The Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of Grape Tree International, Chief Cyril Okoye and the Managing Director of Ailes Group, Dr. Michael Onuoha, have described The Sun Awards as motivation to achieve more.
Okoye and Onuoha spoke separately in Lagos, when the Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief, of The Sun Publishing Limited, Onuoha Ukeh, led delegations of the company’s management to present letters of award nomination to them.
Okoye, who emerged as winner of the Industrialist of the Year award declared that the recognition, which came to him as a surprise, will motivate him to be more focused in industrialising the nation.
“Honestly, I feel very excited. I must tell you that I know it is not something one can just sit at home and get. It is something that came because you must have seen what I’m doing and recommended me for the award. What this award means to me is that The Sun has recognised that I exist in Nigeria among other industrialists,” he said.
On his part, Onuoha, who emerged winner of the Entrepreneur of the Year, pledged commitment to put in greater effort in the construction, sugar production, logistics, real estate and oil & gas sectors of the Nigerian economy.
He said: “I am so glad that I was nominated for this prestigious award. It is a call to greater service; a reason for me to put in my best in what I do. On behalf of the Ailes Group, I appreciate the fact that I am going to be a recipient of this award.”
The MD of The Sun described Okoye as a man whose life story is inspiring, a man who had a humble beginning, starting a business journey by hawking shoes from house to house, shortly after his formal education.
He said: “After some years of determination and resilience, you ventured into importation, traveling to different countries, like France, Hong Kong, and Italy, to import clothes. That business lasted until the federal government placed a ban on the importation of clothes.
“Your trip to China in 1998 for a trade fair marked a turning point in the business you laboured so hard to sustain. It was there that you established contact with the CEO of Celgo Manufacturing Co. Ltd, China, manufacturers of Diplomat Toothbrush, and entered into a partnership, which paid off.
“Today, Diplomat Toothbrush and Diplomat Toothpastes, which your company produces, have become choice products among the upper class, with presence in major cities across the country, including Lagos, Abuja, Awka, Umuahia, Kano, Port Harcourt, Owerri, Enugu, Abakaliki, Akure, Abeokuta, Benin, Maiduguri, Ado Ekiti, Kaduna and Sokoto among others.
“Your products are also in Ghana and other West African countries as well as the United Kingdom and the United States.”
Apart from toothbrushes and toothpaste, Okoye also has a brick factory called Niger Power Bricks Industry Limited, whose products have redefined building and road construction.
Similarly, he described the Ailes Group boss as an entrepreneur, known for his vision and dedication; and one who has consistently created strong platforms that empower individuals to explore their goals.
He said: “Through Ailes Group, you have built a network of opportunities for emerging entrepreneurs and professionals, fostering an environment where dreams can flourish and talent cultivated.
“Your company juggles many balls, literally speaking. It is into construction, sugar production, logistics, real estate and oil & gas.
“Your group of companies has a mission to stand as the foremost catalyst for progress in Nigeria’s pivotal industries.
“To realise the vision, you harness your company’s diverse expertise, believing that a positive impact could be made on clients, society and the economy.
“You also believe that the company’s commitment lies in creating sustainable value that contributes to lasting growth and prosperity.
“It is worthy of note that your commitment to empowering others has been a driving force and foundation for successful careers.”
Others who will receive the awards are Mrs. Catherine Uju Ifejika, CEO, Brittania-U Nigeria Limited; Dr. Jayne Onwumere, GMD, PWAN Group, as Man of the Year; Alhaji Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto, Governor, Sokoto State; Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, Governor, Anambra State; Alhaji Mohammed Bago, Governor, Niger State; and Mr. Caleb Mutfwang, Governor, Plateau State, who emerged winners in the Governor of the Year award.
Also, Kogi State governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, will be honoured with the Political Personality of the Year award, while the wife of Ebonyi State Governor, Mrs. Mary-Maudline Uzoamaka Nwifuru, will receive the First Lady of the Year Award. Mr. Festus Keyamo, SAN, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Management, will receive the Minister of the Year Award.
In the Lifetime Achievement category, Senator George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation; and Senator Aliyu Wamakko, former Governor, Sokoto State, will receive the awards. Also to be honoured in the category are Annkio Briggs, environmentalist and civil society activist; Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, Registrar, JAMB; and Chief Joseph Ezeokafor, Chairman of Jezco Oil.
Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, MD, Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), is among winners in the Public Service category as well as Prof. Dantani Ibrahim Wushishi, Registrar, National Examination Commission (NECO); and Mr. Adewale Adeniyi, Comptroller General, Nigeria Customs Service.
Mr. Walter Akpani, Managing Director, Providus Bank, is the banker of the Year.
In the business category, Ichie Ken Chimezie Nwankwo, Chairman, Bigly Group, and Chief Emmanuel Udechukwu, Chairman, Roxbury Leisure Homes Limited emerged as Investor of the Year, while Chief Polycarp Obiukwu, Chairman, Bolton White Group; Dr. Aisha Achimugu, President, Felak Concept Group; and Dr. Kennedy Okonkwo, GMD, NedComoaks Limited, won the Entrepreneur of the Year; and Chief Chika Emenike, Founder/Chairman, Kotec Group, won the Industrialist of the Year Awards.
In the Humanitarian Service Personality category, Dr. Darlington Nwabunike, President, De Imperial Philanthropic Family; and Chief Habeeb Okunola, CEO, TILT Group, are winners while popular socialite, Mr. Pascal Okechukwu (Cubana Chief Priest), who is also the Chairman, Hotel CP; and Dr. Dotun Sanusi, Chairman, Ilaji Hotels and Sports Resort, won the Hospitality Personality of the Year award.
Mr. Seyi Adekunle, Founder, Vodi Group; and Chief Jideofor Ezeofor, Founder, Zeof Excluzioni, won in the Creative Personality of the Year award category, just as fiery politician, Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume, who represents Borno South; and notable lawyer, Prof. Mike Ozekhome, SAN, will be honoured with the Courage in Leadership Award.
The Nollywood Personality of the Year award goes to Dr. Emeka Rollas Ejezie, president of the Actors Guild of Nigeria; and Regina Daniels-Nwoko, actress & film producer.