The Independent Newspapers Limited has held its annual awards ceremony, which also marked the company's 25th anniversary. At the event, several individuals recognized for their contributions to societal development in the political and business sectors were honoured.
Celebrating Game Changers
In his welcome address, the Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief of Independent Newspapers Limited, Steve Omanufeme, stated that the awards were designed to celebrate 'game changers,' hence the theme "Gamechangers: Breaking Barriers, Shaping Tomorrow." He added that the awards honour individuals whose achievements have distinguished them in their respective fields. Omanufeme disclosed that the selection process combined public voting, assessment by a team of jurists, and the organisation's internal evaluation.
Royal Endorsement
The Soun of Ogbomosho, Oba Ghandi Olaoye, who chaired the occasion, described the recognition and awards as important in every sphere of life. He stressed that people deserve to be acknowledged for investing their time, talent, and resources in service to society and humanity. The monarch commended the organisers for assembling what he described as notable names among the award recipients, saying the honourees had emerged through a rigorous selection process. He added that many of those recognised had made lasting impacts on the country and society, noting that history would remain kind to them because of the marks they had left on the sands of time.
Oba Olaoye also congratulated Independent Newspapers on its 25th anniversary, saying the organisation had come a long way and expressing confidence that it would celebrate its golden jubilee in another 25 years. He congratulated all the awardees for their contributions to national development, while urging them to see the honours as motivation for greater service. According to him, even recipients of lifetime achievement awards still have more to offer, just as younger awardees are expected to continue contributing to society. He said the awards should serve as encouragement for all recipients to do more in the years ahead.
Notable Awardees
Some of those recognized include Abdul Samad Rabiu, Chairman of BUA Group, who was awarded the Man of the Year, while Mbah emerged as Outstanding Governor of the Year. Mbah was also recognised in the Financial Architect Governor category alongside Abba Kabir Yusuf. Also recognized were Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri and Babagana Zulum as Education Reformer of the Year, as well as Uba Sani who clinched Infrastructure Champion of the Year.
In the banking and fintech categories, Premium Trust Bank, Moniepoint, and Central Bank of Nigeria were among top recipients. The Lifetime Achievement Award category featured distinguished Nigerians including Theophilus Danjuma, Dr Samuel Adedoyin, Atedo Peterside, and Keshington Adetutu.
