Former Adamawa First Lady Zainab Boni Haruna Joins APPMEN National Advisory Council, Becomes Nigeria We Want Ambassador

Former Adamawa First Lady Zainab Boni Haruna Joins APPMEN National Advisory Council, Becomes Nigeria We Want Ambassador

By NaomiSophyBlog 

The Association of Proprietors of Private Media Establishment of Nigeria (APPMEN) has honoured the former First Lady of Adamawa State, Ambassador Dr. Mrs. Zainab Boni Haruna, with the title of Nigeria We Want Ambassador for Humanitarian Service and Social Impact and appointed her a member of its National Advisory Council.

The dual honour was conferred on Friday, October 9, 2026, during a formal decoration ceremony at her residence in Asokoro, Abuja, by APPMEN National Coordinator, Chief Precious Enebuse.

Speaking at the ceremony, Enebuse described Haruna as a mother, an amazon and a distinguished humanitarian whose life and service exemplify the ideals of the Nigeria We Want Project.

He recalled her contributions as Adamawa State First Lady between 1999 and 2007, particularly through the Rural Empowerment Acceleration Programme (REAP), which he said promoted empathy, empowerment and rural transformation.

According to him, Haruna’s humanitarian activities and continued relevance in public service long after leaving office made her deserving of the recognition.

“Between 1999 and 2007, through your Rural Empowerment Acceleration Programme (REAP), you redefined the Office of the First Lady as an office of empathy, empowerment and rural transformation,” Enebuse said.

He added that while many public figures became less active after leaving office, Haruna had remained committed to humanitarian service, compassion and patriotism.

Enebuse explained that the Nigeria We Want Ambassador title was conferred during the historic Aso APPMEN Conference 2026 held on September 24 and was reserved for credible and patriotic Nigerians whose lives and contributions inspire national renewal.

He said her appointment to the National Advisory Council, described as APPMEN’s highest advisory organ, was intended to benefit from her experience, wisdom, counsel and network in advancing the interests of private media practitioners across Nigeria.

In her acceptance speech, Haruna expressed gratitude for the recognition, admitting that she was initially hesitant about accepting the honour.

She explained that she had reservations about awards given to governors and first ladies for carrying out responsibilities ordinarily expected of them by virtue of their offices.

“I have always frowned at giving an award to a Governor or a First Lady for doing what they are supposed to do because of the office they occupy,” she said.

However, she disclosed that she reconsidered her position after being convinced of APPMEN’s credibility and its vision for a better Nigeria.

The former Adamawa First Lady thanked Enebuse and members of the association for finding her worthy of the dual recognition.

She also pledged her commitment to contributing to the growth of private media in Nigeria, particularly in promoting humanitarian reporting and other initiatives capable of advancing national development.

The ceremony was attended by members of APPMEN’s Central Executive and selected journalists.

About APPMEN

The Association of Proprietors of Private Media Establishment of Nigeria (APPMEN) is an umbrella body representing private media owners across Nigeria, with a membership of more than 1,000, according to the association.

Its flagship initiative, the Nigeria We Want Project, seeks to recognise credible Nigerians whose contributions inspire national development and promote a positive image of the country.