… As Voice of the Nation honours 36 outstanding Nigerians
By Henry Umahi
Yesterday, The Sun Publishing Limited honoured a total of 36 Nigerians at The Sun Awards 2024, which held at the Expo Convention Centre, Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.
With the event, The Sun Publishing Limited, publishers of Daily Sun, Saturday, Sunday Sun and Sporting Sun, made another big statement in the media and entertainment landscape, in terms of content and character. It was the 22nd edition of the coveted awards.
The ceremony, which has, over time, become the biggest media and entertainment event in Africa, celebrated 36 outstanding Nigerians for remarkably distinguishing themselves in their various fields of endeavour against all odds.
Indeed, The Sun Awards is a reward for excellence. It is a celebration of industry and creativity.
It is presented annually by The Sun Publishing Limited in recognition of excellence in various spheres as assessed by the Board of Editors of the company.
The Sun Awards is widely considered to be among the most prestigious diadems in the continent.
This year’s nominations presented some “firsts.” In a night-defining moment, two women won in the biggest category of the ceremony—Sun Man of the Year.
Yesterday’s event transformed the venue to an epicentre of entertainment and artistic creativity. Everywhere glittered. Everyone blissed out.
There is no doubt people from all over the country and beyond look forward to the event every year. So, awardees, top state functionaries, big players in the private sector, royal fathers, members of the diplomatic corps, entertainment impresarios, the clergy and academics, among others, descended on the venue.
And to underscore the importance attached to the event, the paraphernalia of some state governments were literally moved to the venue.
Many women made eloquent statements with their fashion choices. There were beautiful, bright gowns, over the top fashionista garments, simple red, white and black dresses.
Some of the dresses showed off their beautiful figures and hugged their curves in all the right places.
Men were not left out in the fashion extravaganza. Come and see bespoke suits and studded shoes! In fact, many looked like a million bucks.
The event started with red carpet at about 6:00p.m. As the esteemed guests alighted from automobiles of various types, they arrived at the red carpet where photographers took memorable shots.
The guests were ushered into the exquisitely decorated hall by courteous, obliging and delectable ladies. The stage was trendy and awesome, occupying the attention of guests.
Someone was overheard, saying: “The Sun gets better every season. Each event is always better than the previous one.”
A whiff of perfumes enveloped the arena even as bouncers and security men ensured otherliness.
National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Adbullahi Ganduje, and Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Amb. Bianca Ojukwu, co-chaired the ceremony, which was beamed live on ARISE News and Africa Television (AIT).
It was an unforgettable night of music, featuring an incredible lineup of three talented musical acts.
The music acts who rocked the stage were young crooners, Von Blake & Denzel Armani; the sensational Boypee, Hyce & Brown Joel; and songstress, Lami Phillips, who came from the United Kingdom for the show.
The three musical groups separately delivered an unforgettable performance that left many inspired, entertained, and eager for more.
The Sun Awards ceremony was hosted by Temi Badru, an expert in broadcast media and audience engagement, as well as ace broadcaster and presenter with the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), Abdulfatai Otori. They delivered with characteristic poise and humour.
The recipients of The Sun Awards 2024 were female upstream oil operator and Chairman, Brittania-U Nigeria Limited, Mrs. Catherine Uju Ifejika, as well as Amazon of Nigeria’s real estate network marketing and Group Chief Executive Officer, Property World Africa Network (PWAN) Group, Dr. Jayne Onwumere, who received the Man of the Year award.
Governors Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto (Sokoto State), Chukwuma Soludo (Anambra State), Mohammed Bago (Niger State) and Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau State) received the Governor of the Year award, while Gov Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi State went home with Political Personality of the Year award.
The wife of Ebonyi State governor, Mrs. Mary-Maudline Uzoamaka Nwifuru, received the First Lady of the Year, with Mr. Festus Keyamo, a senior advocate of Nigeria, and Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Management, was honoured with Minister of the Year.
The Lifetime Achievement Award was received by Senator George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation; Alhaji Aliyu Wamakko, senator representing Sokoto North and former Governor, Sokoto State; Annkio Briggs, environmentalist and civil rights advocate; Prof Ishaq Oloyede, Registrar, Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) and Chief Joseph Ezeokafor, Chairman of Jezco Oil.
Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, MD, Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC); Prof Dantani Wushishi, Registrar, National Examination Council (NECO) and Mr. Adewale Adeniyi, Comptroller General, Nigeria Customs Services, received the Public Service Award, with Mr. Walter Akpani, MD, Providus Bank, going home with Banker of the Year.
Chief Michael Onuoha, Chief Executive Officer, AILES Group; Chief Polycarp Obiukwu, Chairman, Bolton White Group; Dr. Aisha Achimugu, President, Felak Concept Group, and Dr. Kennedy Okonkwo, GMD, Nedcomoaks Limited, were honoured with the Entrepreneur of the Year award, with Ichie Ken Chimezie Nwankwo, Chairman, Bigly Group and Amb Emmanuel Udechukwu, Chairman of Roxbury Leisure Homes Limited, receiving Investor of the Year award.
The Industrialist of the Year award was received by Chief Cyril Okoye, CEO, Grape Tree International Limited, and Chief Chika Emenike, Chairman, Kotec Group, with Mr. Seyi Adekunle, Founder, Vodi Group, and Chief Jideofor Ezeofor, Founder, Zeof Excluzioni, receiving the Creative Personality of the Year award.
The Humanitarian Service Award was received by Dr. Darlington Nwabunike, President, De Imperial Philanthropic Family and Chief Habeeb Okunola, CEO, TILT Group, with Mr. Pascal Okechukwu (Cubana Chief Priest), CEO of Hotel CP and Dr. Dotun Sanusi, chairman, Ilaji Hotels and Sports Resort, receiving the Hospitality Personality of the Year award.
Former Senate Chief Whip, Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume and legal icon, Prof. Mike Ozekhome, received the Courage in Leadership award, with President of Actors Guild of Nigeria, Dr. Emeka Rollas Ejezie and delectable actress and film producer, Regina Daniels- Nwoko, being honoured with Nollywood Personality of the Year award.
Of course, there were momentous speeches delivered at the event.