It is no easy task for a Personality Of The Year to be chosen out of a bevy of political leaders, seasoned technocrats, eminent statesmen or corporate titans as many are duly qualified for that appellation as a result of their immeasurable contributions to the growth, development, stability and progress of the Nigerian society in all positive ramifications
However, out of many, one must be chosen and the criteria utilised for this selection is the time-worn ethos of Character, Integrity, Hardwork, Principle, Competence, Erudity and Sagacity which
Alhaji Abubakar Sambo ,the dynamic Director of Finance and Accounts of the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), and who bagged the auspicious honour of Personality Of The Year 2026 possesses in abundance given the fact that he is one seasoned technocrat who can be taken literally for his words
Alhaji Abubakar Sambo’s words as the proverbial saying goes can be taken to the bank, he means what he says and he stands by his words come rain, come shine. Indeed Alhaji Sambo who has made his indelible mark in the renowned finance and accounting profession
does not suffer fools gladly for long.
The surefooted administrator is not known for careless talk or idle chatter as is common with some in the political class but once he speaks, he resonates with clear authority, clarity, brevity and matchless lucidity.
Calm,comported, articulate, cerebral and sophisticated in all material particulars, a versatile Alhaji Sambo has seen it all having traversed the various continents in the world thus he has the wealth of knowledge, brevity of experience, professional savvy, academic vigour and intellectual sagacity required to push through needed reforms to reposition, recalibrate and revitalize the financial and accounting operations of NESREA for a more credible responsive and efficient service delivery to the Nigerian people.
Having performed superlatively in his official functions and duties, it came as no surprise to many that Alhaji Sambo Abubakar was deservedly elevated to the esteemed position of Director of the Finance and Accounts Department which is the most senior accounting position in the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA).
The purposeful DFA is the chief administrative and accounting officer for NESREA’s financial operations. and is responsible for managing NESREA funds, executing budgets, maintaining strict compliance with financial regulations, and advising the NESREA management on the financial and accounting implications of its policies and programs.
Alhaji Abubakar Sambo has led inexorably by example and not by precept; many of his peers and subordinates have in due time emulated his laudable character disposition which borders on trust, integrity and steadfastness.
At every point in time, you know where you stand with the erudite professional accountant, he is forthright, confident, unassuming, charismatic and compassionate in all material particulars.
A benevolent Alhaji Sambo has initiated the payment of WAEC, NECO and JAMB registration forms for many students in his constituency as well as providing foodstuffs, provisions and monetary grants for women, youths, widows, the infirm, the indigent, the physically challenged and other vulnerable members of society.
From far and near, Alhaji Sambo’’s private and official residences are a mecca for countless citizens,youths,professionals,artisans, market women, political activists and persons from all works of life keen on benefiting from the the consummate administrator’s deep well of wisdom.
One of the potent reasons for the extremely high regard in which Alhaji Abubakar Sambo is held among his peers is his unequalled reputation as an epitome of rectitude and integrity, a standard bearer of truth, respect and honour who does not engage in rumour or meddlesome hearsay.
Indeed all these sterling character traits and dispositional ethos came in to focus when a cross-section of blue chip think tanks, influential apparatchiks, civil society groups, social affairs commentariats, public policy gurus and the media punditocracy under the aegis of the Global lnterest Forum (GIF) overwhelmingly and unanimously elected Alhaji Abubakar Sambo as Personality Of The Year 2026.
