The Champion Newspapers Limited has held its Y2026 Annual Awards on the 14th of March in Lagos, with Senator Ggbenga Daniel as the chairman of the occasion.
The event which was attended by the crème de la crème of the society from different aspects of life, was held at The Convention Center of Eko Hotel and Suites.
The Chairman of the event -former governor of Ogun State and Senator of The Federal Republic of Nigeria representing Ogun East, Otunba Gbenga Daniel in his speech said the event was a celebration of excellence and leadership in turbulent times.
While paying tribute to the late founder of the publishing house and former President General of Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide-Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu (Ahaejiejemba) for his foresight and dedication to responsible journalism, he also upheld the essence of the occasion.
According to him, “This ceremony is not merely an awards event, it is a special moment of recognition”, he said.
In the same vein, The Group Managing Director/ Editor-in-Chief of Champion Newspapers Limited-Dr. (Mrs) Nwadiuto Iheakanwa in her welcome speech noted that this year’s ceremony was designed to honour exemplary leadership, integrity, innovation and service from the different sectors of the society.
She further pointed out that the annual event is a commitment to promoting excellence and accountability in all ramifications.
In the light of the above, The “Man of the Year Award” went to The Chairman/ Chief Executive Officer of The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA)-Brigadier General Mohammed Buba Marwa (rtd.), who was represented at the occasion by the Agency’s Director, Media and Advocacy-Mr. Femi Babafemi.
The award was given in recognition of Marwa’s leadership, integrity, and innovation in public service, particularly in reforming the NDLEA.
Also, the NDLEA was named the Most Innovative and Outstanding Public Agency of the Year in addition to Marwa’s honour.
While the Kogi State Governor-Usman Ododo received the “Governor of the Year on Youth Development and Security” Award.
Ododo was honoured for his dedication to empowering the youth, improving security, and fostering development in Kogi State.
The award which was a testament to his focus on skills development programs, job creation, and support for young entrepreneurs in order to enhance peace and security; was received on his behalf by the Kogi State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Monday Aridaojo Anyebe flanked by the Commissioner for Information and Communications-Kingsley Famwo.
The elated Fanwo who was filled with profound gratitude to the management of Champion Newspapers Limited for the award conferred on his principal said, “The State Government will continue to work for the betterment of the youth”.
The Group Managing Director, Zenith Bank PLC-Dame (Dr.) Adaora Umeoji was named the “Banker of the Year”.
The award which was received on her behalf by the GM/ Group Head of Zenith Bank-Mr Justin Osogbo was based on these factors:
*Exceptional Financial Growth:
Under Dr. Umeoji’s leadership, the bank demonstrated remarkable resilience in a turbulent economic environment, achieving significant milestones in profit before tax and gross earnings, reflecting a “fortress balance sheet”.
*Leadership in Digital Transformation:
Zenith Bank was recognized for its continued innovation in digital banking, providing cutting-edge solutions and alternative channels that enhanced customer convenience and safety.
*Corporate Governance and Sustainability:
The bank retained its position as a top-tier financial institution, adhering to high standards of corporate governance, sustainability, and promoting gender equality.
*International Recognition:
The award complemented a series of 2025 accolades, including being named “Best Bank in Nigeria” by the Euromoney Awards for Excellence and retaining its status as the number one bank in Nigeria by Tier-1 Capital for the 16th consecutive year, while Access Bank received the “Bank of the Year” Award.
Also, Globus Bank Limited was named the “Most Innovative Bank of the Year”.
The honour which was conferred on the bank was received by the Executive Director-Mr. Sunday Ilegar.
Globus Bank received the award because of its unique history of doing business vis-a-vis:
*Rapid Growth & Financial Strength:
The bank saw significant growth in 2024 and 2025, doubling revenue and increasing assets.
*Digital Innovation: Recognized as a top-tier digital bank focused on seamless transactions and user experience.
*Zero Non-Performing Loans: The bank was recognized for having an exceptional zero non-performing loan record.
*Best Digital Innovation: Awarded at the 2025 BAFI Awards for its tech-driven approach.
*Customer-Centric Focus: Known for delivering, user-friendly and reliable digital banking services.
Others in this category were: Ecobank Nigeria’s Austen Osokpo who received the Media Manager of the Year Award, Moniepoint MFB received the Fintech Company of the Year Award.
Under the Insurance Company category, Cornerstone Insurance PLC received the “Insurance Company of the Year” Award.
The award which was received by the MD/ CEO of the company-Mr. Stephen Alangbo was based on the company’s outstanding innovation, customer-centric services, and consistent growth, including a 44% revenue increase.
The award highlighted their 35-year commitment to trust, adoption of cutting-edge technology (including the CiCi AI chatbot), and superior, fast claims settlement.
Some key factors that necessitated the award included:
*Innovation and Technology: Launching the “CiCi” AI chatbot to make insurance services faster and more accessible.
*Customer-Centric Approach: A focus on empathy and providing tailored risk management solutions, leading to increased customer trust.
*Financial Growth: Recording a 44% rise in revenue for FY 2025 to N43.7 billion.
*Performance Leadership: Recognized as a top performer in both general and life insurance, with strong underwriting practices.
Other insurance companies under this category included: The MD of Lectern Insurance Brokers-Prince Babatunde A. Oguntade ( Insurance Personality of the Year), Prestige Insurance Brokers- “Most Outstanding Insurance Broker of the Year”while the Chief Executive Officer of the company-Prince Feyisayo Soyewo received the “Lifetime Achievement Award”.
Similarly, The Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho was honoured with the “Outstanding Agency of the Year Award”.
Receiving the award on his behalf, GM, Corporate Affairs Mr Ikechukwu Onyemekara said the award was a recognition of his vigorous leadership in implementing smart initiatives that align with the NPA’s vision.
According to him, the MD has envisioned NPA to become the Maritime Logistics Hub for Sustainable Port Services in Africa.
Other factors that necessitated the award were:
*Trade Facilitation and Economic Impact:
The NPA played a pivotal role in driving national prosperity, helping achieve substantial trade surpluses of ₦7.5 trillion and ₦6.7 trillion in Q2 and Q3 2025, respectively.
*Smart Initiatives & Efficiency: Under the leadership of Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, the authority implemented smart, digitalized, and sustainable port services to improve efficiency.
*Support of National Policies: The NPA actively executed President Tinubu’s policy for crude/petroleum product sales in Naira, which saved significant foreign exchange (FOREX), improved energy security, and created jobs.
*Strategic Leadership: The award recognized the collaborative efforts of the management and the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy to drive improvements in the maritime sector.
The Chairman, House Committee on Ocean and Fisheries, Federal House of Representatives-Honourable Akarachi Etinosa Tosan Amadi representing Mbaitoli/Ikeduru Federal Constituency, received the Champion Newspapers “Lawmaker of the Year Award”.
The award was given to him for the projects he did in education, infrastructure and healthcare sectors over the years.
He has also done a great job in social welfare, touching countless lives and earning widespread respect across political and community lines.
His dedication to his constituents has inspired many young leaders and set a standard for effective, results-oriented public service.
In an interview with the Media, Honourable Amadi who dedicated his award to God Almighty expressed gratitude to the management of the publishing house for recognizing him.
According to him, “It is not about rewards, it is about results. It is important for us to sharpen our skills to get results”, he said.
Still on the Y2026 Champion Newspapers Awards, Chief Dr. Ebuka Onunkwo, Chairman/CEO of Seahorse Lubricant Industries Ltd, was also honoured at the event as the “Most Outstanding Industrialist of the Year”.
The Chairman/CEO who was recognized for boosting local manufacturing and adhering to the “Akulue-uno” philosophy of investing in his home region has added value to his feathers as a major player in Nigeria’s manufacturing sector, following similar honours including an award from The Sun Newspapers in 2021.
This milestone was also hinged on his contributions to Nigeria’s lubricants sector and his commitment to local industrial growth.
Others included: Honourable Kennedy Agbogo Angbo, the lawmaker representing the Otukpo/Akpa State Constituency in the Benue State House of Assembly as, “Most Effective Member of State House of Assembly of the Year”.
The award recognized his outstanding legislative performance, effective representation, and commitment to the welfare of his constituents.
The Honourable is noted for his focus on grassroots empowerment and has also called for legalizing community-based self-defense systems to protect residents.
Also, The Executive Vice Chairman of Zotmann Mining Limited, a leading mining company in Nigeria-Chief Victor Nwokeji, received the “Businessman of the Year Award”, while Senator Peter Onyekachi Nwebonyi, representing Ebonyi North Senatorial District, was honoured with the prestigious “Most Visionary Administrator of the Year” award in recognition of his service, impactful leadership, and dedication to his constituents.
Nwebonyi who showed appreciation for the award, in a media chat thanked the publishing house and vowed to do more for his constituents.
He also noted that the award is a call for continued service to humanity.
Senator Uche Ekwunife (Iyom) CON was also conferred with the 2025 “Most Impactful Female Politician of the Year Award” and Barrister Emeka Okafor received it on her behalf.
According to her, the honoour has strengthened her resolve for the continual support of good governance, nation-building, and women’s empowerment.
Lagos State Government also shined at the awards, as The Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development-Dr. Oluyinka Olumide as well as his counterpart at the Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry Mr. Biodun Ogunleye received the “Exceptional Leadership in Physical Planning and Urban Development Award”, and
the “Star Performer” Award respectively.
In his acceptance speech, Dr. Olumide tasked the real estate investors to adhere to planning regulations, which is critical to achieving a well-organised, live-able, and sustainable urban environment in Lagos State.
In the same vein, Mr. Ogunleye who was recognized for his visionary commitment to infrastructure development, specifically in strengthening public safety and boosting economic activity through the “Light Up Lagos” initiative, dedicated the award to Lagos State Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, as well as the workers, staff, and artisans who worked assiduously to make the project a reality.
Former Ogun State Governor Aremo Olusegun Osoba who was a special guest, Honourable Dr. Charles Okadigbo, Former Minister of State for Finance who was also the Former Chairman, Revenue Mobilization and Fiscal Commission-Engineer Elias Mbam were among the distinguished personalities at the ceremony.
