By Timeswatch
Abuja, FCT – October 9, 2026
The Association of Proprietors of Private Media Establishment of Nigeria (APPMEN) has decorated Her Excellency, Ambassador Dr. Mrs. Zainab Boni Haruna, First Lady of Adamawa State (1999-2007), as *Nigeria We Want Ambassador for Humanitarian Service and Social Impact* and *Member, National Advisory Council of APPMEN*.
The dual honour was conferred today Friday, October 9, 2026, during a formal decoration ceremony held at her Asokoro residence in Abuja, by the National Coordinator of APPMEN, Chief Precious Enebuse.
Speaking at the ceremony, Chief Enebuse described Dr. Mrs. Haruna as a mother, an amazon and a humanitarian per excellence whose life embodies the Nigeria We Want Project.
“Between 1999 and 2007, through your Rural Empowerment Acceleration Programme (REAP), you redefined the Office of the First Lady as an office of empathy, empowerment and rural transformation. Years after office, while many have faded, you have remained active, relevant, compassionate and patriotic. That is why APPMEN has found you worthy of a double honour,” Enebuse said.
According to him, the Nigeria We Want Ambassador title, conferred at the historic Aso APPMEN Conference 2026 held on September 24, is reserved for credible, patriotic Nigerians whose lives inspire national rebirth, while her appointment into the National Advisory Council – the highest advisory organ of APPMEN – is to bring her wisdom, motherly counsel and network to guide private media practice in Nigeria.
In her acceptance speech, an emotional Amb. Dr. Mrs Haruna said she was sincerely overwhelmed by the honour, disclosing that she initially questioned the award.
“I have always frowned at giving an award to a Governor or a First Lady for doing what they are supposed to do because of the office they occupy,” she said, adding that she eventually accepted after being convinced of the credibility of APPMEN and its vision for Nigeria.
She thanked Chief Enebuse and the entire APPMEN family for finding her worthy and pledged her full commitment to contribute her quota to the growth of private media and humanitarian reporting in Nigeria.
The event was witnessed by members of the APPMEN Central Executive and select journalists.
About APPMEN:
The Association of Proprietors of Private Media Establishment of Nigeria (APPMEN) is the umbrella body of all private media owners in Nigeria, with over 1, 000 membership across Nigeria. Its flagship initiative, The Nigeria We Want Project, is aimed at celebrating credible Nigerians and rewriting the positive narrative of Nigeria.
