana earned the Humanitarian Award for his relief efforts during the flooding disaster in Maiduguri, while Auwal Dankode captured the Honesty and Integrity Award after returning a missing $10,000. Saidu Abdurrahman received the Excellence in Photography Award for achieving a Guinness World Record, and Mohammed Idris was honored with the Engineering Award for his innovative contributions to electric motorcycles.
Other distinguished winners included Muhammad Bello Buhari, recognized for his social activism across the continent; Auwal Adam Sansan, named Social Media Influencer of the Year for mobilizing citizens; and the Youth Society for the Prevention of Social Vices and Infectious Diseases (YOSPIS), awarded for its leadership in peace and youth development initiatives. Ambassador Adesuwa Udo, President of El’s Empowerment Foundation, was also honored for her commitment to development across Northern Nigeria.
The awardees spanned various sectors, including:
– Hafsat Gambo Lawan: Entrepreneurship
– Umar Aminu Umar: Education
– Ali Ibrahim Musa: Agriculture
– Fatima Shehu Kafanchan: Hospitality
– Umar Sanusi Garba: Legal
Honorary awards were presented to several distinguished individuals and organizations, including Dr. Sharu Rabiu Ahlan for Youth Development, MGK Healthcare for Health Impact, and Dala Foods for Excellence in service.
In a thought-provoking presentation titled “Artificial Intelligence and Sustainable Development,” Dr. Musa Sufi emphasized the potential of AI across various fields, such as medicine and education, while calling for localized research to address challenges associated with its application.
Alhaji Yushau Shuaib, CEO of IMPR and Editor-in-Chief of PRNigeria, articulated the gathering’s purpose: to honor young talents from Northern Nigeria who are making significant contributions in their respective fields.
The convener of the award, Mohammed Dahiru Lawal, concluded with a heartfelt expression of gratitude to attendees, highlighting the significance of recognizing individuals and organizations that exemplify dedication, innovation, and excellence in their pursuits. “Today, we celebrate their remarkable achievements and unwavering commitment to making a difference.”
The Arewa Stars Awards serves not only as a platform for recognition but also as an inspiration for aspiring young leaders across Northern Nigeria.
By PRNigeria
