The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) has honoured outstanding Nigerians whose lives and actions exemplify integrity, courage and accountability at the 8th edition of the Gani Fawehinmi Impact and Integrity Awards (GFIIA), held to mark the 2025 International Human Rights Day under the theme “Our Rights, Our Future, Right Now.” The annual awards, instituted in memory of the late legal icon and human rights champion, Chief Gani Fawehinmi, continue to serve as a platform for recognising individuals who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to justice, transparency and the public good despite prevailing challenges in the country. Speaking at the event, Chairman of HEDA Resource Centre, Mr. Olanrewaju Suraju, described the Gani Fawehinmi Awards as a moral reminder of the values Nigeria urgently needs—fearless resistance to corruption, principled leadership and unwavering defence of human rights. He noted that the 2025 edition was particularly significant as it aligned with the global focus on safeguarding rights in the face of rising inequality, civic repression and shrinking democratic spaces. Suraju stated that the stories of the award recipients reaffirm that integrity is neither outdated nor unattainable, but remains a powerful tool for national transformation. He also announced a new partnership between HEDA Resource Centre and the Gani Fawehinmi Students’ Chambers, Faculty of Law, University of Lagos, which co-hosted the event. According to him, the collaboration underscores HEDA’s belief that nurturing integrity must begin with engaging young people through mentorship, inspiration and values-based leadership. At the ceremony, Dr. (Mrs.) Lola Odeyale Ayo-Fashida emerged as the winner of the Outstanding Integrity Award, while Barrister Olumide Kayode-Omosebi and Mr. Offiong Charles Ikpeme were named first and second runners-up respectively. In the Valuable Whistle Blower Award category, Pastor Nicholas Evaritus was announced as the winner, with Builder Kunle Awoodu emerging as first runner-up. For the Outstanding Impact Award, Hajiya Aishatu A’yan Guru Nahuce clinched the top honour, while Mary Ngozi Kekwaaru and Dayyabu Bala Gezawa emerged first and second runners-up respectively. The Nigerians in Diaspora Integrity Ambassador Award was presented to Yetunde Abimbola-Alebiosu in recognition of her commitment to ethical leadership and national development. Suraju commended the MacArthur Foundation, nominees, awardees, civil society partners and members of the media for their continued support for the Gani Fawehinmi Impact and Integrity Awards. “As we celebrate these exceptional Nigerians, we are reminded that integrity is not merely a personal virtue but the foundation upon which a just, fair and prosperous nation can be built,” he said, urging citizens to uphold human dignity, defend what is right and remain committed to accountability at all levels of society.