The Organising Council of the Daily Times Nigeria Centenary (DTN@100) Heroes Awards has announced winners in 29 categories, with prominent Nigerians, business leaders, public officers, governors, institutions and corporate organisations emerging among the recipients.
The awards followed the conclusion of a nationwide public voting process, which, according to the organisers, attracted thousands of verified votes from Nigerians across the country and the diaspora.
The awards are part of activities marking the centenary celebration of Daily Times Nigeria and are aimed at recognising individuals, institutions and organisations whose leadership, innovation and contributions have influenced the country’s political, economic, social and corporate development.
Chairman of the DTN@100 Organising Council, Bolaji Okusaga, said the level of public participation demonstrated Nigerians’ desire to recognise excellence, integrity and transformational leadership.
Okusaga said the awards were conceived not only to honour achievement but also to celebrate individuals and institutions whose leadership had created lasting value for Nigeria.
He added that the exercise would serve as a critical pipeline for selecting states, organisations, and individuals to be featured in the Nigeria Grand Book, a national souvenir being produced as part of the centenary celebration.
According to him, the quality of nominations, the level of participation, and the credibility of the voting process showed that Nigerians were willing to honour excellence wherever it was found.
He said the awards were also a continuation of Daily Times Nigeria’s historic role in documenting the country’s development.
“For one hundred years, Daily Times has chronicled Nigeria’s history and celebrated the people shaping its future. The DTN@100 Heroes Awards continue that legacy by spotlighting individuals and institutions whose vision, courage and impact have advanced national development and inspired generations,” he said.
Among the major recipients is Jim Ovia, founder and chairman of Zenith Bank Plc, who received the Change Maker of the Century Award for his contributions to Nigeria’s financial services sector and national development.
Businesswoman and philanthropist Folorunsho Alakija received the Life and Legacy Award for her impact on entrepreneurship, philanthropy and nation-building.
Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, was honoured with the Public Impact Person of the Decade Award for his record of public service and national leadership.
Former President of the African Development Bank, Dr Akinwumi Adesina, received the Global Impact Award, while businessman Aliko Dangote, was recognised as Business Icon of the Century.
Dame (Dr) Adaora Umeoji, was named Person of the Year.
In the political category, Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma, emerged Governor of the Decade, while Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umar Bago, was named Governor of the Year.
Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda was named Politician of the Year.
The National Assembly also produced two recipients, with Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, receiving the Lawmaker of the Year Award for the House of Representatives.
