In a significant move to celebrate a quarter-century of journalism, Independent Newspapers Limited has officially launched its 2026 Silver Jubilee Awards Edition. The prestigious event, marking 25 years of the newspaper's operations, will feature a groundbreaking public voting component, inviting Nigerians nationwide to participate in selecting winners.
A Landmark Celebration with Public Inclusion
The awards ceremony is scheduled for Saturday, April 18, 2026, at the Eko Hotel and Suites on Victoria Island, Lagos. Under the theme “Gamechangers, Breaking Barriers & Shaping Tomorrow”, the event aims to honour individuals and organisations that have driven impactful change in Nigeria.
Announcing the plans at a press conference held at the Nigeria Institute of Journalism (NIJ) in Ogba, Ikeja, the Chairman of the Awards Committee, Mr. Yemi Adebisi, described the edition as a historic milestone. He was joined by other top editors including Business Editor Sylvester Enoghase, Sunday Independent Editor Austin Oboh, Managing Editor Kingsley Ighomwenghian, and Premia Event Services' Programmes Manager Peter Gbologe.
Adebisi stated that the awards reflect the organisation's enduring commitment to recognising excellence and its role in promoting accountability and national development. “The Silver Jubilee edition would not only celebrate the organisation’s legacy but also reinforce its role,” he affirmed.
Transparent Voting Process and Award Categories
A major innovation for this anniversary edition is the introduction of a transparent, multi-layered selection process that includes public voting. The committee has outlined a clear framework:
- Nominations opened on January 15, 2026, and will close on February 12, 2026.
- A shortlist of nominees will be announced on March 31, 2026, which will also mark the start of public voting.
- Online voting will be free and conducted via the Independent Newspapers' official website, running from March 31 to April 14, 2026.
The final winners will be determined using a percentage-based system designed to balance popular opinion with expert judgment:
- Public votes will account for 40% of the final score.
- An independent jury panel will contribute 30%.
- Selected respected Nigerian assessors will provide the remaining 30%.
Adebisi assured that robust measures will be implemented to safeguard the voting process against manipulation, ensuring it genuinely reflects public choice.
Recognising Excellence Across 25 Sectors
The awards will feature approximately 25 categories, with three nominees in each, spanning business, governance, and other key sectors of the Nigerian economy. Notable categories include:
- Man of the Year
- Financial Sector Regulator of the Year
- Lifetime Achievement Award
Eligibility requires nominees to be Nigerian citizens or organisations operating within Nigeria, with considered achievements occurring in or significantly impacting the year 2025. Organisations must be duly registered, and public officials must be currently serving or have served within the relevant period.
Evaluation criteria are stringent, focusing on measurable impact, innovation, leadership, sustainability, contribution to national development, and adherence to ethical standards. “The awards are not merely ceremonial but are intended to set benchmarks for excellence and inspire higher standards,” Adebisi emphasised, aligning the initiative with Independent Newspapers' core values of professionalism and public-interest journalism.
With its expanded scope and inclusive process, the Independent Newspapers Silver Jubilee Awards are poised to attract wide national interest, celebrating a legacy of journalism while shaping the narrative for Nigeria's future leaders and innovators.
