Two former governors of Ogun State, Gbenga Daniel and Olusegun Osoba, alongside other prominent Nigerians, have commended the resilience and longevity of Champion Newspapers Limited.
The commendations were made during the Champion Newspapers 2025 Awards Night held at Eko Hotels and Suites.
The management of the newspaper honoured more than 50 individuals and organisations for their outstanding performances in government, business, and other sectors of national development. The annual awards ceremony has become one of Nigeria’s respected platforms for recognising excellence across government, academia, traditional institutions, and the private sector.
At the event, Daniel served as Chairman of the occasion while Osoba attended as the Special Guest of Honour. Among those honoured were Usman Ododo, who received the Governor of the Year Award for Youth Development and Security, and Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who won the 2025 Star Performance Award.
Speaking at the ceremony, Daniel described the annual Champion Awards as a celebration of excellence, courage, and enterprise, recognising individuals whose leadership and achievements continue to inspire confidence in Nigeria’s future.
He noted that Champion Newspapers has remained steadfast despite changes in media technology and the evolving landscape of national discourse. Daniel also commended the organisation’s Group Managing Director, Nwadiuto Iheakanwa, for her dedication, professionalism, and commitment to journalistic excellence.
He praised the management, editors, journalists, and staff of the newspaper for their perseverance in a highly competitive media industry and their commitment to truth, professionalism, and national development.
Osoba also applauded the management and staff of the media organisation, noting that sustaining a newspaper for decades reflects remarkable dedication and commitment.
In her welcome address, Iheakanwa said the awards were designed to honour leadership, integrity, innovation, and service across various sectors of the Nigerian economy. She noted that despite the country’s challenges, the awardees have demonstrated that progress is possible when vision meets integrity and competence.
She also paid tribute to the founder of the newspaper, Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, saying his foresight and belief in responsible journalism laid the foundation for one of Nigeria’s enduring media institutions.
Among the major honours of the night, Buba Marwa, head of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, was named Man of the Year, while the agency itself received the Most Innovative and Outstanding Public Agency of the Year award.
Other awardees included Adaora Umeoji, who was named Banker of the Year, and Austen Osokpor, who received the Media Manager of the Year award.
Corporate honours went to Globus Bank Limited as Most Innovative Bank of the Year and Moniepoint Microfinance Bank as Fintech Company of the Year.
In the insurance category, Babatunde A. Oguntade was recognised as Insurance Personality of the Year, while Cornerstone Insurance Plc received the Insurance Company of the Year award.
