The Lagos Area Manager of the National Inland Waterways Authority, Sarat Braimah, has been honoured with the Nelson Mandela Pan-African Leadership Award by the Stay Africa Youth Development Initiative in recognition of her dedication to national service and leadership in the maritime sector.
According to a statement issued on Wednesday, the Accra-based organisation, led by its President Dominic Mensah, visited Lagos to formally present the award.
Mensah said the Nigerian chapter of SAYDI nominated Engineer Braimah following what he described as “the positive transformation recorded at the NIWA Lagos Area Office since she assumed office.”
He commended her efforts in promoting youth empowerment, supporting governance initiatives in Lagos State, maintaining zero tolerance for nepotism and favouritism, fostering teamwork and demonstrating a leadership style rooted in African moral values.
Mensah added that her professional journey serves as a source of inspiration to young Africans, particularly women seeking careers in the maritime industry.
“Our core objective is to identify tomorrow’s leaders today by inspiring and educating young people in Africa to remain on the continent and contribute to its sustainable development across all fields of human endeavour. This is where mentorship becomes essential. We seek achievers like you who have risen through the ranks to inspire other young Africans to stay back and contribute to the growth of the continent,” he said.
During the ceremony, Mensah presented Braimah with a certificate of excellence and announced her automatic induction into the Pan-African Leadership Hall of Fame, describing her as an amazon of nation-building in Africa.
In her remarks, Braimah expressed appreciation for the recognition, stating that she strongly aligns with the initiative’s vision of youth empowerment and continental development.
“I want to sincerely thank you for this award, which I do not take for granted. It will inspire me to do more for my organisation, Nigeria, and Africa’s maritime development. I believe in and encourage teamwork and dedication. Therefore, this award is dedicated to my superiors in Abuja and to all those who work tirelessly, sacrificing time with family and friends, to support me here in Lagos as Area Manager. I pray that many young people will remain focused and give their best to Nigeria and, indeed, Africa,” she said.
The Nelson Mandela Pan-African Leadership Award is a continental recognition presented to individuals and organisations demonstrating exceptional leadership, humanitarian service and commitment to African unity. Named after former South African President Nelson Mandela, the honour celebrates those who uphold his ideals of peace, justice and transformative governance across Africa.
