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- Hails The Sun Awards’ credibility, consistency
Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of Gibraltar Construction Nigeria Limited, Chief Olu Okeowo, has called for a system that rewards merit, encourages enterprise and gives citizens equal opportunities to realise their potential, saying the country’s development depends on the collective contributions of government, businesses, professionals, the media and individuals.
Okeowo, who was Chairman of The Sun Awards 2026, spoke at the ceremony held at the Expo Convention Centre, Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, on Friday.
He hailed The Sun Publishing Limited for its consistency in recognising and rewarding outstanding individuals who have done exceptionally well in their different fields for the collective good of society.
He said every sector had an important role to play in building a country where enterprise flourishes and citizens have opportunities to contribute to national development.
“Ultimately, nation building is a collective responsibility. Government, businesses, professionals, the media and individual citizens all have important roles to play.
“Each of us must contribute, in our own way, to building a country where merit is rewarded, enterprise flourishes and every Nigerian has the opportunity to realise their potential,” he said.
Okeowo also urged the private sector to strengthen its contribution to economic growth through investment, job creation, skills development and responsible corporate citizenship.
He noted that businesses should look beyond profit-making to their broader responsibilities to society, including supporting families, strengthening communities and improving the productive capacity of the country.
“As someone who has spent a considerable part of my life in business, I understand that enterprise is about much more than profit.
“Responsible businesses create jobs, develop skills, pay taxes, support families, stimulate economic growth and strengthen communities,” Okeowo said.
He urged businesses to work with government and other stakeholders to expand opportunities, strengthen local capacity and build a more competitive economy.
Okeowo, who commended The Sun Awards for its credibility and consistency, said the process of identifying and recognising Nigerians who had distinguished themselves in their respective fields demonstrated the seriousness and integrity of the initiative.
“Having followed The Sun Awards over the years, I can attest to the quality, consistency and credibility that have become its hallmarks.
“The painstaking process of identifying and honouring individuals who have distinguished themselves in their respective fields underscores the seriousness and integrity of this initiative,” he said.
He congratulated the award recipients urging them to regard the recognition as a call to greater responsibility rather than the end of their individual journeys.
“An award recognises what you have accomplished, but it also challenges you to do more,” he said. Okeowo charged them to continue to innovate, serve and raise standards in their respective professions and industries while upholding integrity and responsible leadership.
He added that recognising outstanding Nigerians would encourage younger generations to pursue excellence and demonstrate that dedication, discipline, innovation and perseverance could lead to remarkable achievements.
The Sun Awards 2026 honoured 45 Nigerians for their contributions across different sectors, recognised Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, as Man of the Year; Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, as Senator of the Year; and Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, as Governor of the Year.
Other recipients included Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of United Bank for Africa, Oliver Alawuba, who received the Banker of the Year award; Director-General of the Department of State Services, Oluwatosin Ajayi, who received the Courage in Leadership Award; and former Ogun State Governor, Senator Gbenga Daniel, who received a Lifetime Achievement Awards among other deserving individuals.
