LAPO Honours 680 Long-Serving Staff, 63 Others For Excellence At 2026 Merit Awards

By Edward Oseghe

The Founder of Lift Above Poverty Organisation (LAPO), Dr. Godwin Ehigiamusoe, has reaffirmed the institution’s enduring commitment to lifting people from the lower rungs of the socio-economic ladder, restoring dignity and fostering hope.

Dr. Ehigiamusoe made the declaration in his welcome address at the 2026 LAPO Staff Long Service and Meritorious Award Ceremony held on Friday, March 13, in Benin City, where the organisation honoured 680 staff members for long service and 63 others for exceptional performance.

Speaking at the event, he emphasised that LAPO’s mission places people at the very heart of its operations, noting that the institution’s growth and sustained impact over the years have been driven by the dedication, commitment and steadfast service of individuals who have consistently advanced its vision.

“To serve the underserved effectively, we need more than just employees; we need torchbearers who possess uncommon commitment, unwavering diligence and unassailable integrity.

“Today is set aside to shine a special light on those whose dedication has not just lasted, but flourished over the years,” he said.

According to him, for more than three decades, these qualities have defined the LAPO workforce and helped transform the organisation from a mere vision into a leading development institution in Nigeria.

He noted that many of the awardees being celebrated were among the pioneers who helped lay the foundation of the institution.

“You did not just show up for work; you showed up for a cause. Your sweat and sacrifice have contributed immensely to the credibility and impact of LAPO,” Ehigiamusoe said.

He further challenged the honourees to serve as mentors to younger staff members, describing their experience as a “library of knowledge” that must be passed on to the next generation.

Earlier in her remarks, President of LAPO Staff Multipurpose Cooperative Society, Mrs. Lilian Ehigiamusoe, described the event as a moment of reflection, celebration and gratitude for staff whose dedication and resilience have shaped the organisation’s journey.

“Institutions do not grow merely because of strategies or structures. They grow because of people who believe in a mission and work tirelessly to advance it,” she said.

She noted that 680 members of the LAPO family were honoured for completing 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 years of uninterrupted service, describing the milestones as symbols of loyalty, perseverance and unwavering belief in the LAPO vision.

Among the distinguished honourees were Barr. Stella Kieran-Ibekwe, Company Secretary/Legal Adviser, and Mrs. Doris Ehigiamusoe, Programme Officer, both recognised for 30 years of dedicated service.

Others included Mrs. Philomena Irowa Elijah, Executive Vice President, Corporate Services, LAPO NGO, who received a 25-year award, and Iyamu Osamuyimwen Daniel, Director of Internal Audit and Risk Management at the LAPO Institute for Microfinance and Management Studies, honoured for 20 years of service.

In addition, 63 exceptional staff members received Best Staff Awards with automatic promotions for demonstrating remarkable leadership, dedication and outstanding performance in their roles.

Mrs. Ehigiamusoe urged staff and management to see the recognition as both a celebration of past achievements and a renewed call to greater service.

“Our impact across Nigeria, especially among low-income households, women entrepreneurs and small businesses, would not have been possible without your dedication,” she said.

She added that every loan processed, every client served and every challenge overcome has contributed to LAPO’s broader goal of promoting financial inclusion and improving livelihoods.

Dignitaries at the event included Chairman of the occasion, Dr. Ehimatie Matthew Obazee, Managing Director of Echos Hospital, Benin City; the Chief Oliha of Benin Kingdom, Royal Father of the Day; Apostle Dr. Mathew Udokroh, Resident Pastor, Christ Chosen Church, Anigboro Branch; Edo State Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Hon. Chris Okaeben; Commissioner for Livestock Development, Prof. Ikponmwosa Ignatus Omorodion, and Hon.Osaro Obazee, former Oredo Local Government Chairman, Edo State, among others.

The ceremony celebrated staff whose years of service, dedication and passion have contributed significantly to LAPO’s mission of transforming lives and expanding financial inclusion across Nigeria.