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The Chief Executive Officer of Fidel Associates Limited, Chief George Obi and Chief Executive Officer of Solotone Global Ventures Limited, Chief Leo Edochie, have described The Sun Awards as an event that showcases glamour and professionalism.
Obi and Edochie, who are among eminent Nigerians to be honoured at The Sun Awards ceremony on Friday, November 13, 2026, at the Expo Convention Centre, Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos from 7pm, are winners of the Entrepreneur of the Year and Sports Personality of the Year awards respectively.
Speaking separately in Lagos and Port Harcourt, while accepting their nomination letters from the Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief of The Sun Publishing Limited, Onuoha Ukeh, in the company of Iheanacho Nwosu, Editor, Daily Sun; Tope Adeboboye, Editor, Weekend; Chidi Nnadi, Senior Manager, Marketing, Operations and Publications; Tony Manuaka, Associate Editor and Chichi Ezenwa, Assistant Business Manager, the duo praised the professionalism in the selection of The Sun Awards winners.
Obi said: “When I attended The Sun Awards in honour of the Igwe Nnewi in the past, I saw the glamour and the professionalism in what you do. I am excited. I’m very happy about this award. Thank you for nominating me.”
Earlier, The Sun MD described Obi as an entrepreneur whose role in the automotive paints, coatings, and petrochemical products market is contributing in shaping the industrial sector through strategic business development.
He said the businessman had built Fidel Associates into a recognised name within the country’s automotive refinishing and industrial coating sector.
According to him, “from 1987, when Fidel Associates Limited was founded, you have brought your entrepreneurial skills to bear, leading to expansion of operations to include a broad range of coatings, sprays, thinners, vehicle-care solutions, and related petrochemical products.
“Under your leadership, the company has strengthened its position in a highly competitive industry by focusing on quality products, customer service, and long-term partnerships with international manufacturers.
“One of your notable achievements is growing and sustaining an indigenous Nigerian company for nearly four decades despite the economic challenges that have affected the country’s manufacturing and import-dependent sectors.
“You have also played a significant role in expanding the company’s product portfolio, ensuring that it remains responsive to evolving customer needs and technological changes in the automotive industry.”
Ukeh also observed that by fostering relationships with global suppliers and manufacturers, Obi had brought internationally recognised products and standards into the Nigerian market, noting: “Your contributions have had wider economic significance. The expansion of Fidel Associates has supported employment opportunities, strengthened supply chains within the automotive aftermarket industry, and contributed to commercial activity in Nigeria’s industrial sector.”
On his part, Edochie said he felt honoured to be one of the winners of The Sun Awards.
He said he was proud that his modest contribution to promoting golf had been noticed by a national newspaper that believes in excellence.
Edochie, who is the eldest son of iconic actor, Chief Pete Edochie, said golf is more than a recreational sport, as it combines physical activity, strategic thinking, discipline and networking.
Speaking about Edochie, Ukeh said the business mogul and golfer could be described as a “Jack of All Trades, and Master of All.”
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On the achievements of Edochie, he said: “You have distinguished yourself as an entrepreneur, industrialist, and a notable sports personality. Being the first son of a legendary Nigerian actor, Chief Pete Edochie, you chose a path in corporate engineering and sports rather than in entertainment, unlike several of your siblings.
“You have a profound passion for life, people, and a burning desire to see change in society. This passion has unfolded gracefully over the years in different phases and seasons of your life.”
Ukeh noted that Edochie had established himself as a leading figure in the Nigerian oil and gas industry, as his company, Solotone Global Ventures Limited, which operates in Nigeria and the United Kingdom, provides critical engineering, mechanical, and HVAC services to the energy sector.
He observed that Solotone Global Ventures Limited had earned Edochie a reputation for excellence and innovation, just as his profile as a golf promoter had continued to rise over the years.
The Sun MD said: “You are an avid golfer and have held prestigious positions, including past president of the Port Harcourt Polo Club. As a passionate promoter of golf in Nigeria, you view the sport as a prime avenue for networking, relaxation, and camaraderie.
“Through the YouTube channel, Golf with Leo Edochie, which you host, you also advocate the establishment of a golf academy in Nigeria for the benefit of underprivileged youths in the country.”
Apart from Obi and Edochie, other award winners are Governor Hope Uzodimma, who will receive the Man of the Year award, as well as Governor Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta), Governor Uba Sani (Kaduna), Governor Umar Namadi (Jigawa), Governor Abdullahi Sule (Nasarawa), Governor Hyacinth Alia (Benue), and Governor Francis Nwifuru (Ebonyi), who will be honoured with the 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 Services (DSS), Mr. Oluwatosin Ajayi, receiving the Courage in Leadership Award.
Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele will receive the 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, Benjamin Kalu, is Most Innovative Legislator of the Year, and Muktar Aliyu Betara, a member representing Borno State, will receive the House of Representatives Member of the Year award.
In entertainment, celebrated music star Chinedu Izuchukwu Okoli (Flavour) wins the Creative Icon of the Year award.
Others 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 to former 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 the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje.
Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr. Aminu Maida, Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), and Mr. Sonny Echono, Executive Secretary of TETFund, will receive the Public Service Personality Award.
Group Managing Director/CEO of United Bank for Africa (UBA), Mr. Oliver Alawuba, wins the Banker of the Year award, while Access Bank Plc is Bank of the Year, with the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), under the leadership of Chief Oluwemimo Joseph Osanipin, clinching the Parastatal of the Year award.
The Entrepreneur of the Year award will also be received by Chief Joseph Ukeji, Chairman of J.I. Ejison Group International Ltd, with Dr. Samuel Ajose, Chairman/CEO of Levitikal Group, and Dr. Rebecca Omokamo Godwin-Isaac, CEO of Homadil Realty Limited, receiving the Real Estate Icon Award.
The Industrialist of the Year award will be received by Chief Williams Agbo, Founder/Chairman of Willson Group Limited, Dr. Badamasi Burji, GMD of First Class Refreshment Limited, and Chief Ikenna Ekeagu, Founder of Blueworld Cosmetics, with Chief Kester Okike Agwu, Founder/CEO of Tastia Restaurants, and Chief RemiChris Nwagbo, Chairman of BON Octagon Hotel, Abuja, billed for honour with the Hospitality Icon Award.
Chief Friday Nwabueze Umeh, Founder of Ofiafuluego Foundation, and Chief Abraham Ikechukwu Otti, CEO of Allied Victory Nigeria Ltd., will receive the Humanitarian Service Icon Award, with HRM Alexander Uzo Onyido, the Igwe of Ogidi, being honoured as Royal Father of the Year.
Mr. Chima Christian, co-founder of Teva Foods Limited, will be honoured with the Young Achiever Award, while Kanyeyachukwu Tagbo-Okeke, a 15-year-old autistic Nigerian Guinness World Records holder, will receive the Nigerian Hero Award.
