For Senator Neda Imasuen, the 2026 Most Outstanding Senator of the Year Award was less about personal recognition and more about the people he represents in Edo South.
Imasuen, who represents Edo South Senatorial District in the 10th National Assembly, received the honour at the 10th anniversary of the Nigeria Most Influential Awards (NMIA) in Abuja on Saturday.
Rather than present the award as a personal achievement, the senator dedicated it to the “resilient and hardworking people of Edo South,” saying their trust and support continue to drive his service.
“I am deeply honoured to receive the Most Outstanding Senator of the Year Award at the 10th anniversary of the Nigeria Most Influential Award,” Imasuen said.
“This recognition is not mine alone. It belongs to the resilient and hardworking people of Edo South Senatorial District, whose trust and support continue to inspire my service.”
The recognition comes as Imasuen serves as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions, a position that places him at the centre of issues involving accountability and institutional conduct in the National Assembly.
For the senator, however, the award also carries an expectation of greater responsibility.
“I accept this honour as a call to do more—to speak louder for the people, deliver purposeful representation, empower our youths and women, support community development, and defend the values of justice, accountability and good governance,” he said.
He further reduced the significance of the award to a simple message about public service.
“Let this award remind us that leadership is not about titles—it is about impact,” he said.
The award was received on Imasuen’s behalf by former Edo State Commissioner for Transport, Orobosa Omo-Ojo, who conveyed the senator’s appreciation to the organisers and his constituents.
The Nigeria Most Influential Awards, organised in collaboration with VGlamour Magazine, marked its 10th anniversary with the theme, “Celebrating 10 Years of Influence and Impact.”
The ceremony brought together political leaders, business executives, professionals and other guests to celebrate individuals and organisations recognised for their contributions to society.
For Imasuen, the immediate challenge after the recognition is clear: to turn the honour into renewed commitment to the people of Edo South.