By Oluseye Ojo
It was celebration galore in Lagos on Saturday, March 1, 2025. It was the 22nd edition of The Sun Awards, hosted at the Expo Convention Centre of Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island. It was another occasion to celebrate Nigeria’s most remarkable individuals.
The hall itself was a masterpiece of design, with red and white decor adding a touch of luxury to the proceedings. The stage was a work of art, and exuded a sense of magic and wonder.
It was a night that epitomised glitz and glamour.
The Sun Awards, organised by The Sun Publishing Limited — publishers of the Daily Sun, Saturday Sun, Sunday Sun, and Sporting Sun — has come to be regarded as a hallmark of excellence and achievement over the years. The annual event serves as an inspiring gathering of Nigeria’s best and brightest minds, showcasing the resilience, creativity, and determination that characterise the nation.
As the evening unfolded, the Expo Convention Centre transformed into an extravagant spectacle of stunning decor, with a lavish mix of red and white draping the hall, creating an atmosphere of richness and anticipation.
The 2024 The Sun Awards ceremony was jointly anchored by Temi Badru and Abdulfatai Otori. Badru is an expert in broadcast media and audience engagement, while Otori is an ace broadcaster and presenter with the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN).
Three outstanding musical acts set the tone for the evening. Young crooners Von Blake and Denzel Armani brought youthful energy, while the sensational duo of Boypee and Hyce, alongside Brown Joel, captivated the audience. Lami Phillips, known for her lyrical prowess, added a touch of soulful melodies to the event.
Fashion on display
At the event, the fashion on display was a sight to behold. Dignitaries in attendance showcased their rich cultural heritage and creativity through their exquisite attire, blending tradition with modernity in a seamless display of elegance and style.
Neya Kalu opens the floor
Ms Neya Kalu, Chairman/Publisher of The Sun Publishing Limited, kicked off the evening with compelling remarks, calling the awards a beacon of hope and celebration of remarkable achievements of Nigerians, who refused to be defined by adversity.
Ms Kalu aptly described The Sun Awards as a highly anticipated occasion, one that has etched its place in the hearts of many Nigerians. “This event shines a spotlight on individuals who rise above challenges, demonstrating the hope that defines our great nation, Nigeria,” she declared.
The publisher acknowledged that despite what Nigerians are passing through, there are citizens who have continued to distinguish themselves in their contributions to national development.
She noted: “It is easy to lose sight of our dreams and aspirations amid the testing times we face. Yet, many of you have demonstrated exceptional courage. You have not allowed adversity to extinguish your spirit.”
Kalu described the awardees as beacons of hope, who have inspired others to commit to improving the nation.
She noted that the celebrated award winners’ accomplishments were not just personal victories; they are pivotal contributions to Nigeria’s growth, illuminating paths for future generations.
Kalu emphasised that their hard work and dedication served not only to uplift themselves, but also the communities they represent.
In her words, the collective efforts of all and sundry could transform challenges into opportunities, reinforcing the belief in Nigeria’s boundless potential.
Kalu congratulated the award winners, praising them as the light guiding the nation through dark times. “We are immensely proud of you,” she concluded, leaving attendees with a resounding message of faith and empowerment.
MD’s welcome address
In his welcome address, Mr Onuoha Ukeh, Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief of The Sun Publishing Limited, lauded the uniqueness of this year’s awards.
For the first time, two women were named Man of the Year, a decision that sparked discussions on gender and recognition in a society often bound by stereotypes.
He explained that the title “Man of the Year” is not gender-specific, but rather a recognition of excellence and outstanding impact in society.
“The bold decision of our Board of Editors to name two women ‘Man of the Year’ has sparked both applause and debate, with some wondering why a woman or women would be receiving an award with a ‘masculine moniker,’” Ukeh said. He emphasised that the award is about recognising excellence, not gender, and challenged outdated stereotypes that limit women’s achievements.
Ukeh also drew attention to other unique aspects of the event, including the presence of both a male and female chairman of the occasion and the celebration of an awardee’s birthday.
He wished Senator Aliyu Wamakko, who turned 72 on the day of the event, a happy birthday.
Ukeh used the platform to celebrate the achievements of women, particularly in a month when the world marks International Women’s Day. He praised women for breaking down barriers and shattering glass ceilings in various fields, redefining what it means to be leaders, innovators, and achievers.
“Women’s tireless work, dedication, and perseverance have earned them a reputation as leaders and change-makers,” Ukeh said.
Political perspectives and media’s role
The Chairman of the 2024 The Sun Award ceremony, Alhaji Abdullahi Ganduje, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), echoed similar sentiments.
He described The Sun Awards as a platform for unity and celebration, where excellence can be acknowledged without bias.
Ganduje was optimistic about the ongoing policies of President Bola Tinubu, lauding their gradual positive impacts on the nation’s socio-economic challenges..
“Our dear President, Bola Tinubu, has been working hard to address security and global socio-economic challenges. I am happy to say that some of the hard economic policies implemented have gradually yielded positive results.”
Ganduje also stated that the media must stand as an eagle-eyed watchdog to safeguard public good and national suitability with decorum and decency, and must be guided by the ethics of the noble profession.
“The media has become an integral part of our daily lives, playing a vital role in providing information, educating the public, and reporting on important events.
“Therefore, I cannot over-emphasise the fact that the Nigerian media has always been there for our nation, and I implore you to focus more on promoting journalism, so that we can get better informed through our respective media.”
Ganduje also thanked the management and the Board of Directors of The Sun for inviting him to serve as chairman of the occasion “where Nigerians who have made outstanding performance in their various careers and endeavours are recognised by this beautiful media outfit.
“Over the years, I have followed with keen interest how The Sun Awards has consistently been assembling some of our brightest minds and distinguished Nigerians from all walks of life to interact and share ideas about the development of this country.
“Therefore, I see the programme not only as an opportunity to recognise these distinguished Nigerians, but rather as a forum that further encourages Nigerians both in business, public and private sectors to remain committed by engaging and initiating programmes and policies that enhance social and economic development.
“I was a recipient of The Sun Governor of the Year Award in 2017 when I was the Executive Governor of Kano State. Therefore, I am aware of the rigorous selection process, including assessment of public opinion, for any one of you to emerge as a recipient.
“I am not surprised by the calibre of personalities who are carefully selected for this award today. Indeed, these are distinguished Nigerians who have excelled in their respective endeavours.”
The Sun Awards transcends ethno-religious, social divides, says Bianca Ojukwu
Mrs. Bianca Ojukwu, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, who co-chaired the event, praised The Sun Awards for transcending ethnic, religious, and social divides.
While urging attendees to focus on celebrating their nation’s achievements, she drew attention to the significance of The Sun Awards as a platform for unity and celebration of Nigeria’s best.
“Today, history is being made in this hall where Nigerians and non-Nigerians are gathered to celebrate the best our country can offer,” Mrs. Ojukwu said. She commended The Sun for sustaining the awards for over two decades, describing it as a flagship event that promotes unity, cohesion, and camaraderie.
Mrs. Ojukwu also praised the rigorous selection process for the awards, which ensures that only deserving individuals are honoured.
“With this prestigious awards, which I am meant to understand that the recipients are usually selected through a very rigorous selection process, The Sun has been able to celebrate and promote excellence,” she said. She congratulated the 36 awardees of the 2024 edition, urging Nigerians to focus on celebrating the country’s achievements rather than its challenges. “I urge everyone of us to always look inwardly like the organisers of this event, to identify, flaunt, and celebrate the best of Nigeria instead of always finding faults and showcasing our not-too-good sides,” she added.
Honouring the exceptional
The heart of the evening was dedicated to recognising 36 exceptional Nigerians across various categories. The awards ceremony celebrated contributions in multiple fields. The Man of the Year award went to the duo of Mrs. Catherine Uju Ifejika, female upstream oil operator and Chairman, Brittania-U Nigeria Limited, as well as Dr. Jayne Onwumere, the Amazon of Nigeria’s real estate network marketing and Group Chief Executive Officer, Property World Africa Network (PWAN) Group.
Four serving governors in the country won the Governor of the Year Award. They are Ahmed Aliyu (Sokoto), Chukwuma Soludo (Anambra), Mohammed Bago (Niger), and Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau).
Political Personality of the Year Award was won by Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi State. First Lady of the Year Award was won by Mrs. Mary-Maudline Uzoamaka Nwifuru, wife of Ebonyi State governor.
Mr. Festus Keyamo, SAN, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Management, won the award for Minister of the Year.
Five persons were also honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award. They are Senator George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation; Alhaji Aliyu Wamakko, senator representing Sokoto North and former governor, Sokoto State; Annkio Briggs, environmentalist and civil rights advocate; Prof Ishaq Oloyede, Registrar, Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB); as well as Chief Joseph Ezeokafor, Chairman of Jezco Oil.
In the Public Service Award category, the trio of Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, Managing Director, Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC); Prof Dantani Wushishi, Registrar, National Examination Council (NECO); and Mr. Adewale Adeniyi, Comptroller General, Nigeria Customs Service, were honoured.
The Banker of the Year Award went to Mr. Walter Akpani, Managing Director, Providus Bank.
Four eminent Nigerians were also awarded as Entrepreneurs of the Year. They are Chief Michael Onuoha, Chief Executive Officer, AILES Group; Chief Polycarp Obiukwu, Chairman, Bolton White Group; Dr. Aisha Achimugu, President, Felak Concept Group; and Dr. Kennedy Okonkwo, Group Managing Director, Nedcomoaks Limited.
The Investor of the Year Award went to the duo of Ichie Ken Chimezie Nwankwo, Chairman, Bigly Group; and Amb Emmanuel Udechukwu, Chairman of Roxbury Leisure Homes Limited.
Chief Cyril Okoye, Chief Executive Officer, Grape Tree International Limited; and Chief Chika Emenike, Chairman, Kotec Group were honoured with Industrialist of the Year Award.
The awards in the category of Creative Personality of the Year went to Mr. Seyi Adekunle, founder, Vodi Group; and Chief Jideofor Ezeofor, founder, Zeof Excluzioni.
Humanitarian Service Award also went to Dr. Darlington Nwabunike, President, De Imperial Philanthropic Family; and Chief Habeeb Okunola, Chief ExecutiveOfficer, TILT Group.
The Hospitality Personality of the Year Award went to Mr. Pascal Okechukwu (Cubana Chief Priest), Chief Executive Officer, Hotel CP; and Dr. Dotun Sanusi, Chairman, Ilaji Hotels and Sports Resort. Sanusi was represented on the occasion by a team of five persons, including the President-General, Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), Chief Ajeniyi Ajewole; Chief Operating Officer of Ilaji Group, Prince Adesina Araoye; and Mogaji Nurudeen Akinade.
The Courage in Leadership Award went to the duo of Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume, former Senate Chief Whip; and Prof. Mike Ozekhome, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN).
Nollywood Personality of the Year went to Dr. Emeka Rollas Ejezie, President of Actors Guild of Nigeria; and Regina Daniels-Nwoko, an actress and film producer.
The Founder of The Sun Publishing Limited, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, former two-term governor of Abia State, who was also at the programme, joined in presenting awards to some of the awardees. He noted that there’re individuals across different spheres of life working tirelessly to enhance Nigeria’s stature. A former Managing Director of The Sun Publishing Limited, Mr. Eric Osagae, was also on ground and presented awards to some of the awardees on behalf of the company.
Words of gratitude
Acceptance speeches from awardees were filled with gratitude and inspiration. Anambra’s Governor Soludo, in a heartfelt expression, dedicated his award to stakeholders of the Anambra Transformation Project, highlighting collective effort and the importance of community in achieving greatness.
The Anambra State governor, Prof Charles Chukwuma Soludo, thanked the management of The Sun Publishing Limited for honouring him as the Governor of the Year.
In his acceptance speech after the award was presented to him by the Minster of State for Foreign Affairs, Mrs Bianca Ojukwu, with the support of Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, the founder of The Sun Newspapers, Soludo described the award as quite humbling.
“This is to thank the management of The Sun Newspapers. We’re particularly humbled because about 20 years ago, the Sun Newspaper was one of the eight newspapers and magazines that simultaneously awarded us Nigeria’s Man of the Year because of our transformation of the banking and financial system.
Soludo dedicated the award “to the government, the solution team and all the stakeholders of the Anambra Transformation Project. The Keke drivers, the businesswomen, the Okada drivers, our businessmen, our clergy, our traditional institutions, the government and all the people, who toil every day to cleanse and transform Anambra State.”
Sokoto State governor, Alahji Ahmed Aliyu, in his brief remarks, thanked the management of The Sun Newspapers for honouring him with the Governor of the Year Award. “This award is like a clarion call to me to further do more in providing the good people of Sokoto State dividends of democracy.”
