Hajia Lamnatu Adam, Executive Director of Songtaba, a women empowerment and advocacy NGO, has been named the Most Influential Female in Northern Development.
She received the accolade during the second edition of the Northern Regional Youth and Mentors Achievers' Awards held in Tamale.
The ceremony also recognized outstanding achievements in various categories.
Tamale Senior High and Islamic Science Senior High schools were awarded Best Youth Institutions, and the Upper West Regional Youth Parliament earned recognition as well.
Individual awards were presented to notable achievers. Amin Yahaya, Abigail Emefa Yeboah, Don Sigli, and Dahamani Tung-Teiya were honoured as the Best Young Achievers.
The political icons category celebrated figures including John Paul Danka, Silinba Hamidu, Malik Basintale, Minkailu Yakubu, Awudu Is-haq, Attah Issah, Fathia Aziz, Abdul-Rahaman Ridwan, Yakubu Abdul – Latif, and Mohammed Alhassan.
Special Mentors Achiever Awards were granted to Biihee-Naa Naatsung Jaafar Pelpuo, Pishi-Naa Alhassan Andani, and Hajia Lamnatu Adam.
Notable figures such as Charles Ayendago, Iddrisu Abubakari, Humaimatu Abdul-Wahab, Prosper Laar, Hawa Melechi, Sheriff Ghali Abdul-Hayi Moomen, and Ahmed Bening received the Youth Mentors Achievers' Awards.
Each recipient was presented with citations, certificates, and plaques.
The event, organized by the Northern Regional Secretariat of the National Youth Authority (NYA), gathered stakeholders, traditional authorities, institutions, students, and winners from the previous edition.
The awards aimed to recognize individuals' contributions to youth empowerment and their dedication to fostering positive change.
Pius Enam Hadzide, CEO of NYA, commended Hajia Lamnatu Adam's efforts in youth empowerment, particularly her advocacy for girls' education.
He acknowledged her instrumental role in reducing school drop-outs among young girls in the region and championing gender equality and social inclusion.
Mumuni Sulemana, Northern Regional Director of NYA, noted that the program was established last year to support the comprehensive growth and development of young people in the region.
The awards ceremony also inaugurated the Northern Regional Youth Hall of Fame, where champions of youth development from the maiden edition were honoured.
Expressing gratitude for the recognition, Hajia Lamnatu Adam vowed to continue advocating for the empowerment of young people and vulnerable groups in the region.