Follow Us on Google
By Oluseye Ojo and Chukwuma Umeorah
Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial nerve centre, once again lived up to its reputation as the nation’s capital of glamour and high society on Saturday, January 31, 2026, as it hosted the 23rd edition of The Sun Awards.
The ceremony, held at the Expo Convention Centre of Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, brought together an extraordinary constellation of Nigeria’s most influential leaders, visionaries, and trailblazers for a night devoted to celebrating excellence, resilience and uncommon achievements.
It was an evening where leadership met legacy, where enterprise intersected with service, and where the nation paused to honour men and women, whose contributions continue to shape Nigeria’s political, economic, social, and cultural landscape.
The venue itself spoke volumes. It was tastefully adorned in regal shades of red and white. The passage from the entrance of the Ekpo Centre to the hall was spectacularly decorated with pictures of the awardees and categories on both sides, and was complemented with good lighting and ambience.
Also, the hall radiated warmth, prestige, and anticipation. Every detail, from the lavish draping to the exquisitely crafted stage, reflected refinement and grandeur.
It set the tone for an event that has, over the years, become one of Africa’s most respected platforms for recognising merit and integrity.
It was organised by The Sun Publishing Limited, publishers of Daily Sun, Saturday Sun, Sunday Sun, Sporting Sun and thesun.ng, The Sun Awards has grown over 23 years into a benchmark for credibility and distinction in Nigeria’s media and corporate space.
The annual ceremony has consistently celebrated individuals and organisations, whose leadership, innovation, and commitment to national development stand out in both vision and impact.
More than a roll call of honours, The Sun Awards 2025 was seen as a gathering of Nigeria’s best and brightest.
As the evening unfolded, the Expo Convention Centre transformed into a spectacle of colour, music, and anticipation.
The ceremony was jointly anchored by seasoned broadcast professionals Seun Oyedeji and Niyi Ojemakinde, whose poise, humour, and professionalism added energy and colour to the programme. Their mastery of audience engagement ensured that the night flowed seamlessly from one segment to another.
Adding to the atmosphere was the Heroes Band, whose musical renditions serenaded guests and perfectly complemented the gathering of Nigeria’s who-is-who. The combination of live music, impeccable hosting, and carefully structured presentations made the event engaging from start to finish.
In keeping with its tradition, The Sun Publishing Limited bestowed its prestigious honours on 39 uncommon achievers, including 37 individuals and two organisations, cutting across diverse sectors of the Nigerian economy and society.
The awardees were recognised for their outstanding accomplishments in 2025.
Fashion on parade
Beyond the speeches and awards, the ceremony was also a celebration of culture and style. The fashion on display was a sight to behold, as dignitaries showcased Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage through their attire. From regal traditional outfits to elegant contemporary designs, guests blended tradition with modernity in a seamless display of creativity, elegance, and national pride.
The red carpet segment, in particular, sparkled with colour, confidence, and class.
The Sun Awards represent light in uncertain moments – Neya Kalu
The Chairman/Publisher of The Sun Publishing Limited, Ms. Neya Kalu, set the tone for the evening with a deeply reflective and inspiring opening address.
She reminded Nigerians that commitment to a prosperous nation must remain an unbreakable cord, even in difficult times. Acknowledging the challenges confronting the country, she urged Nigerians not to lose sight of the progress embedded in the national journey.
According to her, Nigeria has witnessed a remarkable expansion of its cultural influence globally, a deepening of collective resilience, and an undeniable energy among its people to innovate and excel against the odds.
“These are the victories that remind us that, even amidst the noise, we are moving forward,” she noted.
She described the awards as symbols of light in uncertain moments, courage in the face of adversity, and hope that refuses to dim. Every awardee, she stressed, is living proof that excellence, leadership, vision, and service still matter.”
Ms. Kalu further emphasised that excellence must not be practised in isolation, noting that Nigeria’s challenges require collaboration across ethnic, regional, and cultural lines.
The Sun flourishes because it is apolitical – Orji Uzor Kalu
Walking to the podium with characteristic confidence, Senator Kalu reiterated the founding philosophy of The Sun Newspapers. He described the organisation as apolitical, stressing that its independence and credibility are the reasons it has flourished since inception.
“The Sun is not partisan; it is apolitical. There is no editor of The Sun who can say that I ever asked him to use a story for or against anybody.”
He explained that from inception, The Sun was conceived as a public trust owned by Nigerians, not by its founder. This principle, he said, has guided the organisation’s editorial independence and integrity over the years.
Uncommon achievers welcomed
In his welcome address, the Managing Director of The Sun Publishing Limited, Mr. Onuoha Ukeh, urged the audience to draw inspiration from the stories of the awardees.
“These individuals have defied the odds, shifted boundaries, and achieved greatness in their respective fields,” he said.
He explained that the honourees were described as ‘Uncommon Achievers’ because they refused to be limited by the challenges inherent in a developing country, choosing instead to chart their own paths to success.
Their stories, he noted, are testaments to vision, perseverance, resilience, and an unwavering belief in Nigeria’s potential.
Allen Onyema commends credibility of The Sun Awards
The chairman of the occasion and CEO of Air Peace, Dr. Allen Onyema, described The Sun Awards as one of the most credible awards in Africa, noting that it is not for sale and is anchored on integrity.
“The Sun Award is what you see is what you get,” he said. He lauded the apolitical stance of the organisation and the quality of its journalism.
Other News
He commended several award recipients, including state governors, and used the platform to call for national unity, urging Nigerians to embrace values that bind the country together.
Honouring the exceptional
The highlight of the night was the presentation of awards across various categories.
Winners of The Sun Man of the Year were Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State; Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria, Olayemi Cardoso; and Chairman, Senate Committee on Appropriation, Senator Solomon Adeola, representing Ogun West in the National Assembly.
The joint winners of Governor of the Year Award are Governors Dauda Lawal (Zamfara), Abba Kabir Yusuf (Kano) and Bassey Otu (Cross River).
The award for the First Lady of the Year went to Mrs. Chioma Uzodimma, wife of Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State.
The award for Political Personality of the Year went to Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, who was represented on the occasion, by his Chief of Staff, Segun Ogunwuyi. The award for Minister of the Year went to Nyesom Wike, Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The Courage in Leadership Award was won by Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah, Catholic Bishop of Sokoto.
For the Lifetime Achievement Award, the winners are: Oba Rashidi Ladoja (Arusa 1), Olubadan of Ibadanland; Bishop Mike Okonkwo, Presiding Bishop, The Redeemed Evangelical Mission (TREM); Enyinnaya Abaribe, senator representing Abia South; Alhaji Buba Galadima, former Secretary of the defunct Congress for Progressive Change (CPC); and Chief Simeon Eyisi, Chairman/CEO, SIMS Nigeria Limited.
The Igwe of Nnewi Kingdom, HRM, Igwe Kenneth Orizu III, won the Most Outstanding Royal Father of the Year Award, while the Humanitarian Service Icon Award went to Sen. Jubrin Barau, Deputy Senate President, and Chief Obioma Success Akagburuonye, CEO, Praco International Limited.
The Bank of the Year Award was won by Zenith Bank Plc, while Banker of the Year went to Mr. Emmanuel Efe Emefienim, MD, Premium Trust Bank Plc. Opay Digital Services Limited emerged as Digital/Fintech Bank of the Year.
The Investor of the Year Award winners are Chief Andrew Oru, Chairman, Rojitel Group; Dr. Julius Rone, CEO, UTM Offshore Limited; and Engr. Emeka Oguchi, Chairman/CEO, Point Technologies Ltd.
Entrepreneur of the Year Award goes to Prince Charles Ezeagwu, CEO, Charzin Group; Mr. Olasunkanmi Owoyemi, Chairman, Sunbeth Global Concepts Limited; Chief Mike Duru Ejiogu, CEO, Citygate Group and Chief Eric Opah, CEO, Fortune Global.
Mr. John Ezeobi, Chairman, Zobis Cable Nigeria Limited, High Chief Peter Chibuike Orogwu, founder/CEO, Chuby-Zion Nigeria Ltd; and Chief Emeka Agbanari, Chairman Seaman Group, are winners of Industrialist of the Year, while Dr. Stephen Maxwell Nweze, Chairman, Seman Global Concept Limited, is the winner of the Real Estate Icon Award.
Dr. Emeka Agbasi, MD/CEO, Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) and Prof Stella Ifeanyi Smith, Director of Research, Nigerian Institute of Medical Research are winners of Public Service Personality Award, with Mr Paul Onwuanibe, CEO, Landmark Africa Group, owners of Landmark Hotel & Resorts and Chief Livinus Anigbogu, CEO, AG Lexon Nig. Limited, owners of Villa Park Hotel & Suites, are winners of Hospitality Icon Award.
Kenneth Okonkwo, actor, film producer and public speaker, received the Nollywood Icon Award, even as the Young Achievers Award went to Mrs. Onyeka Michael-Ugwu, Founder, Hello Perfect and Mr. Tunde Onakoya, Founder, Chess in Slum Africa.
The award ceremony was beamed live on TV as well as live streamed on thesun.ng.
A former governor of Ogun State, Aremo Olusegun Osoba, also joined Senator Kalu in presenting the awards plaque to some of the awardees, including Deputy Senate President and Senator Solomon Adeola.
Words of gratitude
Acceptance speeches from awardees were filled with gratitude and inspiration. 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.
“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.”
Senator Solomon Adeola, who also 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.’
Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River, who won the Governor of the Year Award said the honour would 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.
‘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 River and I promise to keep doing my best. I appreciate you all,” he said.
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.”
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.”
The winners of the Lifetime Achievement Awards – 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, Alhaji Buba Galadima, and Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, SIMS Nigeria Limited, Chief Simeon Eyisi were among the personalities that shone brightly at The Sun Awards.
The award was presented to Oba Ladoja by the founder of The Sun and former governor of Abia State,
Senator Orji Uzor Kalu. His Imperial Majesty 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.
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. “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.
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.
The winner of The Sun Hospitality Icon of the Year award, Chief Livinus Anigbogu, 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.
Anigbogu added that the award also drew attention to the role of the hospitality sector in employment and economic activity.
Adekunle Adedotun, COO/CTO of OPay, said: “This award is a strong validation of our long-term commitment to Nigeria. Our mission has always been to make financial services accessible to everyone, and this recognition motivates us to continue innovating.”
Elizabeth Wang, Chief Commercial Officer, added: “We are committed to being user-friendly and innovative. Our goal is to ensure financial inclusion reaches every corner of Nigeria, whether you use Android or Apple, and to support merchants and businesses as they grow.”
Chief John Ezeobi (Industrialist of the Year), said: “Well, first of all, I would like to thank The Sun for giving me this prestigious award. I’m very glad to receive the Merit Award, and the award at least, showed me that we are doing well and we need to do well the most. And we’re being watched.” Alhaji Buba Galadima, who won the Lifetime Achievement Award, said on the Red Carpet: “I feel very great that I’m one of the recognised individuals in this country by The Sun Newspapers. They have gone through many ups and downs, but The Sun Newspaper is still standing. This event is something that is being used to recognise people who have done something in their fields of endeavour, and I would wish and suggest and advise that this should be continued because it assists in motivating people to continue to do what is right.”
Chief (Dr.) Andrew Oru (Investor of the Year), also said on the Red Carpet: “I’ve been following The Sun Awards for a few years and I had thought it was for the Dangote’s of this world. Now I know it’s for all achievers. I feel happy.”
The Sun Awards different from others – Stakeholders
The CEO, United Nigeria Airlines, Prof Obiora Okonkwo, who graced the occasion, described The Sun Awards as different from others and well organised.
“’I’m like a family of The Sun. So, it’s great. I always look forward to it and I never regret any occasion or any event,” he said.
Mrs Cecilia Ibru, former MD/CEO Oceanic Bank, also said: “I think The Sun Awards is a very good concept. We need to encourage ourselves, otherwise you think you did nothing but you are doing great things.”
Allen Onyema, CEO, Air Peace (chairman of the event) also said of The Sun Awards:: “There are a lot of awards all over Nigeria, and Africa, some of them are not favourable. But when The Sun gives an award, they give it. Look at the recipients of those awards, they’re very different
