Nwobodo, Dantata, Tunji-Ojo, Kefas, and Kukah among those who dazzled at Vanguard's Personality of the Year Awards ceremony

Elder statesman, leading clerics, governors, and politicians gathered at Eko Hotels & Suites, Lagos, for Vanguard's Personality of the Year Award 2025, a night that celebrated excellence and outstanding contributions to the development of the country.

Former Governor of old Anambra State, Chief Jim Nwobodo, received a lifetime achievement award, 43 years after he left office, and commended Vanguard for standing for truth and reporting the truth, stating that telling the truth will be rewarded by God.

Interior Minister, Dr Tunji Olubunmi Ojo, dedicated his Personality of the year award to President Bola Tinubu for offering leadership and setting the stage for good governance, while Mr Osahon Okunbo, who received the Youth Enterpreneur Award, commended Vanguard and recalled that his late father, Hosa Wells Okunbo, received the Industrialist of the year award.

Media titans at the ceremony included Uncle Sam Amuka and his wife, Chief Segun Osoba, Publisher of ThisDay Newspapers, Chief Nduka Obaigbena, The Guardian Publisher, Mrs Maiden Ibru, Mr Gbega Omotosho, and Mr Ikechikwu Amaechi, among others.

Elder Statesman and leading politicians that graced the event included Senator Bode Olajumoke, Chief Segun Osoba, Mr Peter Obi, and Chief James Ibori, among others.

In his opening remarks, former Minister of State Petroleum Resources, Mr Odein Ajomugobia, said the event was to recognize individuals whose contributions have shaped the society and influenced the course of national life, noting that Nigeria remains a nation of immense promise and deep complexity.

Ajomugobia added that the path to impact is rarely perfect, and many of those honored have distinguished themselves through notable accomplishments, despite the odds, and that the evening was not just about recognition, but also about reaffirming the values that make societies and nations thrive.

Welcoming guests to the event, Editor of Vanguard, Mr Eze Anaba, said the ceremony was to honour men and women who have defied the odds, and urged the audience to draw inspiration from the achievements of the awardees, who have built industries, driven economic growth, and inspired despite numerous challenges facing the nation.

Anaba noted that selecting the awardees was no easy task, involving a rigorous process of nomination, selection, and screening that can take up to 12 weeks, to ensure that only the most deserving emerge.

Awardees included Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, and Chairman of MRS, Mr Sayyu Idris Dantata, who received personality of the year awards, while those honoured with lifetime achievement awards were Chief Jim Nwobodo, Professor Oladapo Afolabi, Professor Bruce Onabrakpeya, and Chief Vincent Ebuh, among others.

Other awardees included Mr Alfred Temile, who received the Businessman of the year award, Mrs Vicky Hastrup, who got the Woman entrepreneur of the year, and Mr Osahon Okunbo, who got the Young Entrepreneur of the year.

Governors Bassey Otu, Dauda Lawal, Agbu Kefas, Uba Sani, and Mai Mala Buni received the Good Governance award for their huge delivery of democracy dividends.

Other top awardees included Mr Chris Iyovwaye, High Chief Victor Wayles Egukawhore, National Emergency Management Agency, Information Minister, Mohammed Idris, and Mr Selem Adegunwa, among others.

Governor Peter Mbah hailed Vanguard Newspapers for honoring Jim Nwobodo, saying it was a fitting recognition, and expressed his gratitude for the privilege to present the award to the elder statesman.

Mbah eulogized Nwobodo's strides while he was governor of Old Anambra State, saying he left bold legacies across what is now referred to as the South East, and that his records remain heartwarming reference points.

Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Matthew Kukah, called for renewed commitment to national unity, stressing that Nigeria's challenges can only be addressed when citizens prioritize their shared identity over religious and ethnic differences.

Kukah noted that fixing Nigeria requires collective responsibility, and that leaders and citizens alike must focus on building institutions that promote fairness, justice, and inclusivity, warning that without a deliberate effort to foster unity, development efforts may remain stalled.

Former Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Senator Kofoworola Bucknor-Akerele, expressed surprise at the honour, describing it as a significant moment in her public life, and used the platform to raise concerns about the state of Nigeria's democracy.

Bucknor-Akerele decried the lack of progress in advancing women's political participation, particularly ahead of the 2027 general elections, and urged Nigerians to vote for leaders who are responsive to the needs of the masses.

The event brought together dignitaries and stakeholders from across the country, serving as a platform to celebrate leadership while reinforcing calls for accountability, inclusiveness, and democratic consolidation ahead of 2027.