By Faith Anisiobi, The Sight News
The Association of Proprietors of Private Media Establishment of Nigeria (APPMEN) has honoured former Adamawa State First Lady, Ambassador Dr. Mrs. Zainab Boni Haruna, with the title of Nigeria We Want Ambassador for Humanitarian Service and Social Impact.
Haruna, who served as First Lady of Adamawa State from 1999 to 2007, was also appointed a member of APPMEN’s National Advisory Council during a decoration ceremony held at her residence in Asokoro, Abuja, on Friday, October 9, 2026.
The National Coordinator of APPMEN, Chief Precious Enebuse, presented the honours, describing the former First Lady as a committed humanitarian whose life and contributions reflect the ideals of the Nigeria We Want Project.
Enebuse said Haruna distinguished herself through the Rural Empowerment Acceleration Programme (REAP), which he noted promoted empathy, empowerment and rural transformation during her tenure as First Lady.
He added that her continued commitment to humanitarian service and national development years after leaving office made her deserving of the recognition.
According to him, the Nigeria We Want Ambassador title, conferred at the Aso APPMEN Conference 2026 on September 24, is reserved for credible and patriotic Nigerians whose contributions inspire national renewal.
He said Haruna’s appointment to the National Advisory Council, the association’s highest advisory organ, was intended to benefit from her experience, guidance and network in advancing private media practice in Nigeria.
In her acceptance speech, Haruna expressed appreciation for the recognition, admitting that she was initially hesitant about accepting the honour.
She explained that she had always questioned the practice of giving awards to governors and first ladies for performing duties expected of them by virtue of their offices.
However, she said she accepted the recognition after being convinced of APPMEN’s credibility and its vision for Nigeria.
The former First Lady thanked Enebuse and members of the association for considering her worthy of the dual honour, pledging her commitment to supporting the growth of private media and humanitarian reporting in the country.
Members of APPMEN’s Central Executive and selected journalists attended the ceremony.
APPMEN is an umbrella body of private media owners in Nigeria, with more than 1,000 members across the country. Its flagship initiative, the Nigeria We Want Project, seeks to celebrate credible Nigerians and promote positive narratives about the country.
