•The Sun Awards most credible in Africa –Onyema, Air Peace CEO

•The Sun flourishes because it’s apolitical – Sen Kalu

•The Sun Awards represent light in uncertain moments – Publisher

By Henry Umahi, Vincent Kalu, Chinelo Obogo, Seye Ojo, Chukwuma Umeorah

In keeping with its tradition, The Sun Publishing Ltd, publishers of Daily Sun, Saturday Sun, Sunday Sun and Sporting Sun, on Saturday bestowed its prestigious awards on 39 uncommon achievers, including two companies. For 23 years, the organization has been honouring Nigeria’s finest.

Celebrating Achievers is an initiative focused on recognising individuals and organisations that have demonstrated exceptional excellence, innovation and leadership within the corporate and economic development landscape. It highlights achievers whose strategic vision, professionalism and commitment to value creation have driven sustainable growth, job creation and positive economic impact. By celebrating these achievers, promotes a culture of excellence, accountability and forward -thinking while encouraging best practices that strengthen institutions, stimulate economic progress and contribute meaningfully to national and regional development. It also serves as a platform to inspire emerging leaders and enterprises to pursue impactful, ethical and growth – oriented solutions that advance long-term economic prosperity.

The Sun Awards 2025 was a show stopper. From start to finish, the show was captivating, characterized by its authenticity and robust content that leaves a lasting impression.

The Sun Awards represent light in uncertain moments – Neya Kalu

The Chairman/Publisher of the Sun Publishing Ltd, Neya Kalu, said that citizens’ commitment to a prosperous Nigeria should remain an unbreakable cord. According to her, tonight is special, not because, “we are gathered to celebrate excellence, but because moments like this remind us that even in complex seasons, greatness still rises.

“Nigeria is navigating a demanding era, yet we must not lose sight of the progress woven into our journey.

“Over these past few years, we have seen a remarkable surge in the global reach of our culture, a deepening of our collective resilience, and an undeniable energy in our people to innovate and excel despite the odds. “These are the victories that remind us that, even amidst the noise, we are moving forward.”

She pointed out that these awards represent light in uncertain moments, courage in the face of adversity, and hope that refuses to dim.

“Every awardee here tonight,” she stressed, “is a living proof that excellence is still possible, that leadership, vision, and service still matter.

“You remind us that we are not defined by our challenges, but by how we respond to them.

“So, tonight, we are not only handing out plaques. We are issuing a charge. Because to whom much is given, much is expected.”

She further noted that excellence alone is not enough if it is practised in isolation, stressing: “ We cannot ignore that our nation currently feels the strain of its seams.

“Yet, let us remember, a house divided cannot build, and a nation fragmented cannot lead.”

True greatness, she further emphasised is not found in how well, “ we compete against one another, but in how we collaborate for the whole. Whether we come from the North, South, East, or West, our challenges do not discriminate, and neither should our solutions.

“Tonight, let these awards serve as a bridge. Let us prove that while our tongues and tribes may differ, our commitment to a prosperous Nigeria is a single, unbreakable cord.

“At The Sun, we have always believed that stories shape nations. As Chairman and Publisher, and as a young Nigerian privileged to lead a legacy institution, my mission has been clear: that we do not merely report events, but help shape the narrative.

“Nigeria deserves stories that inspire and that challenge. Stories that remind us that beyond the headlines, there are men and women, like those in this room, quietly and consistently building= the country we all hope for.

“So, please receive your honours tonight with pride. But remember, these flowers come with roots – roots of humility, service, and continued excellence.

“May we never stop believing in Nigeria. She may test us, but she also needs us. As long as people continue to show up, do good, and believe -there remains hope.”

The Sun flourishes because it’s apolitical – Kalu

In his address, former governor of Abia State and founder of The Sun Publishing Limited, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, said The Sun is apolitical, which accounted for why it has been flourishing since inception. He made the disclosure at the presentation of The Sun Awards 2025, held yesterday.

He stated: “The Sun is not partisan; it is apolitical. There is no editor of The Sun that would say that, as a founder, on any occasion, any day, any time, I asked him to use a story for or against anybody. That is the truth.

‘I have only asked them to use photographs for me. No story. From inception, I told them The Sun is a public trust. It is not owned by me. It is owned by Nigerian people. And this is why The Sun is apolitical.

“The Sun is not anything you can call a type of political party. This is why we refused all those who are being received here today  posting anything political party outside.’

In his welcome address, the Managing Director of The Sun Publishing Ltd, Mr. Onuoha Ukeh, 

urged the audience to draw inspiration from the stories of these awardees being celebrated today and strive to be the best versions of ourselves.

He said: “We gather to honour a group of individuals who have defied the odds, shifted boundaries, and achieved greatness in their respective fields.

“We proudly call them the “Uncommon Achievers.” We call them “Uncommon Achievers” because they have refused to be defined by limitations inherent in a developing country like ours, but instead, chose to create their own paths to success.

“In a world where conformity often seems like the easiest option, these individuals we are celebrating today have chosen to stand out. They have taken risks, confronted challenges head-on, and emerged victorious. Their stories are a testament to the power of human potential, determination, and resilience.

“These ‘Uncommon Achievers’ come from different walks of life, but they have things in common, which are refusal to accept the status quo and a burning desire to make a difference, among others.

“Their achievements inspire, motivate, and remind us that anything is possible with vision, dedication and positive drive. They show us that success is not just about talent or luck, but about perseverance, grit, and a willingness to learn from failures.

“As we celebrate these exceptional individuals, we recognise that their achievements are not just personal victories, but a reflection of the strength and potential of our country. They are role models, who will inspire future generations to dream big, work hard, and never give up.

I urge all of us to take a moment to appreciate the “Uncommon Achievers,” who have made a difference in their respective endeavours, in the lives of many Nigerians, in our country, Nigeria, and in our world.

“Let us be reminded that even though government will create the path to national development, through policy formulation and implementation, reforms and strategic deployment of human and capital resources, the success of our nation lies in individuals, who, through their entrepreneurship, creativity and firm belief in their abilities and potential of Nigeria, are ready and willing to invest their all.”

The Sun Award most credible in Africa -Onyema, Air Peace CEO

The chairman of the occasion and chief executive officer of Air Peace, Dr. Allen Onyema commended the credibility of The Sun  Awards, describing it as “one of the most credible awards in Africa with integrity.”

‎‎Onyema  praised the selection of recipients, saying that all honourees deserved their recognition from what he called an “apolitical” media organisation that does not do “junk journalism.”

‎‎ Onyema said The Sun’s approach to journalism and its awards programme is “what you see is what you get.”

‎‎He said: “The Sun Award is not for sale. It’s the best and I am proud to associate with this particular establishment in my own little way.”

‎‎The Air Peace boss praised several award recipients, including state governors who have distinguished themselves through their achievements. He mentioned Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, whose work he said was undeniable, and Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara  State whom he praised for succeeding “in the midst of insurgency.”

‎‎Onyema used the occasion to emphasise national unity, saying that Nigeria has over 200 ethnic nationalities and urged award recipients to “imbibe and preach those things and profess those things that will bind us together.”

‎He pointed to the diversity of the honorees as evidence of The Sun’s commitment to unity.

The Sun represents good journalism –Mbah

Governor Peter Mbah who was honoured with Man of the Year, thanked The Sun Publishing Ltd for the honour and said that he is committed to raising the bar of governance. He said: “This is very encouraging and it shows that the work we are doing is being appreciated. We are grateful for this recognition and we promise to do even more.

“The Sun represents good journalism.”

I’m encouraged by The Sun Awards –Senator Adeola

Senator Solomon Adeola, who won the Man of the Year Award said: I thank you for the award and I dedicate it to Aremu Segun Osoba who has guided my path in my political journey. I’m also very appreciative of Bola Tinubu under whose tutelage I have learned how to be a good leader. I thank the governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun and also my wife who has been a source of support. I am encouraged by this honour and it would inspire me to do better.

‎The Sun is very important to me  –Otu

Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River who won the Governor of the Year Award said the honour will make him more committed to service. “I want to thank The Sun Publishing Ltd for this recognition, from the deepest of my heart. I have watched closely the past years of this award, and I see that the majority have contributed. This is truly an all-for-better service, and I know that it is going to make almost all the awardees even more committed to what they are doing and Nigeria is going to be greater for it. The Sun is very important to me and I dedicate this award to the people of Cross Rivers and I promise to keep doing my best. I appreciate you all,” he said.

I’m very encouraged –Lawal

Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara who won the Governor of the Year Award, said: “I want to thank The Sun specially for recognising me with this award. It is very encouraging that while you are working someone somewhere is recognizing what you doing and for this I am very grateful.”

Awards will propel me to do more for humanity – Barau

Deputy Senate President, Jibrin Barau, who was presented with The Sun Humanitarian Service Icon Award, described it as a propeller to do more for humanity. According to him, “I am really glad. I am really happy. This award is a way to propel me to do more for Nigerians. I want to say that to whom much is given, much is expected. The award is a propeller to do more.”

Ladoja, Abaribe, Okonkwo, Galadima, Eyisi shine

The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, Arusa 1; The Presiding Bishop of The Redeemed Evangelical Movement (TREM), Bishop Mike Okonkwo; Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, representing Abia South in the Senate, were among the personalities that shone brightly at The Sun Awards.

They were conferred with the Lifetime Achievement Award 2025 on Saturday. A strong advocate of good governance, Alhaji Buba Galadima, and Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, SIMS Nigeria Limited, Chief Simeon Eyisi, were also conferred with the Lifetime Achievement Award.

The award was presented to Oba Ladoja by the founder of The Sun and former governor of Abia State, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu. Ladoja was accompanied by dignitaries, including the three serving senators from Oyo State – Sharafadeen Alli (Oyo South), Abdulfatai Buhari (Oyo North), and Yunus Akintunde (Oyo Central). Former Senate Leader, Teslim Folarin also graced the ceremony in honour of Oba Ladoja.

The Sun Award boost to my business – Opah

Eric Opah, founder and Chief Executive Officer of Fortune Global Shipping and Logistics, who won the Entrepreneur of the Year, said The Sun Awards has put his business in the spotlight.

Opah stated that the honour was unexpected and placed his company and the supply chain industry in focus. “We are happy. The award puts our business in the spotlight. So, I will say thank you to the whole team of the company.”

According to him, events such as The Sun Awards will further motivate entrepreneurs across the country to remain committed to ethical business practices, professionalism and long-term value creation, despite operating in a challenging environment. He noted that public recognition of business efforts helps reinforce confidence among operators and encourages them to continue investing in their sectors.

He added that the recognition went beyond individual recognition, noting that it reflected the collective effort of his team and the visibility of an industry that often operates in the background.

No sacrifice too big for Nigeria –Kukah

Archbishop of the Catholic Diocese, Sokoto, Mathew Kukah , who won the Courage in Leadership Award, expressed gratitude for the award and dedicated it to Nigerians, saying that no sacrifice is too big for the country.  “I am very appreciative of this honour and I dedicate it to every Nigerian because Nigeria is a country for whom no sacrifice is too big,” he said.

Award morale booster -Anigbogu

The winner of The Sun Hospitality Icon of the Year award, Chief Livinus Anigbogu, has described the recognition as encouraging, given the competitive nature of the category.

He said: “I feel great. It’s not easy to be recognised for the work you do. So, obviously, I’m very happy to receive this award.”

He linked his recognition to wider conversations about the hospitality and tourism sectors which is powered by a strong supply chain. Opah said the award was significant for the supply chain, shipping and transportation sector, which he described as central to economic activity but often overlooked.

Anigbogu added that the award also drew attention to the role of the hospitality sector in employment and economic activity.  He noted that hotels operate round the clock and employ large numbers of people further addressing the issue of unemployment within the country.