Nwobodo, Kukah, others bestowed Vanguard Lifetime Achievement Award

Statesman and Governor of old Anambra State, Senator Jim Nwobodo; Catholic Diocese of Sokoto, Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah; Founder & Chairman, Zenith Bank Plc, Jim Ovia; Renowned Artist & Sculptor, Bruce Onobrakpeya; Former CEO · O`ceanic Bank International Plc, Mrs. Cecilia Ibru, have been honoured with the 2025 Vanguard Lifetime Achievement Award.

Other recipients include Former Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Prof. Oladapo Afolabi; Industrialist & Philanthropist · Founder, Doyin Group, Chief Samuel Adedoyin; Distinguished Petroleum Engineer, Dr Vincent Ebuh, Former Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Chief (Mrs.) Kofoworola Bucknor-Akerele; Pioneer Director-General · Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Engr. Vincent Maduka.

The awards were conferred at the 2025 Vanguard Personality of the Year Awards, currently taking place today (Friday) at Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.

The Vanguard Personality of the Year Awards is an annual event aimed at honouring Nigerians who have made significant contributions to national development and social progress.

This year’s top honours went to Alhaji Sayyu Idris Dantata, Founder of MRS Holdings, and Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, for their contributions to the energy sector and public service, respectively.

Among the governors recognised for their leadership were Uba Sani (Kaduna), Nasir Idris (Kebbi), Mai Mala Buni (Yobe), Bassey Otu (Cross River), Agbu Kefas (Taraba), and Dauda Lawal (Zamfara).

Other awardees included Dr. Osahon Okunbo as Young Entrepreneur of the Year, while Jim Ovia, Bishop Kukah, Vincent Maduka, Jim Nwobodo and Bruce Onobrakpeya were honoured with Lifetime Achievement awards. Festus Keyamo was named Public Sector Icon of the Year, Mrs. Vicky Haastrup as Woman Entrepreneur of the Year, and Dr. Stephen Akintayo and Alfred Temile were also recognised in business and real estate catego.