At the heart of every thriving organization lies its greatest asset: its people. They are the innovators who dream big, the problem solvers who face challenges head-on, and the work culture champions.
At SCIDaR, we believe that true success is built on a foundation of collective innovation, excellence, and impact. This belief underpins our annual tradition of recognizing employees who exceed expectations and embody the values that define our organization.
As we spotlight the 2024 awardees, we honor more than their accomplishments; we celebrate the culture of collaboration and excellence they champion. Their dedication and spirit remind us all that when we bring our best to the table, there’s no limit to what we can accomplish together.
Here’s a detailed look at the categories, the criteria, and the 2024 honorees who set the gold standard for greatness.
Mentor of the Year
“A mentor is someone who allows you to see the hope inside yourself.” – Oprah Winfrey
A strong mentor not only shares knowledge but inspires growth. 2024’s top mentor, Eric Aigbogun, has been lauded for his selflessness in guiding younger colleagues. Runner-ups Amina Abdulkarim and Solomon Tseayo also showcased exceptional leadership, shaping future leaders with patience and insight.
Excel Master of the Year
“Data is the new oil, but it takes skill to refine it.”
No spreadsheet challenge was too daunting for Solomon Tseayo, our 2024 Excel virtuoso who turned data into actionable insights. Saheed Popoola and Muiz Salami, his runner-ups, also exhibited remarkable analytical prowess, making the most complex models look effortless.
PowerPoint Master of the Year
“If you can’t explain it simply, you don’t understand it well enough.” – Albert Einstein
Presentations are more than just slides; they’re a medium to inspire, inform, and persuade. In 2024, Muyiwa Akinpelu and Chelsea Osayande demonstrated mastery in transforming complex ideas into visually compelling narratives. Their work reflected precision, creativity, and purpose. Runner-up Muhammed Salihu also showcased remarkable skills in delivering content that balanced clarity with visual excellence.
Best Dressed Employee of the Year
“Dressing well is a form of good manners.” – Tom Ford
Male Category: Olalekan Ojosipe exemplified sartorial elegance in 2024, consistently striking a balance between professionalism and flair. Jeremy Akpomera and Joshua Edison followed closely, each redefining workplace style in their terms.
Female Category: Onyinye Ogini stole the 2024 spotlight with her impeccable taste, followed closely by Deborah Bature and Amkayas Myesgin, who also effortlessly combined sophistication with individuality.
Social Butterfly of the Year
“People may forget what you said, but they will never forget how you made them feel.” – Carl W. Buechner
Precious Otono’s infectious energy and approachable demeanor made him the heart of SCIDaR’s 2024 social scene. Sophia Ogefere and Hiqmah Sanusi also fostered camaraderie, by creating an environment of warmth and collaboration for the humans of SCIDaR.
Rookie of the Year
“If you’re offered a seat on a rocket ship, don’t ask what seat! Just get on.” – Sheryl Sandberg
Among the 2024 interns, Fauziya Abdulrazaq emerged as a beacon of potential, demonstrating zeal and aptitude. Honorable mentions include Evelyn Ogbuka, Sally Ibekie, Nashima Tarnongu, Moses Akujobi, and Arafat Tijani, who also showed remarkable growth and promise within the organization.
Stars Beyond Borders
“Excellence knows no boundaries.”
This year, Ali Aboubacar, with Armand Nandoumabe following closely, stood out as an international contributor whose efforts significantly impacted SCIDaR’s global projects, demonstrating how impact transcends borders.
Employee of the Year
“Some people dream of success, while others wake up and work hard at it” – Mark Zuckerberg
Programs category: Amina Abdulkarim set a gold standard in program delivery, with Aseeyah Umar and King Ewa-Henshaw shining as commendable 2024 contenders.
Operations category: Farouq Umar earned the top honor for optimizing processes, followed closely by Ali Ogoh and Nora Igonoh, whose diligence propelled operational excellence.
Project of the Year
“Great things in business are never done by one person; they’re done by a team of people.” – Steve Jobs
The Full Portfolio Planning (FPP) project earned the 2024 crown for the project of the year. The team has shown consistency in delivery with exceptional quality and notable impact on clients, beneficiaries and the organization. SNALC and Polio Nigeria projects followed suit, showcasing impactful teamwork and remarkable outcomes.
Operational Excellence Award
“Perfection is not attainable. But if we chase perfection, we can catch excellence.” ~Vince Lombardi
Operational excellence is a keystone of SCIDaR’s success. The Information Technology (IT) team claimed this accolade for driving efficiency through innovation and improving operational processes within SCIDaR in 2024. HR (Talent Team) and Admin/Travels were also recognized for their vital contributions to organizational excellence.
Employee Advocate Award
“People trust any type of employee more than the CEO” – Boudreaux & Emerick
Advocacy requires heart and resilience. Ruth Oliseh led the 2024 pack in advocating for the organization with passion, with Precious Uahomo and Jeremiah Ulaa also demonstrating steadfast commitment to SCIDaR’s mission.
Interviewers of the Year
“I am convinced that nothing we do is more important than hiring and developing people. At the end of the day you bet on people, not on strategies.” – Lawrence Bossidy
Recognizing individuals who have made a significant impact on SCIDaR’s recruitment process, these 2024 champions went above and beyond, consistently contributing their time and expertise
- Managers Category: Solomon Tseayo
- Senior Associates Category: Muhammad Salihu
- Analysts/Associates Category: Gideon Thomas
Pilot of the Year
“Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out.” – Robert Collier
2024’s Pilot of the Year award celebrates SCIDaR’s best driver, Shehu Audu, whose outstanding performance behind the wheel ensures smooth operations every day. His reliability, professionalism, and ability to navigate with ease make him a vital asset to the team. Muhammad Kambar and Emmanuel Daniel also showcased exceptional driving expertise.
Muyi Aina’s Solina Spirit Award
“The only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking. Don’t settle.” — Steve Jobs
In honor of Muyi Aina’s legacy, Liliane Coulibaly and Armand Nandoumabe were celebrated for their unwavering dedication and embodiment of SCIDaR’s core values in 2024.
SCIDaR’s annual tradition of honoring outstanding staff annually is a celebration of the heart and soul of the organization. Each award highlights the tireless efforts of employees that go above and beyond to contribute to the organization’s success,
It is this dedication, drive, and passion for greatness that will propel us forward, making the next year even more impactful. Here’s to the winners, the dreamers, the innovators, and the changemakers; the trailblazers who make SCIDaR a beacon of excellence. Together, we will continue to inspire, push boundaries, and achieve greatness that resonates beyond today, shaping the future for generations to come.
