Several prominent Nigerians, including Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume; Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma; business mogul Aliko Dangote; and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, are among personalities billed for recognition at the Daily Times Nigeria @100 Centenary Awards.
The ceremony, which is part of activities marking the newspaper’s 100th anniversary, will take place on September 3, 2026, at the ThisDay Dome in Abuja.
According to the organisers, the awards will spotlight Nigerians and institutions whose work has had a significant impact on the country in areas ranging from politics and public administration to business, infrastructure, security, innovation and social development.
Akume is among the major recipients, having been selected for the Daily Times Statesman Award. The honour acknowledges his extensive involvement in public affairs and his contributions to national development over the years.
The APC National Chairman, Prof. Mentawe Yilwatda, is also listed among the recipients of the Daily Times Political Leadership Award.
For his part, Uzodinma is expected to receive the Daily Times Good Governance Award, while Sanwo-Olu will be recognised for his administration’s urban development efforts with the Daily Times Mega City Transformation Award.
The awards will also highlight developments in agriculture and infrastructure. Niger State Governor, Umaru Bago, is set to receive the Daily Times Agricultural Revolution Award, following his administration’s focus on agricultural production, food supply and the use of modern farming equipment.
Mbah will be honoured with the Daily Times Innovation and Infrastructure Award for projects and policies covering technology-driven governance, security and the development of Enugu’s urban environment.
Similarly, Akwa Ibom Governor, Umo Eno, will receive the Daily Times People-Centered Governance Award. The recognition is linked to his ARISE Agenda, which includes programmes aimed at improving employment, supporting communities and expanding social intervention.
Dangote is another major figure on the award list. He will receive the Daily Times Industrialist of the Century Award for his extensive investments in manufacturing, industrial expansion and employment generation.
The President of the African Development Bank, Dr Akinwumi Adesina, is also expected to be honoured with the Daily Times Pan-African Development Award.
Meanwhile, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, will be celebrated as the recipient of the Daily Times Royal Icon Award. His recognition is tied to his efforts to promote Nigeria’s cultural heritage and encourage opportunities for young people.
The security sector will also be represented, with Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited named as the recipient of the Daily Times Change Maker of the Century Award. The company is being recognised for its involvement in securing oil and gas facilities and its activities in the Niger Delta.
The full list of award recipients cuts across several fields, including finance, medicine, education, journalism, sports and humanitarian work.
Speaking on the significance of the awards, the Chairman of Folio Media Group and Publisher of Daily Times, Fidelis Anosike, said the initiative was designed to celebrate Nigerians whose contributions had made a lasting impact on the country.
“For 100 years, Daily Times has told the Nigerian story. Today we honour those writing the next chapter. These are men and women who chose service over self, and results over rhetoric,” Anosike said.
Anosike explained that the centenary programme is intended to do more than mark a major milestone in the history of the newspaper, noting that it will also draw attention to those contributing to Nigeria’s next phase of development.
The celebration is being held under the theme, “A Century of Truth, A Future of Impact,” and is expected to bring together senior government representatives, governors, business leaders, traditional authorities, diplomats and members of the media.
As part of the programme, guests will witness tributes and documentary presentations, while the organisers will formally unveil the Daily Times @100 Commemorative Book.
The publication is expected to chronicle major developments in Nigeria through the lens of the newspaper’s century-long coverage of the country.
