As one of the most influential entities in Africa and more so as Africa’s most populous nation, the trailblazer enters a new era of creating legacies and institutional global presence comes Daily Times Nigeria as it marks its historic 100th anniversary; the nation’s oldest surviving newspaper institution is celebrating a century of journalism, national service and impact through the DTN@100 Heroes Awards — a landmark recognition programme honouring individuals, organisations and institutions that have contributed significantly to Nigeria’s growth and development.

The DTN@100 Heroes Awards, one of the major highlights of the centenary celebrations, recognised outstanding achievements across business, governance, technology, energy, public service, sustainability, community development and national transformation.

Bolaji Chairman

The Organising Council, chaired by Bolaji Okusaga, announced winners across 29 categories following a nationwide public voting process that attracted thousands of verified votes from Nigerians within the country and across the Diaspora.

According to the Council, the awards represent more than a celebration of personalities. They form part of the historic documentation of Nigerians and institutions shaping the country’s future and will contribute to the forthcoming Nigeria Grand Book (National Souvenir).

“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,” Okusaga stated.

Among the distinguished honourees is Alhaji Aliko Dangote, GCON, recipient of the Business Icon of the Century Award, recognised for his extraordinary contribution to Nigerian industrialisation through the development of one of Africa’s largest business groups spanning cement, manufacturing, fertiliser, refining and logistics, creating employment opportunities and strengthening local production.

Mr Jim Ovia, CON, receives the Change Maker of the Century Award for his transformational contribution to Nigeria’s financial sector, entrepreneurship development and economic empowerment through the establishment and growth of Zenith Bank Plc and his wider philanthropic initiatives.

The Climate Responsibility Award goes to the National Council on Climate Change (NCCC) in recognition of its role in coordinating Nigeria’s climate action agenda, promoting environmental sustainability and supporting national responses to climate challenges.

The Community Impact Award honours His Imperial Majesty Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, for his commitment to cultural preservation, youth empowerment, community development and initiatives promoting social inclusion and national unity.

MTN Nigeria Communications Plc receives the Digital Company of the Decade Award for transforming Nigeria’s telecommunications landscape, expanding connectivity and supporting the digital economy through technology infrastructure and financial inclusion.

GEIL

The Energy Company of the Decade Award recognises Green Energy International Limited (GEIL) for its contribution to indigenous participation in Nigeria’s energy sector and its efforts towards strengthening local capacity.

Emadeb Energy Group receives the Energy Company of the Year Award for its contribution to Nigeria’s energy value chain and commitment to supporting economic growth through energy solutions.

Mrs Jane

The Enterprise Award honours Mrs Jane Egerton-Idehen for her leadership in business development, technology advancement and enterprise growth, particularly in creating opportunities within Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem.

The Global Impact Award is presented to Dr Akinwumi Adesina, CON, CGH, in recognition of his international leadership in agricultural transformation, development finance and economic advancement across Africa through his work at the African Development Bank.

The Government Agency of the Year Award recognises the Nigerian Revenue Service (NRS) for efforts towards strengthening revenue administration, improving efficiency and supporting national economic development.

The Governor of the Decade Award honours Senator Hope Uzodinma, CON, for governance initiatives, infrastructure development and programmes aimed at improving economic growth and public service delivery.

The Governor of the Year Award goes to Alhaji Mohammed Umar Bago for his agricultural transformation agenda, food security initiatives and development programmes in Niger State.

Barrister Nyesom Wike, CON, receives the Impactful Minister of the Year Award for his public service contributions, infrastructure interventions and commitment to development-focused governance.

The Lawmaker of the Year (House of Representatives) award goes to Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, CFR, for legislative leadership, national advocacy and contributions to democratic representation.

The Lawmaker of the Year (Senate) award recognises Senator Ahmed Aliyu Wadada for his legislative contributions and commitment to national development issues.

Mrs. F Alakija

The Life and Legacy Award honours Mrs Folorunsho Alakija for her outstanding achievements in entrepreneurship, philanthropy and national development through decades of contributions across business, education, healthcare and humanitarian initiatives.

Barrister Festus Keyamo, SAN, receives the Minister of the Decade Award for his public service leadership, legal expertise and contributions across various ministerial responsibilities.

The Outstanding Governor awards recognise exceptional state leadership across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones. Engr Abdullahi Audu Sule is honoured for his development initiatives in Nasarawa State;

Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, CON, of North West for governance and infrastructure achievements in Bauchi State;

Dr Dauda Lawal of North West, Nigeria for his leadership and development programmes in Zamfara State;

Mr Peter Ndubuisi Mbah from the South East region for economic transformation and investment-driven initiatives in Enugu State;

Pastor Umo Bassey Eno covering the South-South geopolitical zone for development programmes in Akwa Ibom State; and

Babajide Sanwo-Olu, CON, picked the South West region of Nigeria award for infrastructure, technology and governance reforms in Lagos State.

The Person of the Year Award recognises Dame Dr Adaora Umeoji, OON, for leadership achievements in banking, financial inclusion and corporate responsibility. She is with Zenith Bank.

Nentawe, Professor

The Politician of the Year Award honours Prof Nentawe Yilwatda, the Chairman of All Progressives Congress Party for his contributions to political engagement and development-focused leadership.

The Public Impact Person of the Decade Award recognises Senator George Akume, CON, for decades of public service and contributions to governance.

The Public Officer of the Year Award goes to Alhaji Bashir Adeniyi, MFR, for leadership and reforms within Nigeria’s customs administration, improving trade facilitation and revenue generation.

Minister Ojo

The Transformative Minister of the Year Award honours Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo for reforms focused on improving government efficiency, service delivery and citizen-centred administration.

The Transformative Project of the Year Award recognises the Trade Modernisation Project (TMP) for its role in digitalising trade processes, improving customs operations and strengthening Nigeria’s commercial environment.

Public voting remains open until 5 August 2026 for additional honours in the Financial Innovation, National Development and Sustainability categories.

The Financial Innovation nominees include Flutterwave, Moniepoint, OPay, Paystack, PiggyVest and VBank, recognised for their contributions to Nigeria’s growing fintech ecosystem, digital payments and financial inclusion.

The National Development nominees include Mr Charles Odii of SMEDAN, Ms Jennifer Adighije of Niger Delta Power Holding Company, Dr Olasupo Olusi of Bank of Industry and Dr Tony Okpanachi of Development Bank of Nigeria, recognised for supporting enterprise growth, infrastructure development and development finance.

Mr Charles SMEDAN

Mrs Jennifer

Dr. Olasupo BOI

Dr Tony

The Sustainability Award nominees — ACReSAL, Bank of Industry, Sahara Group, Sahara Holdings, Seplat Energy and Unilever Nigeria — are recognised for their contributions towards environmental responsibility, sustainable business practices and inclusive development.

The DTN@100 celebrations will culminate on 3 September 2026 at the THISDAY Dome, Abuja, where recipients will be formally honoured and inducted into the Nigerian Book of Life.

Established in 1926, Daily Times Nigeria remains one of Africa’s most historic media institutions. Like globally respected publications such as The Times of London, The New York Times and Le Monde, Daily Times evolved beyond journalism to become a national institution that documented Nigeria’s journey, shaped public debate and produced generations of media professionals.

As Daily Times begins its second century, the DTN@100 Heroes Awards reaffirm its historic mission — not only to preserve Nigeria’s past but to celebrate the leaders, innovators and institutions shaping its future.

Award Winners (Alphabetically by Category)

• Business Icon of the Century – Alhaji Aliko Dangote, GCON
• Change Maker of the Century – Mr. Jim Ovia, CON
• Climate Responsibility Award – National Council on Climate Change (NCCC)
• Community Impact Award – His Imperial Majesty Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR
• Digital Company of the Decade – MTN Nigeria Communications Plc
• Energy Company of the Decade – Green Energy International Limited (GEIL)
• Energy Company of the Year – Emadeb Energy Group
• Enterprise Award – Mrs. Jane Egerton-Idehen
• Global Impact Award – Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, CON, CGH
• Government Agency of the Year – Nigerian Revenue Service (NRS)
• Governor of the Decade – Senator Hope Uzodinma, CON
• Governor of the Year – Alhaji Mohammed Umar Bago
• Impactful Minister of the Year – Barrister Nyesom Wike, CON
• Lawmaker of the Year (House of Representatives) – Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, CFR
• Lawmaker of the Year (Senate) – Senator Ahmed Aliyu Wadada
• Life and Legacy Award – Mrs. Folorunsho Alakija
• Minister of the Decade – Barrister Festus Keyamo, SAN
• Outstanding Governor (North Central) – Engr. Abdullahi Audu Sule
• Outstanding Governor (North East) – Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, CON
• Outstanding Governor (North West) – Dr. Dauda Lawal
• Outstanding Governor (South East) – Mr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah
• Outstanding Governor (South South) – Pastor Umo Bassey Eno
• Outstanding Governor (South West) – Babajide Sanwo-Olu, CON
• Person of the Year – Dame Dr. Adaora Umeoji, OON
• Politician of the Year – Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda
• Public Impact Person of the Decade – Senator George Akume, CON
• Public Officer of the Year – Alhaji Bashir Adeniyi, MFR
• Transformative Minister of the Year – Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo
• Transformative Project of the Year – Trade Modernisation Project (TMP)

Public Voting Still Open

Voting remains open until 5 August 2026 for three additional honours.

Financial Innovation Award:

• Flutterwave
• Moniepoint
• OPay
• Paystack
• PiggyVest
• VBank

National Development Award:

• Mr. Charles Odii (SMEDAN)
• Ms. Jennifer Adighije (Niger Delta Power Holding Company)
• Dr. Olasupo Olusi (Bank of Industry)
• Dr. Tony Okpanachi (Development Bank of Nigeria)

Sustainability Award:

• ACReSAL
• Bank of Industry
• Sahara Group
• Sahara Holdings
• Seplat Energy
• Unilever Nigeria

The Council also announced the close of nominations for the DTN@100 Trailblazer Award, with the ten highest-ranked nominees from public voting to be inducted during the grand finale.

Fidelis Anosike

The centenary celebrations extend beyond the awards ceremony. Managing Partner and Publisher, Chief Fidelis Anosike, has outlined a broader vision that includes recognising distinguished Nigerians in the Diaspora, convening an international summit beginning in Europe, where some of Daily Times’ early leaders received professional training – and expanding the newspaper’s global engagement.

Reflecting on the significance of the milestone, Anosike noted:

“The 100 years of our media is a major historical archival project, and not just a day’s work but more in the months ahead. As we look forward to another century of delivering our services, products and resources to the growth and development of our nation and continental integration”

The DTN@100 Heroes Awards and Centenary Celebration will culminate on 3 September 2026 at the THISDAY Dome, Abuja, where recipients will be formally honoured and inducted into the Nigerian Book of Life, recognising individuals and institutions whose contributions have shaped Nigeria over the past century.

As Daily Times embarks on its second century, the institution is reaffirming its historic role—not only as a chronicler of Nigeria’s past but also as a platform for celebrating the leaders, innovators and visionaries shaping the nation’s future.

BEN TV Founder and Chief Mazi Anosike

BEN Television (Europe’s first Ethnic and Black Satellite TV) congratulates Daily Times Nigeria on its remarkable DTN@100 milestone. We celebrate a century of journalism, national service and excellence. We commend Chief Fidelis Anosike and the entire team for preserving this historic legacy while creating a vision for the next century of Nigerian storytelling and impact.