Leadership in public service often reveals itself through consistency, fairness, and impact. In Lagos, that kind of leadership has now drawn continental attention.
The Lagos Area Manager of the National Inland Waterways Authority, Engineer Sarat Braimah, has been awarded the Nelson Mandela Pan-African Leadership Award, a recognition reserved for individuals whose work reflects service, integrity and transformative governance across Africa.
The honour was formally presented in Lagos by the Stay Africa Youth Development Initiative (SAYDI), an Accra-based organisation dedicated to nurturing Africa’s next generation of leaders.
Led by its President, Dominic Mensah, the delegation described the award as a response to the visible changes recorded at the NIWA Lagos Area Office since Braimah assumed leadership.
According to Mensah, the Nigerian chapter of SAYDI nominated Braimah after observing a culture shift defined by professionalism, teamwork and ethical leadership. He pointed to her emphasis on youth and student empowerment, her support for the development agenda of the Lagos State Government, and her firm stance against nepotism and favouritism within the workplace.
Beyond policy and administration, Mensah said Braimah’s leadership style reflects African moral values , one rooted in collaboration, service and selflessness. He noted that her rise through the maritime sector has made her a role model, particularly for young Africans and women seeking careers in a traditionally male-dominated field.
“Our mission is to identify tomorrow’s leaders today,” Mensah explained. “Africa needs achievers who can inspire young people to remain on the continent and commit their talents to its growth. Mentorship is central to this vision, and leaders like you show that excellence and integrity still matter.”
At the ceremony, Braimah was also presented with a Certificate of Excellence and announced as an automatic inductee into the Pan-African Leadership Hall of Fame, where she was described as an amazon of nation-building on the continent.
In her response, Braimah expressed deep appreciation for the recognition, saying the values behind the award align closely with her personal convictions. She stressed that Africa’s progress depends largely on young people choosing discipline, teamwork and selfless service over shortcuts.
“I do not take this honour for granted,” she said. “It will push me to do even more for my organisation, for Nigeria, and for Africa’s maritime development. I believe strongly in teamwork and dedication, and I dedicate this award to my superiors in Abuja and to the men and women in Lagos who work tirelessly, often sacrificing personal time, to support the work we do.”
She added a message to young Africans, urging them to remain focused and committed to excellence, noting that meaningful change is built through persistence and service.
Named after former South African President Nelson Mandela, the Pan-African Leadership Award celebrates individuals and institutions advancing peace, justice, unity and transformative leadership across Africa , ideals Braimah’s career continues to reflect in practice, not just in words.
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