The Association of Proprietors of Private Media Establishment of Nigeria, APPMEN, has decorated former Adamawa First Lady, Zainab Boni Haruna, as Nigeria We Want Ambassador for Humanitarian Service and Social Impact.

The group also appointed her as a member of its National Advisory Council.

‎The double honour was conferred on Friday at her residence in Asokoro, Abuja.

National Coordinator of APPMEN, Precious Enebuse, who decorated her, described Haruna as a mother and humanitarian whose life embodies the Nigeria We Want Project.

‎He said between 1999 and 2007, Haruna redefined the Office of the First Lady through her Rural Empowerment Acceleration Programme, REAP, which focused on empathy, empowerment and rural transformation.

‎”Years after office, while many have faded, you have remained active, relevant, compassionate and patriotic. That is why APPMEN has found you worthy of a double honour,” Enebuse said.

He said the Nigeria We Want Ambassador title was conferred at the APPMEN Conference held on Sept. 24 in Abuja, and is reserved for patriotic Nigerians who inspire national rebirth.

‎He said her appointment into the National Advisory Council, the highest advisory body of APPMEN, will bring her wisdom and experience to guide private media practice in Nigeria.

‎In her acceptance speech, Haruna said she was overwhelmed by the honour.

‎She said she initially questioned the award because she believes public officials should not be praised for doing their duties.

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

‎She said she accepted after being convinced of the credibility of APPMEN and its vision.

‎She thanked the association and pledged to support private media and humanitarian reporting.

‎The event was attended by members of APPMEN executive and journalists.

‎APPMEN is the umbrella body of over 1,000 private media owners in Nigeria.