Daily Times @100 Heroes Awards: Organisers name winners across 29 categories

The Organising Council of the Daily Times Nigeria Centenary (DTN@100) Heroes Awards has announced the winners in 29 award categories.

This followed the conclusion of voting that attracted thousands of verified votes from Nigerians across the country and the diaspora.

The awards, one of the flagship initiatives marking the centenary celebration of Daily Times Nigeria, recognise exceptional individuals, institutions, and organisations whose leadership, innovation, and enduring contributions have shaped Nigeria’s political, economic, social, and corporate development.

Announcing the winners, the Chairman of the DTN@100 Organising Council, Bolaji Okusaga, described the overwhelming public participation as a testament to Nigerians’ desire to celebrate excellence, integrity, and transformational leadership.

Okusaga said: “The DTN@100 Heroes Awards were conceived not merely to recognise achievement, but to celebrate individuals and institutions whose leadership has created lasting value for Nigeria and a critical pipeline to select states, organisations and individuals to be featured in the NIGERIA GRAND BOOK (NATIONAL SOUVENIR).

“The quality of nominations, the scale of public participation and the credibility of the voting process reaffirm that Nigerians are eager to honour excellence wherever it is found.”

Okusaga said the awards represent one of the defining legacies of the Daily Times centenary celebration.

He said: “For one hundred years, Daily Times has chronicled Nigeria’s history and celebrated the people shaping its future. 

“The DTN@100 Heroes Awards continue that legacy by spotlighting individuals and institutions whose vision, courage and impact have advanced national development and inspired generations. 

“This year’s honorees embody the excellence, resilience and transformative leadership that continue to move Nigeria forward.”

Among the headline honourees, Jim Ovia, Founder and Chairman of Zenith Bank Plc, was honoured with the Change Maker of the Century Award in recognition of his transformational contributions to Nigeria’s financial services sector and national development.

Folorunsho Alakija received the prestigious Life and Legacy Award for her enduring impact on entrepreneurship, philanthropy and nation-building.

Also honoured was Senator George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), who received the Public Impact Person of the Decade Award for his distinguished record of public service and national leadership.

Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, former President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), received the Global Impact Award, while the President of Aliko Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, was recognised as Business Icon of the Century. 

The Group Managing Director/CEO of Zenith Bank Plc, Dame Dr. Adaora Umeoji, emerged as Person of the Year.

In the political and legislative categories, Senator Hope Uzodinma, Governor of Imo State, was recognised as Governor of the Decade, while Alhaji Mohammed Umar Bago emerged Governor of the Year. 

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, was named Politician of the Year.

Within the National Assembly, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu won the Lawmaker of the Year (House of Representatives) award, while Senator Ahmed Aliyu Wadada received the Lawmaker of the Year (Senate) honour.

At the federal executive level, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (SAN), was honoured as Minister of the Decade in recognition of his enduring contributions to public service and national development. 

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Chief Nyesom Wike, emerged Impactful Minister of the Year for his leadership and delivery of high-impact infrastructure and governance initiatives, while the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, received the Transformative Minister of the Year award for his bold reforms, innovative leadership, and transformative efforts in driving institutional renewal, service delivery, and public sector transformation.

The Outstanding Governor Awards, presented across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, were won by Dr. Dauda Lawal (North West), Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed (North East), Engr. Abdullahi Audu Sule (North Central), Peter Ndubuisi Mbah (South East), Pastor Umo Bassey Eno (South South), and Babajide Sanwo-Olu (South West).

Traditional leadership was also recognised, with His Imperial Majesty, Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, receiving the Community Impact Award for his outstanding contributions to community development, cultural preservation, and national cohesion.

In the corporate category, Green Energy International Limited (GEIL) was honoured as the Energy Company of the Decade in recognition of its transformative contributions to Nigeria’s energy sector, notably the successful delivery of the Otakikpo Onshore Crude Oil Export Terminal in record time, alongside the execution of strategic projects that have strengthened indigenous capacity and expanded the nation’s energy infrastructure. 

Emadeb Energy Group was named Energy Company of the Year for its sustained investments, operational excellence, and significant contributions across the upstream, midstream, downstream, and power sectors, reinforcing energy security, driving industrial growth and supporting Nigeria’s economic development. 

MTN Nigeria Communications Plc received the Digital Company of the Decade award.

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