Human Rights 

Education Award 

Professor Fionnuala Waldron

Prof Fionnuala Waldron received the Human Rights Education Award in recognition for her works in area of human rights. She is currently director/chair of the Centre for Human Rights Education and Citizenship, and is also the dean of education and head of the education department in Dublin City University. Much of the work of Prof Waldron’s faculty involves promoting inclusion and diversity in contemporary Ireland.

Distinguished Career in Foreign Service Award

Ambassador Ben Amobi

Former Nigerian Ambassador to Sweden Ben Amobi was honoured in celebration of his invaluable contributions towards the development of Nigerians in the diaspora, both in Ireland when he was chargé d’affaires and in Sweden and the Nordic countries as ambassador, and for his invaluable efforts to build consensus among the world’s Nigerians in Diaspora during times of discord. 

Impactful Campaign Award

Women for Election

Women for Election was recognised for exceptional visionary leadership, and the inspiring and meaningful impact that it has made in the lives of women in politics. The group’s determination to promote equal participation in Ireland has made it possible for political parties in Ireland to become more inclusive and in some cases have a quota for female representation.

Appreciation Award

Roddy Doyle

Roddy Doyle is a Booker Prize winner and popular Dubliner who has helped Metro Éireann to develop since its first year of publishing, not least by way of his exclusive short story contributions, many of which were collected in The Deportees and Other Stories in 2007. Doyle is also co-founder of Fighting Words, a free creative writing centre for children and young people that he set up with Seán Love in 2009.

Outstanding Leadership Award

Enugu State Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi

Enugu State Governor Ifeanyi Lawrence Ugwuanyi has been selected as this year’s recipient in recognition of his visionary leadership as a member of Nigeria’s House of Representatives for 12 years, and especially the impact that his work has had on the lives of people in Enugu State since he became governor in May 2015. 

Gov Ugwuanyi is also honoured for living and strengthening democratic change in Nigeria, which he achieved as one of the country’s pre-eminent lawmakers, helping to shape the Pensions Act 2004 and overhaul the maritime sector to be the envy of west Africa. He went on to serve two consecutive four-year terms as chair of the House Committee on Maritime Transport – a feat that no other Nigerian parliamentarian has attained, and testament to his exceptional leadership qualities.