The Director-General of the Bureau of Public Procurement, Dr. Adebowale A. Adedokun, FCIPS, has been conferred with the prestigious Sir Ahmadu Bello Integrity Legacy Award and the traditional title of ”Garkuwan Matasan Arewa” by the Northern Youth Organisation of Nigeria.
According to the organisation, the honour recognizes the DG’s outstanding contribution to public sector reforms, transparency, accountability, and youth development. The award was presented during a courtesy visit to the BPP headquarters in Abuja.
In his acceptance speech, Dr. Adedokun expressed gratitude for the recognition, stating that the award serves as a challenge and a call for greater service. “Be rest assured that we will be very fair in every sector in our decision-making,” he said.
The BPP boss challenged Nigerian youths to channel their energy towards productive engagement with government initiatives in line with Mr. President’s agenda on youth development.
“It pays to build, and it’s destructive to destroy”. Government resources spent on rebuilding destroyed infrastructure are resources not available for new development projects,” he stated.
Dr. Adedokun highlighted various government initiatives aimed at empowering young Nigerians, including education financing, entrepreneurship support, infrastructure development, and procurement reforms to expand opportunities for youth-owned enterprises. He called on youth organisations to partner with government institutions in sensitizing young people on available opportunities and promoting responsible citizenship.
He also pledged his readiness to support mentorship and capacity-building initiatives that would equip youths with the skills, values, and knowledge required for national development.
“The approvals made daily are centered on the youth. SMEs, roads, and educational institutions are not for old people. Everything being done is for the youth,” he said.
Dr. Adedokun noted that BPP is a “home of youth,” with over 60 percent of its workforce being youthful. He reiterated the Bureau’s commitment to youth empowerment through its advocacy of procurement reforms approved by the President.
He added that the Nigeria First Policy and community-based procurement, which allow youths to bid on local projects online without needing to visit Abuja, are among the reforms approved by the President.
The President of the organisation, Dr. Isah Ododo, said the nomination followed a rigorous selection process involving distinguished Nigerians. He stated that Dr. Adedokun’s contributions to national development, youth advocacy, and prudent management of public resources earned him the award.
e-Signed:
Zira Zakka Nagga
Head of Press and Public Relations (BPP)
26th June, 2026
