Cardoso, Ojulari, Tantita set for Blueprint Newspapers’ Awards

Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr Olayemi Cardoso; Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd), Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari; and Tantita Security Services Limited are among prominent individuals and organisations to be honoured at the Blueprint Newspapers’ Annual Public Lecture, Impact Series and Awards on Tuesday, August 18, 2026.

The event, scheduled to hold at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, Abuja, will bring together senior government officials, political leaders, corporate executives, security experts, diplomats, academics, civil society representatives and other stakeholders.

Cardoso will receive the Financial Sustainability and Regulatory Oversight Award in recognition of his leadership of the apex bank and efforts to strengthen monetary governance, financial stability and regulatory supervision within Nigeria’s banking system.

Since assuming office as CBN governor, Cardoso has presided over a period of far-reaching monetary and financial-sector reforms designed to restore confidence, improve transparency and reinforce the regulatory framework governing banks and other financial institutions.

His selection for the honour also acknowledges the central role of the CBN in maintaining monetary stability, safeguarding the integrity of the financial system and responding to the pressures confronting the Nigerian economy.

Ojulari will be presented with the Corporate Leadership Award for his stewardship of NNPC Limited and contribution to efforts aimed at repositioning the national energy company for greater efficiency, competitiveness, accountability and commercial performance.

As Group Chief Executive Officer, Ojulari occupies one of the most consequential positions in Nigeria’s economy, with responsibility for directing an organisation whose operations cut across oil exploration, production, refining, gas development, energy security and revenue generation.

Tantita Security Services Limited will receive the Outstanding Security Surveillance Award for its contribution to the surveillance and protection of Nigeria’s critical oil and gas infrastructure.

The company’s operations in the Niger Delta have supported national efforts to curb crude-oil theft, pipeline vandalism and other illegal activities that undermine petroleum production, public revenue and environmental safety.

Its recognition underscores the importance of effective surveillance, intelligence gathering and cooperation with statutory security agencies and host populations in protecting assets vital to Nigeria’s economic survival.

The awards form part of Blueprint Newspapers Limited’s commitment to celebrating individuals, public institutions and private organisations whose work has produced notable results across governance, finance, corporate management, security and national development.

The ceremony will be preceded by a public lecture on the theme, “Security Challenges and the Integrity of Nigeria’s 2027 Elections,” to be delivered by the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (retd.).

The lecture is expected to examine the relationship between national security and credible elections as Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections.

Other distinguished Nigerians, state governments, public agencies and corporate organisations are also expected to receive awards in various categories during the ceremony.