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The CEO of Mekens Integrated Nigeria Limited, Chief Anthony Obele and CEO of Sunchi Integrated Farms Limited, Chief Sunday Ephraim Ezeobiora, have described The Sun Awards as a worthy recognition for Nigerians who have distinguished themselves.
Obele and Ezeobiora are among eminent Nigerian who will 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.
The two business mongul, who emerged winners in the Investor of the Year category, spoke separately in Lagos and Enugu while accepting their nomination when the Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief of The Sun Publishing Limited, Onuoha Ukeh, led a management team to present letters confirming their nominations for the awards.
Obele said his emergence as winner of the award was a clear indication that Nigerians were monitoring his contributions to the social and economic development of the country.
He said: “I am deeply honoured to receive this prestigious recognition. I sincerely appreciate the management and Board of Editors of The Sun for finding me worthy of this award.
“Investment is not just about making profits; it is about creating opportunities, building infrastructure, generating employment and contributing to national development. At Mekens Integrated Nigeria Limited, we remain committed to making meaningful contributions across different sectors, particularly infrastructure development, including our road construction projects. This award inspires me to do even more for our people and our country, Nigeria.”
Earlier in his presentation, Ukeh outlined the reasons Obele was chosen, describing him as one of the notable indigenous entrepreneurs whose business interest span construction, real estate, oil and gas, logistics, hospitality and infrastructure development.
He said: “As the Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of Mekens Integrated Nigeria Limited, you have built a reputation as a business strategist, investor, and philanthropist committed to economic development and community advancement.
“You rose from a modest beginning to become a respected figure in Nigeria’s business landscape, bringing your business acumen to bear to transform Mekens Integrated Nigeria Limited into a diversified conglomerate. Under your leadership, Mekens Integrated has developed expertise in large-scale construction projects, land reclamation, waterfront protection, and real estate development.
“Your company has also invested heavily in equipment and assets that support its operations, positioning it as a key player in Nigeria’s construction and engineering sector. You remain focused on building sustainable businesses while investing in projects that deliver lasting economic and social value.”
Ukeh observed that Obele’s business portfolio stretches to South Africa, reflecting his ambition to build a pan-African business footprint, while adding that Obele’s career reflects a blend of entrepreneurial ambition, strategic diversification, and social responsibility.
The Sun MD said: “With your commitment to philanthropy and community development, you have earned recognition for supporting education, youth empowerment, and social welfare initiatives in Anambra State and beyond.
“One of your most notable interventions is the construction of a 4.2-kilometre road project in your Ezinifite community, an initiative aimed at improving connectivity, stimulating commerce, and enhancing the quality of life for residents. The project has been widely praised as an example of private-sector participation in grassroots development.”
On his part, Ezeobiora described his emergence as Investor of the Year as heart-warming, promising that it would encourage him to strive for greater heights.
While stating the reasons Ezeobiora was chosen for the award, Ukeh described him as one of the notable agribusiness entrepreneurs contributing to the country’s drive toward self-sufficiency and rural economic development with a business philosophy that centres on efficiency, scale and sustainability.
Ukeh said: “With Sunchi Integrated Farms Limited,” you have positioned yourself strategically in Nigeria’s expanding agricultural landscape where food security and private sector investment have become critical national priorities.
“Your investment in the business highlights the fact that investors are increasingly stepping into large-scale farming, agro-processing and value chain development with the conviction that agriculture remains one of the most reliable pathways to economic diversification, job creation and sustainable national growth.
“At Sunchi Integrated Farms Limited, you have focused on building a model that integrates production, processing and distribution within the agricultural value chain, an approach you designed to reduce post-harvest losses, improve productivity and ensure that farm outputs translate to market-ready products that can compete locally and internationally.”
The Sun MD also observed that in a sector that is often challenged by inadequate infrastructure, climate variability, and limited access to modern farming technology, Ezeobiora has pushed for structured farming systems that leverage improved agricultural practices and modern agribusiness techniques.
“This has positioned your enterprise within the growing cohort of Nigerian agribusiness firms adopting a more industrial approach to farming.”
He noted that within the business circle, Ezeobiora is widely regarded as a part of a new generation of Nigerian agricultural investors who view farming not as subsistence activity, but as a commercial enterprise that is capable of driving industrialisation.
Ukeh told Ezeobiora: “Through Sunchi Integrated Farms, you have supported initiatives that are aimed at boosting local production capacity, improving food supply chains, and encouraging youth participation in agriculture.
“Your leadership also reflects a strong commitment to rural development. By investing in agricultural production systems, you contribute to job creation in farming communities, helping to stimulate local economies and reduce rural-urban migration pressures. Your efforts align with national goals of enhancing food security and reducing reliance on food imports.
“Beyond operational leadership, you are known for advocating a more structured and policy-supported agricultural ecosystem. You have consistently emphasised the need for improved access to finance for farmers, better infrastructure, and stronger linkages between production and markets.
“Experts in agribusiness recognise that success in large-scale farming requires not only capital but also resilience, planning, and adaptability. Your approach reflects these qualities, as you continue to navigate the challenges and opportunities within Nigeria’s evolving agricultural space.”
Apart from Obele and Ezeobiora, other award winners are Governor Hope Uzodimma, who will receive Man of the Year award as well as Governor Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta), Governor Uba Sani (Kaduna), Governor Umar Namadi (Jigawa), Abdullahi Sule (Nasarawa), Governor Hyacinth Alia (Benue), and Governor Francis Nwifuru (Ebonyi), who will be honoured with 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 Service (DSS), Mr. Oluwatosin Ajayi, receiving the Courage in Leadership Award.
Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele will receive 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, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, is Most Innovative Legislator of the Year and Hon. Muktar Aliyu Betara, 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 Creative Icon of the Year award.
Other 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 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 All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdulahi Ganduje.
Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr. Aminu Maida, Executive Vice Chairman, Nigerian Telecommunications Commission (NCC), Mr. Sonny Echono, Executive Secretary of TETFund, will receive 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.
Those to receive Entrepreneur of the Year award are Chief Joseph Ukeji, Chairman of J.I. Ejison Group International Ltd; abd Mr. George Obi, Chairman/CEO of Fidel Associates Limited, with Chief Samuel Ajose, Chairman/CEO of Levitikal Group and Dr. Rebecca Omokamo Godwin-Isaac, CEO id Homadil Realty Limited receiving Real Estate Icon Award.
The Industrialist of the Year award will be received by Chief Williams Agbo, Founder/Chairman of Willson Group Limited, with Chief Kester Okike Agwu, Founder/CEO of Tastia Restaurants, and Chief RemiChris Nwagbo, Chairman of BON Octagon Hotel, Abuja, billed for honour with Hospitality Icon award.
The Sports Personality of the Year award will be received by Chief Leo Edochie, a renowned gold promoter and Chairman/CEO of Solotone Global Ventures Limited, with Chief Friday Nwabueze Umeh, Founder of Ofiafuluego Foundation and Chief Abraham Ikechukwu Otti, CEO, Allied Victory Nigeria Ltd., receiving the Humanitarian Service Icon Award, while HRM Alexander Uzo Onyido, the Igwe of Ogidi, will be honoured as Royal Father of the Year.
