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Notable industrialists and Founder/Group Managing Director of First Class Refreshments Limited, Dr. Badamasi Burji, and Chief Executive Officer of Blueworld Cosmetics Limited, Chief Ikenna Ikeagu, have expressed delight over their emergence as winners in The Sun Industrialist of the Year award for 2026.
Burji and Ikeagu are among eminent Nigerian who will be honoured at The Sun Awards ceremony on Friday, November 13, 2026, at the Expo Convention Centre, Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos from 7pm.
Speaking while accepting their nomination letters from Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief of The Sun Publishing Limited, Onuoha Ukeh, Burji and Ekeagu described The Sun Awards as credible honour that will encourage them to continue investing in the production of local delicacies and cosmetics respectively, with the view to promoting the image of the country through export as well as boosting the economy.
Commenting on Burji, The Sun MD said his choice was based on merit, after examining his entrepreneurial journey.
He said Burji’s achievements in the Industrialist sector was a testament to the power of vision, resilience and innovation in building indigenous enterprises that create value and transform lives.
Ukeh told the First Class Refreshment GMD: “Through years of dedication and strategic investment, you have established yourself as one of Nigeria’s notable industrialists, leveraging local resources to build a thriving food processing and export business with growing international recognition.
“You have played a significant role in elevating traditional Nigerian food products from informal markets to modern retail shelves and export destinations. Your company has become widely known for processing and packaging indigenous delicacies, such as kilishi, kuli-kuli, kunu, zobo, Sava Fruits Golden Tea and other locally sourced products, transforming them into standardised brands that meet modern consumer expectations and international quality requirements.”
He noted that what distinguishes Burji’s contributions to Nigeria’s industrial landscape was his ability to identify untapped opportunities within the country’s agricultural value chain.
The MD said at a time when many indigenous food products remain confined to local consumption, Burji recognised the commercial potential of lical delicacies and invested in processing, packaging, branding and distribution systems that are capable of reaching wider markets.
He said: “This foresight helped position First Class Refreshments as a pioneer in the commercialisation and export of traditional Nigerian foods.
“Under your leadership, the company has continued to expand its operations while creating employment opportunities across multiple segments of the economy. From farmers and suppliers to processors, marketers and distributors, the enterprise has supported livelihoods and stimulated economic activities along the agricultural value chain.
“Your commitment to promoting made-in-Nigeria products has earned you recognition within business and manufacturing circles. Through sustained investment in quality control, product development and market expansion, you have demonstrated that indigenous brands can compete favourably in local and international markets. Your efforts have contributed to the growing visibility of Nigerian food products beyond the country’s borders while supporting national aspirations for economic diversification and increased non-oil exports.”
Ukeh also described the industrialist as an example of what can be achieved when entrepreneurship is driven by innovation, perseverance and a commitment to national development, adding that Burji’s success story continues to inspire a new generation of entrepreneurs seeking to build sustainable enterprises from local opportunities.
On his part, Ikeagu said he was delighted to be identified as one of the people driving the industrial sector of the Nigerian economy.
He expressed optimism that the recognition will encourage him to contribute more to the development of the country through local manufacturing and job creation.
Ikagu praised The Sun, describing it awards as a remarkable sources of encouragement for those who contribute to the social and economic development of the country.
Earlier, The Sun MD had told him that his remarkable rise in Nigeria’s manufacturing sector exemplifies the rewards of vision, determination and an unwavering commitment to excellence.
He recalled that from a humble beginning as a passionate entrepreneur, Ikeagu had, over the years, built Blueworld Cosmetics Limited into one of Nigeria’s leading indigenous manufacturers of beauty and personal care products, creating jobs, promoting local production and contributing significantly to the country’s industrial development.
He said: “As the Chief Executive Officer of Blueworld Cosmetics Limited, you have distinguished yourself through your ability to identify opportunities in a highly competitive industry and transform them into sustainable business success.
“Known for a wide range of skincare and beauty products, such as the popular Dodo Black Soap, Dodo Skin Gold, Cocoladiva among others, Blueworld Cosmetics has grown from a modest enterprise into a household name with a strong presence across Nigeria and several African markets.
“The company’s portfolio of beauty and personal care products has earned widespread consumer acceptance, making it one of the notable indigenous brands that are competing with multinational products.
“The expansion of Blueworld Cosmetics is a manifestation of the level of investment you have made in the local manufacturing sector, thereby creating opportunities for hundreds of Nigerians across production, distribution, marketing, logistics and administrative functions.”
Ukeh also pointed out that the company’s extensive distribution network has supported thousands of wholesalers, retailers and small business operators whose livelihoods depend on the beauty and personal care value chain.
He emphasised that Ikeagu’s business leadership skills have brought into the cosmetic and beauty care industry, innovation and a willingness to embrace changing consumer preferences; and that his focus on quality standards and customer satisfaction has helped build consumer confidence in locally manufactured products and reinforced the growing acceptance of indigenous brands.
The Sun MD also said that outside the factory floor, Ikeagu has consistently demonstrated a commitment to social impact through various philanthropic initiatives and support for community development programmes.
“Your interventions in education, youth empowerment and social welfare have earned you admiration beyond the business community and reinforced your reputation as a businessman with a strong sense of social responsibility,” he declared.
Apart from Burji and Ekeagu, other award winners are Governor Hope Uzodimma, who will receive Man of the Year award as well as Governor Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta), Governor Uba Sani (Kaduna), Governor Umar Namadi (Jigawa), Abdullahi Sule (Nasarawa), Governor Hyacinth Alia (Benue), and Governor Francis Nwifuru (Ebonyi), who will be honoured with Governor of the Year award.
Hajiya Huriyya Dauda Lawal, First Lady of Zamfara State, is First Lady of the Year, with the Director-General of the Department of State Service (DSS), Mr. Oluwatosin Ajayi, receiving the Courage in Leadership Award.
Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele will receive Senator of the Year award, with former Zamfara State Governor, Senator Abdulaziz Yari, emerging as Political Icon of the Year, while Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, is Most Innovative Legislator of the Year and Hon. Muktar Aliyu Betara, member representing Borno State, will receive the House of Representatives Member of the Year award.
In entertainment, celebrated music star Chinedu Izuchukwu Okoli (Flavour) wins Creative Icon of the Year award.
Other to receive awards are Alhaji Mohammed Idris, Minister of Information and National Orientation, and Dr. Tunji Alausa, Minister of Education (Minister of the Year), the Lifetime Achievement Award goes Ogun State Governor and serving senator, Gbenga Daniel; Archbishop of the Church of God Mission International, Most Rev Margaret Benson-Idahosa, former Chairman of Lasaco Assurance Plc, Chief Mrs. Teju Phillips, former Governor of Anambra State, Senator Jim Nwobodo and former National Chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdulahi Ganduje.
Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr. Aminu Maida, Executive Vice Chairman, Nigerian Telecommunications Commission (NCC), Mr. Sonny Echono, Executive Secretary of TETFund, will receive Public Service Personality Award, with the Real Estate Icon Award going to Mr. Samuel Ajose, CEO of Levitikal Group, and Dr. Mrs. Rebecca Omokamo Godwin-Isaac, CEO of Homadil Realty.
Group Managing Director/CEO of United Bank for Africa (UBA), Mr. Oliver Alawuba wins the Banker of the Year award, while Access Bank Plc is Bank of the Year, with the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), under the leadership of Chief Oluwemimo Joseph Osanipin, clinching the Parastatal of the Year award.
Those to receive Entrepreneur of the Year a≠≠≠ward are Chief Joseph Ukeji, Chairman of J.I. Ejison Group International Ltd; abd Mr. George Obi, Chairman/CEO of Fidel Associates Limited, with Chief Sunday Ephraim Ezeobiora, Chairman of Sunchi Integrated Farms Limited, and Chief Anthony Obele, CEO, Mekens Integrated Nigeria Limited clinching the Investor of the Year.
The Industrialist of the Year award will be received by Chief Williams Agbo, Founder/Chairman of Willson Group Limited, with Chief Kester Okike Agwu, Founder/CEO of Tastia Restaurants, and Chief RemiChris Nwagbo, Chairman of BON Octagon Hotel, Abuja, billed for honour with Hospitality Icon award.
The Sports Personality of the Year award will be received by Chief Leo Edochie, a renowned gold promoter and Chairman/CEO of Solotone Global Ventures Limited, with Chief Friday Nwabueze Umeh, Founder of Ofiafuluego Foundation and Chief Abraham Ikechukwu Otti, CEO, Allied Victory Nigeria Ltd., receiving the Humanitarian Service Icon Award, while HRM Alexander Uzo Onyido, the Igwe of Ogidi, will be honoured as Royal Father of the Year.
