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Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia and his Ebonyi State counterpart, Rt. Hon. Francis Nwifuru, have welcomed their selection for The Sun Governor of the Year Award 2026, each describing the honour as a spur to work harder for their people.
The governors expressed joy and appreciation when the Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief of The Sun Publishing Limited, Mr. Onuoha Ukeh, led the management team to Benue and Ebonyi States respectively to present their nomination letters
Governors Alia and Nwifuru are among other prominent Nigerians who would be honoured at The Sun Awards ceremony holding on Friday, November 13, 2026 at the Expo Convention Centre, Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.
Governor Alia, visibly elated, said he was “truly honoured” and called the recognition “a very deep incentive” to become more conscious of his responsibilities.
“When you are busy doing your stuff, your work, demonstrating your commitment and dedication, there are people somewhere who are monitoring, watching you and taking stock,” he said, adding that he was grateful and indebted to The Sun.
“It is an honour done not to me as an individual. I only happen to be in the driver’s seat. It is an honour done to our state ” he said, describing the award as an uplift for his entire administration.
He restated his appreciation to The Sun for the recognition and expressed hope that the relationship between the newspaper and his administration would continue to produce meaningful conversations.
“I truly remain very grateful to your establishment. And truly, I’ll be looking forward to meeting you out there on the stage for this,” Governor Alia said.
Explaining why he does not routinely move about with sirens, the governor said the roads, health facilities and schools built under his watch are the real announcement of his government’s work.
“Your itemisation of our achievements here is my siren. The siren blows itself “ he said.
“When people are happy, excited, then they are talking about how they never knew anything like this existed; they never knew they could have a new lease to life. That is our siren,” he added.
The governor recalled that his administration had employed 9,700 primary school teachers and was preparing another phase of recruitment for secondary schools.
The Sun MD, earlier told Governor Alia that he emerged winner of the award strictly on merit, after extensive deliberations by the Board of Editors.
He cited security, infrastructure, healthcare, education and economic development, among others, as areas the governor has made marks.
He said: “On assumption of office in 2023, you were confronted with the enormous difficulties that plagued the state, ranging from decayed infrastructure, unpaid salaries and pensions, weak institutions, insecurity, unemployment, and declining public confidence in governance.
“From the beginning, you recognised that no meaningful development could take place without peace and security. To strengthen the fight against criminality and terrorism, you procured and handed over hundreds of Hilux vehicles and other critical logistics support to security operatives in the state.”
Ukeh said Governor Alia prioritised workers’ welfare “as salaries are now more consistent. Pensioners who were once neglected are gradually regaining their dignity through sustained payments and reforms within the pension system.”
On infrastructure, The Sun MD said “urban renewal initiatives and road construction projects are transforming the landscape of cities and communities such that by the third anniversary of your administration, over 50 intra-city roads had been completed while more than 50 others are currently under construction. In Makurdi, nobody would lose sight of the reconstruction of Bank Road, with underpass, which not only eases traffic but also improved the anesthetics of the landscape.”
Ukeh said in education and healthcare, Governor Alia has made strategic investments aimed at building a healthier and more educated population.
“You rehabilitated and constructed over 400 structures, including storey buildings, in primary schools across the state. You also recruited 9,700 teachers to strengthen the educational sector and improve learning for children.
“Similarly, over 500 personnel have been employed into the health sector to improve healthcare delivery across the state. Infrastructure at the Fr. Moses Adasu University Teaching Hospital, Makurdi has also been upgraded and modern medical equipment provided. The launch of a groundbreaking Therapeutic Centre at Benue State University Teaching Hospital (BSUTH) in 2025, described as the first hospital-based facility of its kind in Nigeria, is one of the health wonders your government has established to provide comprehensive support for children living with developmental challenges such as Autism Spectrum Disorders, Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, and related conditions.
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“In tertiary education sector, your administration established the Benue State University of Agriculture, Science and Technology in Vandeikya Local Government Area. The administration also expanded the Fr. Moses Adasu University by establishing the Faculty of Engineering and Architecture Campus in Kwande Local Government Area.”
The Sun MD described Governor Alua as champion in industrialization, stating: “Through the Benue Investment and Property Company Limited (BIPC), you have revived moribund companies and established several new factories and agricultural processing plants. These include: Food Basket Brewery, which produces Zeva Premium Lager Beer and Oyi Bitters; the BIPC Polythene and Nylon Printing Factory, established to supply local packaging materials and reduce reliance on outside imports; BIPC Nails Ltd, built to support local construction and industrial needs.”
In Abakaliki, Governor Nwifuru was equally elated over his nomination for the award describing The Sun as the most trusted and reliable newspaper.
He said the award would inspire him to do more, while reaffirming his commitment to taking Ebonyi to greater heights on different fronts.
He also praised his predecessors for leaving enduring legacies, and said his goal was to lift the state from its current condition to a noble height.
Listing Governor Nwifuru’s achievements, Mr. Ukeh pointed to the recruitment of 2,000 teachers, 100 judicial officers, 1,700 civil servants and medical personnel, and award of overseas scholarships for the state’s brightest minds.
He also praised the governor for establishing the University of ICT, Oferekpe, building of 300 bungalows to resettle victims of communal conflict in Ishielu and payment of backlogs of gratuities and pensions owed to state’s retirees from 2015 to date.
The Sun MD told Governor Nwifuru: “Since assuming office in 2023, you have made a deliberate effort to invest in Ebonyi State’s most critical asset – the people. This is in line with your people-centred governance philosophy as encapsulated in your People’s Charter of Needs mantra.
“Without blowing your trumpet, you have distinguished yourself from your contemporaries in education, health, agriculture, infrastructure, human capital development, housing, water resources, youth development, respect for the rule of law, prudent management of resources, diaspora engagement, aviation, respect for the autonomy of the local government system, relative peace across the communities, skills acquisition, transportation, commerce and industry, power, rural development, security, as well as trade and investment.”
He said the governor had sustained human capital development drive “with the belief that no one can build 21st-century hospitals without doctors trained in modern medical practices, including telemedicine and the application of artificial intelligence in medicine as has been successfully done in China and other parts of the world. You also believe that no one can industrialise a state without well-trained engineers who understand new technologies, just as education reforms without teachers that are exposed to global best practices is waste of time and resources.”
On the governor’s signature projects, he said: “Your administration has established the University of ICT, Oferekpe, which kicked off in March 2026. The state also initiated the process of establishing Aeronautical and Aerospace University, Onueke, while work is ongoing on roads accessing all the palaces of traditional rulers in the state.”
Apart from Governor Alia and Governor Nwifuru, 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) and Abdullahi Sule ,(Nasarawa), 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 if 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/CEO of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC); Mr. Sonny S.T. Echono, Executive Secretary of TETFund; and Dr. Kunemofa Asu, Director of Finance and Accounts, Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), 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, is receive Banker of the Year award, while Access Bank Plc wins Bank of the Year.
The National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), under the leadership of Chief Oluwemimo Joseph Osanipin, will receive the Parastatal of the Year award.
Those to receive Entrepreneur of the Year award 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; Chief Ikenna Ekeagu, CEO of Blueworld Cosmetics; and Dr. Badamasi Burji, Group Managing Director of First Class Refreshment 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.
