The Independent Newspaper has organized its Y2025 Silver Jubilee Edition in a grand style.
The award ceremony was held at the convention center of Eko Hotel and Suites on the 18th of April with the theme, “Game Changers: Breaking Barriers, Shaping Tomorrow”.
The gathering brought together the influential people in Nigeria, both young and old under one roof.
The programme kicked off officially with an opening speech by the Managing Director/ Editor-in-Chief of the publication- Mr. Steve Omanufeme.
while congratulating the award recipients, Omanufeme said that the winners emerged as a result of the strict selection process made by a jury, public voting, and the board of the organization.
Omanufeme who described the event as the celebration of game changers, expressed satisfaction that the awards would serve as a spur for the awardees to do more, for their society.
The Chairman of the occasion-Soun of Ogbomosho, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye who poured encomium on the award recipients in his speech, stated that the recognition given to the honorees is of immense significance, especially as they have contributed greatly to the growth of the society; from different strata of life.
Chairman/ CEO, BUA Group-Alhaji Abdulsamad Rabiu shared the “Man of The Year” Award with the Director General, World Trade Organization- Dr. Ngozi Okonjo Iweala.
For the “Outstanding Governor of the Year” awards, Governor of Kaduna State-His Excellency, Senator Uba Sanni clinched the award. He was represented at the event by the Honourable Commissioner for Business Innovation and Technology- Mrs Patience Fakai.
Also, The Delta State Governor-Sheriff Francis Oborevwori, who was represented by his Deputy, Sir Monday John Onyeme, was given a double honour. He received the Outstanding Independent Governor of the year and Best Independent Governor in Urban Renewal (2025) awards.
The Governor who received the award with gratitude to God, described the recognition as a strong endorsement of his administration’s performance and development-driven agenda.
Speaking with journalists after the ceremony, Onyeme said the awards reflected the visible transformation across Delta State since the governor assumed office in 2023.
“It is clear to Nigerians, particularly Deltans, that the governor has reshaped the development narrative of the state. His impact in urban renewal stands out, and the results are evident for all to see,” he said.
He noted that Delta, one of Nigeria’s most urbanised states, has witnessed significant infrastructural growth, particularly in road construction and traffic management.
According to him, ongoing projects, including multiple flyovers in Ughelli, Warri, Effurun, and Enerhen Junction, have eased congestion and improved the overall outlook of key cities.
Onyeme also revealed that the administration has completed about 300 kilometres of roads within a year, describing the feat as a bold step toward addressing longstanding infrastructure challenges.
“When credible organisations carry out independent assessments and recognise these efforts, it only confirms that the administration is on the right track. The achievements speak for themselves,” he added.
In the same vein, Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, who was represented by his deputy Barrister Ifeanyi Ossai got recognitions in two categories- outstanding governor of the year and financial architect governor of the year.
According to the organizers of the event, Peter Mbah clinched the awards based on the fact that he had invested heavily in economic enablers, posting superb performance almost in all the sectors of the economy, while also growing the state’s Internally Generated Revenue from N26.8bn in 2022 ending to N406.77bn in 2025.
Of the said N406.77 billion raked in, in 2025; only about 12 per cent came from tax, while the rest came from the optimisation and monetization of hitherto dormant assets, reforms and introduction of technology to plug loopholes and curb sharp practices,
Reacting to the honours, the governor expressed profound gratitude to Nigerians and stakeholders who participated in the transparent selection process, dedicating the awards to his team and the people of Enugu State for their unwavering support.
Similarly, Governor of Katsina State Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, won the prestigious Human Capital Empowerment Governor of the Year.
He was recognized for his administration’s investment in education, youth/women empowerment, MSME support, and healthcare.
Key Achievement: The award highlighted the administration’s successful focus on human capital development as a tool to reduce poverty and insecurity.
Significance: Governor Radda was selected for his commitment to empowering MSMEs, promoting innovation, and driving economic growth according to reports.
Key Policies: Key factors for this recognition included the recruitment of 7,000 S-Power teachers, renovation of over 150 primary schools, and construction of 75 new secondary schools through the AGILE project.
The elated Governor Radda thanked the Independent Newspapers for the honour, dedicating the award to the people of Katsina Stat, while reiterating that the award was a spur for him to work harder.
Meanwhile, The Senator representing Oyo South, Senator (Dr) Sharafadeen Alli was honoured with the prestigious Legislator of the Year Award.
The recognition which highlighted Senator Alli’s outstanding legislative performance, impactful representation and unwavering commitment to the development of his constituency and the country at large, was regarded by many as a round peg in a round hole.
He was recognized for his reform-driven leadership and outstanding contributions to the legislature, strengthening his profile as a 2027 gubernatorial hopeful.
Indeed, all the important personalities at the event lauded his dedication to quality lawmaking, strategic constituency projects and consistent advocacy for good governance and people focused policies in the National Assembly.
Still on this, The Senator representing Cross River South Senatorial District, Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, was also the recipient of the legislator of the year award. The Lawmaker, who is representing Nigeria alongside his colleagues at the 152nd Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) in Turkey, was represented by his wife and friends during the award presentation.
According to Senator Asuquo, the award has led him to a deep introspection, recalling the words of Sir Isaac Newton written in 1675, wherein he stated that he was able to see further because he stood on the shoulders of giants.
He said, “Whatever recognition I receive is not mine alone. It rests on the vision and belief of leaders who have created space for a new generation to serve and to lead.”
He further thanked His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the opportunity to serve.
“I am equally grateful to the leadership of the Senate, the President of the Senate, His Excellency Godswill Obot Akpabio; the Deputy Senate President, Distinguished Senator Jibrin Barau; and the Senate Majority Leader, Distinguished Senator Michael Opeyemi Bamidele, as well as all my colleagues, for their guidance, support, and unwavering belief in our collective responsibility to serve the Nigerian people with integrity.”
“To His Excellency, Governor Bassey Edet Otu, a man who spent 12 straight years representing his people effectively in parliament, I thank you, Sir.”
Asuquo also said that, beyond public life, there are quieter sacrifices that make the journey possible.
He appreciated his father and mother, who laid the foundation, his dear wife; who stood in for him. He also dedicated the award to his constituents for their tireless support so far.
Also, Governor Biodun of Ekiti State received the Governor of the Year award on Community Development while Rufai Oseni of Arise News received the Media Personality of the Year award.
Most Innovative Cabinet Minister of the Year 2025 award was received by the Minister of Education-Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa.
Others were alternative energy innovator of the year, trail blazer bank of the year, outstanding banker of the year, financial sector of the year, and the fintech company of the year.
Professor Nenibarini Zabbey, Project Coordinator of the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP),received the Social Impact Man of the Year award, for progress in the Ogoni environmental cleanup programme.
Impact: His efforts have been credited with improving the socio-economic dynamics of Ogoni land through environmental restoration, mangrove recovery, and community-focused projects.
Award Significance: The accolade highlighted his role in delivering a fit-for-purpose cleanup that aligns with the “Renewed Hope” Agenda to restore both the soil and livelihoods in Ogoniland.
This award is sequel to his previous recognition as the winner of the 2022 ASLO Ruth Patrick Award.
Under the Lifetime Achievement Awards, great icons whose works have shaped Nigeria’s economic and social landscape were celebrated.
They included: Businessman
and political strategist Chief Don Obete Etiebet who was accompanied by members of his family to receive the award on the stage, Industrialist Prince Samuel Adedoyin, founder of the Doyin Group, who was recognised for decades of contributions to manufacturing, education and agriculture. He was represented at the event by his children- Olori Olusola Adedoyin Alao and her husband as well as Ayo Adedoyin.
Others were: The renowned banker and investment pioneer Atedo N. A. Peterside, widely respected for his role in transforming Nigeria’s financial markets and founding Stanbic IBTC, Philanthropist and gaming entrepreneur-Chief Kessington Adebutu, whose humanitarian initiatives have supported millions through education and healthcare programmes.
Chief (Dr.) Emmanuel Chukwuemeka Okonkwo, Lt-General Theophilus Yakubu Danjuma and the former Director General of Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) Dakuku Peterside were also honoured at the Independent Newspapers Silver Jubilee Awards as they received the lifetime achievement award.
Going forward, the digital financial powerhouse-Moniepoint represented by Isaac Teso Agbe clinched the Fintech Company of the Year Award. The company received the award after building one of Africa’s fastest-growing financial platforms, serving millions of small businesses.
Zacch Adedeji was also honoured as the “Public Sector Reformer of the Year”, as the organizers reflected on the sweeping reforms introduced at the Federal Inland Revenue Service; aimed at improving tax administration and government revenue.
One of Africa’s largest commercial banks-Fidelity Bank received two honours at the event. The bank was the “Best Retail & SME Bank of the Year”. The bank was lauded for its support for small businesses and financial inclusion initiative. Also, the “CSR Champion of the Year Awards” went to Fidelity Bank (Food Bank) and the NNPC Foundation (Health).
Meanwhile, The Central Bank of Nigeria was honoured as the “Financial Sector Regulator” of the Year for its role in stabilising the financial system and implementing policy reforms. The award was received by Dayo Faleye on behalf of the apex bank.
The Pharmaceutical Company of the Year award went to Greenlife Pharmaceutical Ltd. received by Okolo Harry Thomas and his colleagues.
The “Social Impact Investor of the Year Award” went to Engineer Femi Sani (Araba), and Dr. Chima Desmond Anyaso of Caades Group Ltd.
The award, honours his work in creating lasting value through the Caades Group and his foundations, which focus on education and entrepreneurship.
Anyaso is noted for his investment in education through the Ahuoma Anyaso Education Foundation and his philanthropic support for small businesses, including recent donations to over 100 petty traders in Bende, Abia State.
Recent Accomplishments: This recognition is sequel to his 2024 Vanguard Personality of the Year (Real Estate Icon) award and his recent receipt of the Silverbird Trailblazer Award in March 2026.
Following the award, Dr. Anyaso reaffirmed his commitment to using business as a tool to empower communities and improve lives.
He said: “The award is deeply meaningful because it highlights something I truly believe in—that investment should go beyond profit and create lasting value in people’s lives. For me, social impact is not a slogan; it is a responsibility and a lifelong commitment to building opportunities, supporting communities and improving lives through deliberate action.
I also want to appreciate my dear wife and the amazing friends who stood by me and shared this special evening. Your love, presence, and support mean the world to me.
Thank you to everyone who believes in this journey and continues to support the vision. This recognition is a strong encouragement to do even more”, Anyaso added.
According to one of the guests of honour- former Group Managing Director of the New Nigeria Development Company (NDDC) and former Chairman and CEO of FSB International Bank- Alhaji Mohammed Hayatudeen who also helped in presenting some of the awards,
“the milestone achieved by the Independent Newspaper is a remarkable testament to resilience and professionalism in Nigeria’s evolving media landscape”, he said.
He observed that the newspaper has not only chronicled Nigeria’s history but has actively contributed to shaping it by upholding the enduring responsibility of the press to inform, question and hold power accountable without fear or favour, even in an increasingly complex digital media environment.
Hayatudeen also praised the awardees saying that their contributions have redefined standards across business, public service and social impact.
He emphasised that the honorees, who were called “game changers”, were not merely successful individuals but catalysts who have altered the trajectory of their respective fields through vision, courage and an unwavering commitment to excellence.
Some of the important guests at the event were: High Chief Olumide Oniru- The Olopon of Iru land, Yusuf Suleiman-Honourable Commissioner, Ministry of Education, Basic and Secondary Education, SGS of Katsina State-Abdullahi G. Faskari, Head of Service for Katsina State-Falalu Bawala, Chief Okeanonife Esq, Chairman /CEO of Inter Trust Management Company -Dr. Thilo T. Offiah, John Briggs-Securities and Exchange Commission and other numerous colleagues, associates and well wishers of the awardees who came in their droves to felicitate with them.
Recall that The Independent Newspaper was founded in October 2001, when Nigeria Media Landscape was transforming.
Indeed, it has grown into a colossus, as it has demonstrated resilience and adaptability, while providing Nigerians and by extension those in diaspora a reliable, insightful and as a matter of fact, an independent media outlet.
