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Deputy President of the Senate, Alhaji Jibrin Barau and Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Most Revd Matthew Kukah, have hailed their recognition by The Sun in the coming award ceremony, praising the newspaper for not only placing premium on ethics and balanced journalism but also recognising people who have done well in the socio-economic and political development of Nigeria.
Senator Barau and Bishop Kukah, who will receive the Humanitarian Service Icon and Courage in Leadership awards respectively at The Sun Awards ceremony billed for January 31, spoke separately when management teams led by the Managing Director/Editor -in-Chief, The Sun Publishing Limited, Onuoha Ukeh, presented letters of their nomination in Abuja.
Kukah confessed that he was taken aback by the honour, praising The Sun for being professional in its award regime.
He thanked The Sun for the honour, saying that although priests see souls they are able to bring close to God as their reward, The Sun award is most cherished.
Kukah stated that the Courage in Leadership Award has added to the arsenal of resources that would continue to propel him in his work at God’s vineyard.
“This award comes as a pleasant surprise. I must say that although we in the service of God see the souls we bring close to God as our reward, I cherish this honour and appreciate the gesture,” Bishop Kukah said.
On his part, Senator Barau thanked The Sun for his nomination for the Humanitarian Service Icon award, saying it is an honour he would forever cherish.
He said: “I am indeed grateful. I can’t thank you enough. This kind of recognition is something that will propel me to do more in respect to what I am doing.”
He promised to continue doing things that would touch the lives of the less privileged, empowering the youths and uplifting humanity.
Earlier, The Sun MD praised Bishop Kukah for his steadfastness in working for peace, good governance and justice in the country.
He said: “Your dedication to justice saw you appointed to Nigeria’s Oputa Panel, which was set up to address human rights violations, and as chairman of the Ogoni-Shell Reconciliation.
“As an ardent advocate for interfaith harmony, you have served in the Pontifical Council for Inter-Religious Dialogue and led several initiatives for social justice and peace.
“Similarly, as the convener of Nigeria’s National Peace Committee, chaired by General Abdulsalami Abubakar, you have worked alongside statesmen and well respected Nigerians.”
He also said that as part of Kukah’s life-long commitment to peaceful coexistence, credible elections and national unity, he has been promoting peaceful electoral processes and civic engagement, striving to foster Nigeria’s socio-economic growth and stability.
He told Bishop Kukah: “Your contributions to peace and national development through The Kukah Centre have also been acknowledged.
“You are a prolific writer, with notable works through which you have rendered account of your service to humanity. Those works and public engagements have continued to inspire efforts toward national unity and ethical governance in Nigeria. At all times, you speak truth to power.”
In the case of the Deputy Senate President, Ukeh explained that Senator Barau stands out as a shining example of compassion in leadership, a man deeply rooted in the principles of service, empathy, and development.
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According to him, “over time, you have built a legacy that goes far beyond the chambers of the National Assembly. Through your numerous humanitarian projects and people-oriented programmes, you have become a beacon of hope for the less privileged by transforming lives, empowering communities, and redefining what it means to be a true servant of the people.
“Through the Barau Football Club of Kano, which you founded and have been sponsoring, you have not only taken many youths off the streets, but have also created a decent means of livelihood that guarantees a brighter future for them.
“Renowned for your humility and people-centred approach to governance, you have touched many lives through your extensive humanitarian interventions in education, health, empowerment, sports and infrastructure.
“Your passion for human development is reflected in your scholarship programmes, which have enabled thousands of underprivileged students across Kano and beyond to pursue higher education in Nigeria and abroad.
“Through your educational empowerment initiatives, many youths, who once faced hopelessness, have gained skills and knowledge to contribute meaningfully to society.
“Your humanitarian footprint extends to the physically challenged, widows, and orphans, who regularly benefit from your social welfare and empowerment schemes.”
Apart from Barau and Kukah, other people to receive awards include Dr. Olayemi Cardoso, Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria, Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State and Sen. Solomon Adiola, Senator representing Ogun West (Man of the Year). Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State and Gov Bassey Otu of Cross River (Governor of the Year)
The First Lady of the Year award goes to Mrs. Chioma Uzodimma of Imo State, while the Political Personality of the Year award would be received by Gov Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, just as HRM, Igwe Kenneth Orizu of Nnewi Kingdom would receive the Most Outstanding Royal Father of the Year award.
Minister of the Year goes to Mr. Nyesom Wike, Minister of FCT while the Lifetime Achievement Award would be received by Sen. Enyinnaya Abaribe, senator representing Abia South;
Oba Rashid Ladoja, Olubadan of Ibadanland; Bishop Mike Okonkwo, Presiding Bishop, The Redeemed Evangelical Mission (TREM); Alhaji Buba Galadima, former Secretary of defunct Congress for Progressives Change (CPC), and Chief Simeon Eyisi, Chairman/CEO, SIMS Nigeria Limited.
The Public Service Personality award would be received by Dr. Emeka Agbasi, DG, FERMA; and Prof Stella Ifeanyi Smith, Director of Research, Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, with the Banker of the Year going to Mr. Emmanuel Efe Emefienim, MD, Premium Trust Bank Plc and Investor of the Year award going to Dr. Julius Rone, CEO, UTM Offshore Limited; Dr. Andrew Oru, Chairman, Rojitel Group and Engr. Oguchi Emeka, Chairman/CEO, Point Technologies Ltd.
The Entrepreneur of the Year award would be received by Prince Charles Ezeagwu, CEO, Charzin Group; Mr. Olasunkanmi Owoyemi, Chairman, Sunbeth Global Concepts Limited; Chief Mike Duru Ejiogu, CEO, Citygate Group; and Dr Eric Opah, CEO, Fortunes Global.
Mr John Ezeobi, Chairman, Zobis Cable Nigeria Limited, Chief Emeka Agbanari, Chairman, Seaman Group, and Chief Peter Orogwu, Chairman, Chuby Zion Industries Limited would receive the Industrialist of the Year award, with the Real Estate Icon award going to Dr. Stephen Maxwell Nweze, Seman Global Concept Limited.
The Humanitarian Service Icon award goes to Sen. Jubril Barrau, Deputy Senate President; Dr. Johnbosco Ozigbo, CEO, Burnsville Integrated Service Limited, with the Hospitality Icon award going to Mr. Paul Onwuanibe, CEO, Landmark Africa Group, owners of Landmark Hotel & Resorts), and Chief Livinus Anibogu, CEO, AG Lexon Nig. Limited, owners of Villa Park Hotel & Suites).
The Courage in Leadership award would be received by Bishop Hassan Kukah, Catholic Bishop of Sokoto while the Nollywood Icon award goes to Dr. Kenneth Okonkwo.
Mrs Onyeka Michael-Ugwu, founder, Hello Perfect and Mr. Tunde Onakoya, founder, Chess in Slum Africa would receive the Young Achievers award, with Zenith Bank Plc receiving the Bank of the Year award and Opay Digital Services Limited receiving Fintech/Digital Bank of the Year award.
The Sun Award 2025 will hold at the Expo Convention Centre, Eko Hotels & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos on January 31, 2026.
