The Sun Newspaper has celebrated its annual awards for year 2025 themed: ‘Celebrating Uncommon Achievers’, with The Enugu State Governor-Peter Mbah, the Senator representing Ogun West- Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola (Yayi) and Governor of The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)- Olayemi Cardoso sharing concurrently, Sun Man of The Year award for Y2025.
While Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State, Abbah Kabir Yusuf of Kano State and Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State shared The Governor of The Year Award.
The event which was held on the 31st of January, 2026 at the Convention Center of Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos was full of glitz and glamour.
The evening started with a red carpet where celebrities were shown the first stage of the event with paparazzi on ground to add glamour to the event.
The founder of The Sun Newspaper-Senator Orji-Uzor Kalu while welcoming the guests to the epoch making event, explained that The Newspaper is apolitical and based on public trust.
According to him, “ I don’t have a say in matters bordering on story selection or advert placement because I allow the editorial crew to use their discretion”, he added.
Similarly, The Chairman of the occasion- Dr Allen Onyema who is also a Lawyer, Businessman and founder of Air Peace while welcoming the invited guests, explained that Sun Awards have become a beacon of hope for many people.
The publisher-Neya Kalu in her address said, “even though Nigerians are going through demanding era, we must not lose sight of the moments of progress. In our twenty three (23) years of existence, we value innovation. Hence – the celebration of uncommon achievers”, she said.
Little wonder, Kenneth Okonkwo who bagged The Nollywood Icon Award has this to say to the crew of Khal-El Media in an interview: “it is beautiful to be selected among the best”.
The elated award recipient said he was particularly grateful to God for the honour bestowed on him by The Sun Newspaper, especially for distinguishing him out from the other members of the industry.
Some of the awardees included: Nigerian Deputy Senate President-Senator Jibrin Barau and Chief Obioma Akagburuonye who received the Humanitarian Service Icon awards, Mrs Chioma Uzodimma ( First Lady of The Year), Governor Seyi Makinde- Political Personality of The Year, Dr. Ezenwo Nyesom Wike-Minister of The Year, Catholic Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah of Sokoto Diocese-Courage in Leadership award while Oba Rashidi Ladoja, Bishop Mike Okonkwo, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, Alhaji Buba Galadima and Chief Simeon Eyisi bagged the lifetime achievement awards.
Other categories were: The most outstanding royal father of the year award which went to The Igwe of Nnewi- Igwe Kenneth Orizu III, with Chief Emeka Agbanari, Chief Peter Orogwu and Chief John Ezeobi bagging the industrialist of the year award. Dr. Emmanuel Efe Emefienim was honoured with the banker of the year award.
In the same vein, Dr. Emeka Agbasi and Professor Stella Smith received the public service personality award.
Investors of The Year Award went to Chief Andrew Oru, Dr Julius Rone and Engineer Emeka Oguchi.
Similarly, Chief Mike Ejiogu, Prince Charles Ezeagwu, Mr Olasunkanmi Owoyemi and Dr. Eric Opah bagged the Entrepreneur of The Year Award.
Zenith Bank PLC and OPAY received the bank of the year and FINTECH/ Digital Bank of The Year, respectively.
Others were: Paul Onwanibe and Chief Livinus Anigbogu who bagged the hospitality icon of the year award as well as Dr. Steven Nweze who received the real estate icon award.
Onyeka Michael Ugwu and Tunde Onakoya received the young achievers award.
Roll call of personalities at the event 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, The Editor-in- Chief of Champion Newspapers Dr (Mrs) Nwadiuto Iheakanwa, A Nigerian Lawyer cum Chairman/ CEO of Brittania-U Nigeria Ltd-Mrs Catherine Uju Ifejika, Nollywood Icon Bob-Manuel Udokwu, Businesswoman and Influential Socialite who was also the Wife of the late Businessman and Owner of Globe Motors- Nkiru Anumudu, The MD/CEO of Slots Systems Limited-Engineer Nnamdi Ezeigbo and The Nigerian music artist manager, politician, entrepreneur, TV show host and the founder of record label Made Men Music Group (Triple MG) Ubi-Franklin Ekapong Ofem, known mononymously as Ubi Franklin among others.
