The wife of President Muhammadu Buhari, was honoured with the Personality of the Year award at the Vanguard Awards 2017. The event was held at the Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, on Saturday, 14 April, 2018.

Hajiya Buhari, who was represented by her daughter, Halima Sheriff, expressed her appreciation to the management of Vanguard Media Ltd for “their unexpected award”.

“I wish to express my appreciation to the management of Vanguard Media Limited for this unexpected award, in recognition of my humanitarian efforts towards improving the health and well-being of Nigerians particularly women, children and less privileged”, she stated.

According to the wife of the president, “One of the reasons adduced for honouring me was the interview I granted which some people saw as criticism of a government I am part of. I need to state that my position was a result of my sense of justice and not confrontation or disrespect. I was brought up to stand by the truth and this is how I have always been.

“As we are all aware, Nigerians elected this administration based on the trust and confidence they have in my husband. I therefore feel that we are here to serve Nigerians to the best of our ability. Let me use this opportunity to state that  I support my husband in this call to service and will continue to do so.

“On this note, I hereby dedicate this award to the people of Nigeria, especially women.

Thank you sincerely for this award”.