It was a night of glits, glamour and excitement at The Silverbird Man of The Year Award 2025, held on the 1st of March, 2026 at The Convention Centre of Eko Hotels and Suites Victoria-Island, Lagos.
The gathering themed: “20 years of celebrating Excellence, Leadership and Impact on the Society”, attracted the high and mighty in the country.
Indeed , it was an opportunity to honour Nigerians from different facets of the society for working assiduously to make life better for the citizenry.
The prestigious “ Man of the Year” Award was presented to The Governor of Cross River State- Senator Prince Bassey Edet Etu who dedicated it to the great people of his State.
In his acceptance speech, he said: “It was the collective sacrifice and unwavering support of Cross Riverians, their resilience that fueled our administration’s drive”.
The Governor, who was accompanied by his wife and the great sons and daughters of Cross River from different sectors vis-a-vis the National Assembly, State Assembly, his cabinet members, local government and other top government functionaries; described the award as a symbol of collective sacrifice. He also appreciated the management of Silverbird Group for finding him worthy of the recognition.
In the spirit of the recognition for excellence, the chief of staff to the Cross River State Government-Honourable Emmanuel Ironbar while speaking with members of the press expressed satisfaction at the success of the Governor in the administration of the state.
In the same vein, The Governor of Plataeu State-His Excellency-Barrister Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang who came to the Convention Centre with the “Who-is-who” in Plataeu State while receiving the “Governor of the Year” award; commended Ben Murray-Bruce the Chairman and other management of Silverbird Group, for giving him such a coveted recognition.
In his acceptance speech Governor Mutfwang noted that, Plataeu State which was hitherto known for negative headlines has begun to gain momentum for its good narratives, as the state is rapidly becoming the next destination for investors.
The elated governor who was flanked by his people on the stage, attributed his win to the concerted efforts put in by his administration, through policies that have helped in creating an enabling environment for peace, productivity, progress and shared prosperity.
In his words; “The only way we can secure enduring peace is when leaders take responsibility and provide the necessary leadership for the people to follow”.
Mutfwang further expressed his delight in the fact that the peace loving people of Plataeu State are united in solidarity to the cause of the people, especially in the provision of the necessary backing for the cause of good governance.
The “Governor of the Year” award was shared with The Kano and Imo States Governors – Abbah Kabir Yusuf who was represented by Usman Bala Muhdi, mni and Senator Hope Uzodimma who was equally represented.
Both governors were full of appreciation to the management of Silverbird Group for the award given to them.
While prominent entrepreneur and philanthropist, Dr. Chima Desmond Anyaso along with legendary actress Omoni Oboli and the comedian Ayo Makun popularly known as “AY” received the “Trailblazer Awards”.
The award recipients were full of praises for the outstanding contributions Silverbird Group has made in the entertainment world.
Consequently, The Minister of Works-Senator David Umahi received the Silverbird’s “Extraordinary Personality of the Year” award at the 2026 edition.
The minister who was represented got the award for the transformative impact he has made in the country, through the ‘Concrete Revolution’, while he inspired positive change across the nation.
Similarly, The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (S.A.N) was the recipient of the Y2025 “Minister of The Year Awards.
Keyamo who came on the stage along with his team, friends and associate poured encomium on the Silverbird Group for bestowing upon him the award which he has long anticipated for.
In his acceptance speech, the minister made case for public service which according to him, “has been oftentimes misunderstood”.
The minister said: “Please allow me to recognize those who have already been recognized here tonight. You see, public office is such a thankless job because of the trust deficits that exist between the people and governments. But when you get such an award, it helps to encourage you that somewhere, somehow, some people are watching. It is a huge encouragement”, Keyamo noted.
While he dedicated the award to the aviation team in the country, the minister reiterated that the award was made possible as a result of their hard work and dedication, such that; he recognized them as the true drivers behind the Ministry’s achievements.
He said; “I have a huge team behind me here that make me look good. The MD of FAAN (Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria -Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku), the DG of the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB-Capt. Alex Badeh Jr.), NAMA (The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency), the NCAA (Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority), the Flying School, the Aviation University, and all the agencies that I supervise, they actually do all the hard work. I’m just a policymaker. Thank you, all of you”, he added.
Keyamo who announced the cashless policy of FAAN by the federal government said: “Ben Bruce, please permit me, I’m going to use this platform to apologize to Nigerians for all the gridlocks they faced today across the country at the bgates of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria. Today, we went cashless in line with the policy of this government to eliminate the collection of cash at toll gates”.
He went further to say: “The President gave us an ultimatum, and today we went cashless at all the gates. We have been announcing it before now, go and get your FAAN cards so that when you get to the gate, you just tap and the barrier opens. If you go to any FAAN gate and you want to pay cash, I’m sorry, you’re going to experience embarrassment and gridlock because nobody will allow you to pass through”, the minister revealed.
While fielding questions to newsmen, the elated minister said that the award is a spur for him to do more.
Under the posthumous award category the late Alaafin of Oyo- Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, Nigerian politician, businessman and former president-general of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo- Chief Emmanuel Chukwuemeka Iwuanyanwu (Ahaejiejemba), the late governor of Plateau State on the platform of The Nigerian People’s Party (NPP)- Solomon Daushep Lar and the foremost Nigerian poet, John Pepper Clark, popularly called J. P. Clark were honoured with the award.
Receiving the award on behalf of her father- the MD of Champion Newspapers, Dr. Nwadiuto Iheakanwa praised the many attributes of the late Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, whose business trajectories traversed the different sectors of the economy.
In her words: “My father came, he saw and he conquered, there was no form of business he did not go into”, she said.
Nwadiuto also thanked the Silverbird Group for giving her father the well deserved recognition.
The children of Solomon Lar- Honourable Bemi Lar, Dr Mike Omeri ( Obowu of Keana) and the commissioner for works in Plataeu State-Joshua Ubanchome Lavei who all came to the stage were filled with joy for the auspicious award.
The children of John Pepper Clark who received the award on behalf of their father were also full of appreciation for the award.
In the same vein, the children of the late Alaafin of Oyo- Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III received the award on behalf of their father. They also thanked the management of Silverbird Group for the auspicious occasion.
Others were: Mitchel Elegbe-Special Achievement Award, Tony Elumelu-Extraordinary Achievement Award and the legendary Joke Silva-Lifetime Achievement Award.
Some important people at the event included: The Secretary to the Lagos State Government-Barrister Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, Distinguished Senator Asuquo Ekpeyoung representing Cross River South Senatorial District at the National Assembly, Distinguished Senator Eteng J. Williams representing Cross River Central Senatorial District, Fabulously John and other distinguished Honourables from the South-South, Middle-belt, North and the South-East.
Others were: The Chairman of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria South-East Region and Executive Director of Dozzy Oil and Gas Limited, cum Founder of Association of Professional Women on Rural Development, who is also The Chairman, Keystone Bank-Lady Ada Chukwudozie, Senator Florence Ita-Giwa, Former Director General of Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and former House of Representatives Member for Andoni–Opobo–Nkoro Constituency Dr. Dakuku Adol Peterside, Founder of Jehovah Eyes Salvation Ministry-Prophet Godwin Ikuru, Nigeria’s leading comedian, Atunyota Alleluya Akpobome, popularly known as Ali Baba, ageless actress Kate Henshaw, members of the Silverbird Group and members of the fourth estate of the realm among others.
