Dr. Hassan Abdulrahman Ocholi, has extended his heartfelt congratulations to Dr. Aisha Suleiman Achimugu, OFR, on her remarkable achievement of receiving the prestigious U.S. Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award.
Speaking with Journalists on Sunday, Dr. Ocholi expressed that, the North Central region, and indeed the entire nation of Nigeria are immensely proud of Dr. Achimugu’s accomplishments, particularly in the fields of industrial development and humanitarian service.
Dr. Ocholi Hassan emphasized the pride that the North Central region, and all of Nigeria feel in Dr. Achimugu’s accomplishments. “Her leadership, dedication, and commitment to making a difference are a source of immense pride for us all. She represents the best of Nigeria, and this recognition by the U.S. government underscores the global impact of her work,” Dr. Ocholi said.
“Dr. Aisha Achimugu is a source of pride, not just for Nigeria, but for the entire Africa as a whole. Her dedication, innovation, and compassion have set a remarkable example for all of us. She embodies the values of leadership, service, and humility, and this award is a well-deserved recognition of her decades of contributions to both business and humanity,” he added.
Dr. Aisha Achimugu, the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of Felak Concept Group, received the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award during a ceremony held in Washington, DC, “an accolade that highlights her years of selfless service to humanity,” according to Ocholi.
“Known for her towering contributions in the business world and her compassionate philanthropy, Dr. Achimugu has consistently demonstrated excellence and a commitment to bettering the lives of countless individuals,” he added.
Ocholi further narrated that “Dr. Aisha Achimugu is a name synonymous with success, intelligence, and philanthropy. As the GCEO of Felak Concept Group, she has led the company through extraordinary growth, steering its operations in civil, structural, and transportation engineering; consultancy and advisory services; maritime and environmental waste management, and catering. The expansive nature of her business empire, coupled with her strategic acumen, has made her a standout figure in Nigeria’s corporate landscape.”
“Her track record of success is not just confined to the boardroom. Dr. Achimugu’s capacity to balance business growth with personal and social responsibility has made her a shining example of modern leadership. In addition to being a highly respected industrialist, her involvement in multiple humanitarian causes has garnered her widespread admiration,” he said.
Giving a brief biography of Dr. Achimugu, Ocholi revealed that “her journey to success began with an accounting degree from the University of Jos in 1998. Since then, she has diversified her interests and expertise, making a name for herself in sectors that are typically male-dominated. Her drive to perfection has been a hallmark of her career, with numerous clients in both the private and public sectors benefiting from her impeccable standards.”
He noted that “beyond her accomplishments in business, what truly sets Dr. Aisha Achimugu apart is her devotion to philanthropy. Through her Sam Empowerment Foundation (SEF), she has tirelessly worked to support vulnerable communities across Nigeria, particularly in Kogi State and North Central Nigeria. Her humanitarian work, which focuses on education, poverty alleviation, and health, has impacted thousands of lives, earning her several prestigious awards both in Nigeria and internationally.”
Ocholi also said that “Dr. Achimugu’s philanthropic work reflects her deeply held belief in the importance of giving back. Her NGO, Sam Empowerment Foundation, has launched numerous initiatives aimed at uplifting the less privileged. One of the foundation’s most notable efforts is the SEF Ramadan Soft Grant initiative, which provides financial support to vulnerable individuals during the holy month of Ramadan.”
“In 2023, the foundation distributed grants to 500 beneficiaries in the Aloji community of Kogi State and other Towns and Villages mostly in the Northern part of Nigeria.
This initiative allowed families to purchase essential food items during the fasting period, ensuring they could observe Ramadan with dignity. “The SEF Ramadan Food Distribution Programme reflects her commitment to alleviating hunger and promoting solidarity within the society,”
Ocholi noted that “Beyond this, Dr. Achimugu’s foundation has also extended scholarships to Several indigent students across the Country, providing them with access to quality education and brighter futures.
“Her compassionate leadership serves as a beacon of inspiration for all,”highlighting the lasting legacy of Dr. Achimugu’s work.”
“The combination of her entrepreneurial success which has created Employment opportunities for numerous Graduates and her tireless charitable efforts has earned Dr. Achimugu numerous accolades. In 2023, she was named Philanthropist of the Year by Champion Newspapers, a recognition of her significant contributions to society. In the same Year 2023 Dr. Aisha Achimugu was Conferred with the Nigeria National Honor of Order of the Federal Republic OFR by President Muhammadu Buhari for her Contributions to National Development of the Nigeria Nation. Her efforts are grounded in the belief that “you have not lived today until you have done something for someone who can never repay you,” a quote by the famous writer John Bunyan, which she holds dear,” he said.
The U.S. Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award is one of the highest honors given to individuals who have demonstrated an enduring commitment to community service and humanitarian efforts by the American President.
“Dr. Aisha Achimugu’s recognition in Washington, DC, is a testament to her decades of work improving the lives of people in her community and beyond,” he concluded.
In her acceptance speech, Dr. Achimugu expressed her gratitude and reaffirmed her commitment to continue serving humanity. “As I accept this award, I pledge to continue my efforts to serve humanity. I will strive to make a lasting impact on my immediate and extended communities, both here and abroad. Together, we can create a world where everyone has the opportunity to thrive and reach their full potential,” she said.
Dr. Ocholi in his Closing remarks admonished The Qualities that earned Dr Aisha The Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award Conferred on her by the American President, President Joe Biden, He stated with emphasis the importance of such Global Recognition and what it means to the Entire Nation.
Reacting to the award, one of Aisha’s social media followers wrote “This award is not just a recognition of her past achievements, but also a call to action for continued efforts to bring positive change to society. Her influence has reached far beyond Nigeria, serving as an inspiration to women leaders across Africa and the world.”