Vanguard Newspapers Limited has organized its Y2025 Personality of The Year Award” in Lagos with pomp and pageantry.
The ceremony which was held on the 24th of April, 2026 at the Convention Center of Eko Hotel, and Suites Victoria Island was attended by who is who in Nigeria.
The event started with a red carpet, light entertainment, introduction of protocols and later came the first phase of the award presentation.
The Lifetime Achievement Awards were presented to the following senior citizens for their immense contributions to the society. Professor Oladapo Abraham Afolabi- for the giant strides he made during his career as the head of the civil service of the federation, especially his impeccable track record in education and public service, Engineer Vincent Maduka-as a preeminent broadcasting pioneer and instruction builder. His storied career was defined by engineering excellence, visionary and commitment to nation-building which has left an indelible mark on the media in Nigeria and by extension-Africa.
Vincent Maduka was the inaugural Director-General of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) and the president of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) at a point in time.
Still on this category was the renowned Nigerian visual artist-Professor Bruce Onobrakpeya whose works of art helped to re-define African Cultural thought, the Nigerian Industrialist and Philanthropist-Prince (Dr.) Samuel Adedoyin whose company-Doyin Group spans manufacturing, real estate, hospitality, energy, agriculture and banking; a petroleum engineering explorationist and the chairman of the indigenous oil and gas service company Petrolog Group – Dr. Vincent Ebuh, who made history as the first Nigerian to establish an oil and gas services firm in the country.
Also the elder statesman Chief Jim Ifeanyichukwu Nwobodo was honoured for been a defining figure in Nigeria’s political landscape. Others were: Senator Kofoworola Bucknor-Akerele for her courage, service to humanity, integrity and unwavering dedication to truth, justice and democracy; Dr. Mrs Cecilia Ibru-a trailblazer, philanthropist and beacon of resilience; the founder of Zenith Bank-Jim Ovia whose visionary impact that transcends beyond banking, education, technology and youth development gave rise to the honour as well as Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah- for his legacy of principled leadership, compassion, integrity and commitment to national development.
The Governor of Enugu State Peter Mbah while appreciating the management and staff of Vanguard Newspapers Limited for the landmark achievement, lauded the great legacy Jim Nwobodo established. He said:
“This is a fitting recognition, and then, of course, the second is allowing me the privilege to present this award to our ageless and selfless elder statesman. It is not every day we get this opportunity to venerate him, so I am indeed grateful that you have given me this privilege to do so.
That is typically how we refer to him and it is a demonstration of our affection for him. We simply call him Jim and Jim represents a lot to us.”
On the one hand, Governors Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State, Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State, Agbu Kefas of Taraba State, Nasir Idris of Kebbi State, Uba Sani of Kaduna State and Bassey Otu of Cross River State who was ably represented at the ceremony by his deputy-Rt. Hon. Peter Agbe Odey; clinched the “Good Governance Award” category for the deliberate efforts they have put in their various states, in order to rebuild institutions, restore infrastructure as well as improve the life of the people.
On the other hand, the Group Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited ( NNPCL)- Engineer Bashir Bayo Ojulari received the “Energy Innovation and Reform Icon of the Year Award”, his leadership style has been defined by strategic reforms, operational growth, stronger corporate governance and a renewed focus on delivering value to the nation.
In the same vein, The Minister of Women Affairs-Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim received the “ Women Affairs Advocate of the Year “ award for her focused, results-driven leadership which is anchored on ‘Women’s Empowerment’.
Olori Victoria Haastrup, the Queen Consort of the 14th Owa Obokun Adimula of Ijesha land-Oba Clement Adesuyi Haastrup was awarded the “Woman Entrepreneur of the Year”, for her resilience, leadership and excellence in business. Her prowess in business and leadership skills has earned her the sobriquet-Queen of Business Excellence.
The Maritime Icon of The Year Award went to the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Starzs Investment Company Limited-Iroghama Ogbeifun for steering Nigeria’s Blue Economy to new horizons; while serving as a powerful symbol of Nigeria’s advancing blue economy and indigenous maritime capabilities.
The Interventionist Agency of the Year went to the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) for being the key institution that transformed the country’s oil-rich region (The Niger Delta), under the visionary leadership of Dr. Samuel Ogbuku.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, was also honoured with the “Image Maker Award 2026” for his ongoing efforts to building trust in government communication.
In his acceptance speech, he said: “This award is a testament to the trust we strive to build with every Nigerian”.
The “Industrialist of the Year” award was given to the Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer of Rite Foods Limited-Saleem Adegunwa, in recognition of his role in the reclamation of Nigeria’s industrial sovereignty and building world-class home-grown brands. Today Rite Foods indigenous products such as Bigi, Fearless and Sosa Beverages as well as Bigi Beef and Rite Spicy Sausages have become a popular staple in Nigeria.
Also, Barrister Chijioke Ezugwu was honoured with the “Grassroots Development Icon Award”. This award recognized his contributions to youth development through empowerment, strategic interventions in security, infrastructure, education and local economic activities in Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area in Enugu State, since his assumption of office in the past one year.
The Vanguard Personality of the Year Award went to two big names in Nigeria. The first was the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji -Ojo for the giant strides he made in establishing transparency, accountability and digital transformation as foundation for improved governance. Tunji -Ojo in his acceptance speech dedicated the award to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his leadership style and setting the pace for good governance.
The other winner was the founder of MRS Oil Nigeria PLC-Alhaji Sayyu Idris Dantata-for championing energy affordability in the country.
Through Dantata’s transformation of Nigeria’s downstream petroleum sector, MRS Oil Nigeria PLC has been able to secure locally refined products at competitive rates, which helped in reducing the reliance on expensive imported oil to the barest.
It now has a strong hold on Direct Savings, Market Influence and Economic Growth. Its market leadership and transparency have re-defined the Nigerian oil and gas landscape.
Also, The Chairman of the occasion, former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources-Mr. Henry Odein Ajumogobia in his speech reaffirmed the importance of the values that make countries great. He said:
“Many of those we honor have distinguished themselves through notable accomplishments, even as their journeys remind us that leadership exists within a broader human context, shaped by pressures, choices, and consequences.
As we celebrate our honourees this evening, we do so with admiration and reflection. We commend hardwork, innovation and resilience, especially in a society where impunity appears to be rewarded.”
Other award recipients were: Mr Chris Iyovwaye(Logistics Icon), High Chief Victor Wayles Egukawhore (Blue Economy Icon), National Emergency Management Agency(Humanitarian Agency of the year, Mr Festus Keyamo(Public Sector Icon of the year) and Archbishop Onyeka Nzekwesi(Urban Development Icon).
Still on the award presentation; Renaissance Africa Energy Limited got the Company of the year award, Mr Oluwatobi Ajayi-Auto Icon of the year, Dr Stephen Akintayo- Real Estate Icon of the Year, Mr Ahonsi Unuigbe-Energy Icon of the year, Mr Victor Nwokeji- Private Sector Icon of the Year and Osahon Okunbo who received the Youth Enterpreneur award of the Year.
Some of the dignitaries at the event were: The Inspector General of Police-Olatunji Rilwan Disu who also helped in the award presentations, Senator Lee Ledogo Maeba, lFounder, Child Health Advocacy Initiative (CHAI), Dr. Elizabeth Lola Alonge and the Chairman of the Board of Directors at Keystone Bank Limited who also doubles as the Chairman of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), South East Zone- Lady Ada Chukwudozie.
Others were: Former Labour Party Presidential candidate-Mr. Peter Obi, Senator Bode Olajumoke, Chief James Onanefe Ibori, Former Commissioner for Finance in Cross River State and currently the youngest Senator representing Cross River Senatorial South District at the Nigerian Red Chamber-Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, Former Director General of Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), who was also a former member of the Nigerian House of Representatives-Dakuku Adol Peterside, Aremo Olusegun Osoba and Otunba Oyinjolayemi who received the lifetime achievement award on behalf of the founder of Doyin Group-Prince (Dr.) Samuel Adedoyin.
