Letter to Tinubu on OON award for Sarah Ivie Adidi


Dear President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, we, the Arewa Youth Advocacy for Excellence (AYAE), write to you today with a deep sense of patriotism, responsibility, and unwavering belief in the promise of our great nation. As a youth-driven organisation committed to promoting excellence, unity, and progressive leadership, we deem it both necessary and timely to bring to your esteemed attention a Nigerian whose contributions and rising influence deserve national recognition—Hon. Sarah Ivie Adidi.

Your Excellency, national honours are more than ceremonial decorations; they are powerful symbols of what our country values and stands for. They reflect the ideals we wish to promote and the examples we want future generations to emulate. It is in this regard that we respectfully urge you to consider Hon. Sarah Ivie Adidi for the prestigious award of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON).

At a time when Nigeria is in urgent need of visionary leadership and renewed hope, Hon. Sarah Ivie Adidi has emerged as a beacon of inspiration, particularly among young people. Her journey is defined not by privilege, but by perseverance, intellect, and an unrelenting commitment to service.

What makes her story even more compelling is the fact that she is not from the Arewa region, yet her impact resonates strongly across Northern Nigeria. As the Arewa Youth Advocacy for Excellence, we do not see her through the narrow lens of origin, but through the broader and more meaningful perspective of national contributions. In her, we see a Nigerian who has chosen to serve, inspire, and uplift beyond boundaries.

Your Excellency, Hon. Sarah Ivie Adidi has consistently demonstrated capacity and competence on both national and international platforms. She has represented Nigeria with dignity and excellence in global engagements, projecting a positive image of our country while contributing meaningfully to conversations around development, governance, and youth empowerment.

In a world where the perception of Nigeria is often shaped by negative narratives, individuals like her serve as ambassadors of hope and progress. She is not just participating in global discourse—she is shaping it, and in doing so, she is making Nigeria proud.

Her courage is equally noteworthy. As the only female contestant for the AMAC/Bwari Federal Constituency seat in the House of Representatives, she has dared to challenge the status quo in a political environment that remains largely male-dominated. This is no small achievement. It is a bold and deliberate step towards redefining the role of women in Nigerian politics.

By stepping forward, she has become a symbol of possibility for millions of Nigerian girls and young women who aspire to lead but are often discouraged by systemic barriers. Her candidacy alone is a statement—that leadership is not the preserve of a select few, but a space open to all who are willing to serve.

Beyond symbolism, however, lies substance. Hon. Sarah Ivie Adidi has a proven track record of engaging with communities, advocating inclusive policies, and championing causes that directly impact the lives of ordinary Nigerians. Her work in youth empowerment, education advocacy, and community development reflects a deep understanding of the challenges facing our people and a genuine commitment to addressing them.

She has shown that leadership is not about titles, but about impact. Through her initiatives and engagements, she has touched lives, created opportunities, and inspired a new generation to believe in the possibility of a better Nigeria.

Your Excellency, one of the most admirable qualities of Hon. Sarah Ivie Adidi is her approach to leadership. In an era where politics is often characterised by division and hostility, she has chosen the path of unity, dialogue, and constructive engagement. She embodies a style of leadership that is inclusive, forward-thinking, and rooted in service.

This is the kind of leadership that Nigeria needs—leadership that brings people together rather than pulling them apart.

Our endorsement of her for the OON is not driven by sentiment alone, although we are proud of her as a woman breaking barriers and making history. It is, more importantly, based on merit. It is a recognition of her contributions, her potential, and the powerful example she sets for young Nigerians.

By conferring this honour on her, your administration would be sending a clear and powerful message—that Nigeria rewards excellence, encourages youth participation, and is committed to gender inclusion in leadership. It would serve as a source of motivation for countless young Nigerians who are striving to make a difference in their own capacities.

Furthermore, it would reinforce the idea that national unity is not just a slogan, but a lived reality. Honouring someone who is not from Arewa, yet celebrated by Arewa youths, is a testament to the kind of Nigeria we all desire—a Nigeria where merit transcends identity.

Your Excellency, we understand that the process of selecting recipients for national honours is rigorous and requires careful consideration. However, we strongly believe that Hon. Sarah Ivie Adidi meets and exceeds the criteria for this recognition. Her achievements, her character, and her vision align perfectly with the values that the Order of the Niger represents.

As young Nigerians, we are deeply invested in the future of this country. We are looking up to leaders who inspire us, who challenge us, and who show us that change is possible. Hon. Sarah Ivie Adidi is one of such leaders.

We therefore humbly appeal to you to consider this request with the seriousness it deserves. Let this be an opportunity to celebrate a rising star, to encourage excellence, and to inspire a generation.

Nigeria stands at a crossroads, and the decisions we make today will shape the future we leave behind. By recognising individuals like Hon. Sarah Ivie Adidi, we take a bold step toward building a nation that values integrity, rewards service, and believes in the limitless potential of its people.

Your Excellency, she has made us proud—across regions, across divides, and across generations.

We respectfully urge you to honour her accordingly.

Watch The Video Everyone Is Talking About ➤