Champion Newspapers Awards 2025 honoured outstanding leaders and innovators, with former Ogun State governors Gbenga Daniel and Olusegun Osoba praising the media house’s resilience

Former Ogun State Governors, Otunba Gbenga Daniel and Aremo Olusegun Osoba, alongside other eminent Nigerians, have lauded Champion Newspapers Limited for its resilience and sustained excellence over decades.

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The remarks were made during the Champion Newspapers Awards (2025) held on Saturday, March 14, at Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.

The ceremony honoured over 50 awardees for exceptional performances across government, corporate, and personal enterprises.

Otunba Daniel, who chaired the event, praised the newspaper for its steadfast commitment to professional journalism despite industry challenges.

He also commended the Group Managing Director, Dr. Mrs. Nwadiuto Iheakanwa, and the entire management team for maintaining the publication’s relevance.

“The Annual Champion Awards is a night dedicated to celebrating excellence, courage, enterprise, and remarkable individuals whose contributions shape the progress of our nation,” Daniel said.

Aremo Osoba echoed the commendations, noting that sustaining Champion Newspapers for decades demonstrates exceptional dedication and commitment.

Among the awardees were:

• Kogi State Governor, Usman Ododo – Governor of the Year on Youth Development and Security
• Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Commissioners – Star Performance Award 2025
• Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd), NDLEA – Man of the Year
• Zenith Bank Plc, Dr. Adaora Umeoji – Banker of the Year
• Access Bank Plc – Bank of the Year
• Ecobank Nigeria Limited, Austen Osokpor – Media Manager of the Year
• Globus Bank Limited – Most Innovative Bank of the Year
• Moniepoint MFB – Fintech Company of the Year
• Lectern Insurance Brokers Ltd, Prince Babatunde A. Oguntade – Insurance Personality of the Year
• Cornerstone Insurance Plc – Insurance Company of the Year
• Prestige Insurance Brokers, Prince Feyisayo Soyewo – Most Outstanding Insurance Broker
• Olori Omooba and Asiwaju Onigbagbo of Ago-Iwoye – Lifetime Achievement Award
• Nigerian Ports Authority – Outstanding Agency of the Year
• Rural Electrification Agency, Alhaji Abba Aliyu – Most Outstanding Public Servant

Dr. Mrs. Iheakanwa emphasised the awards’ role in promoting integrity, innovation, and service across Nigeria’s economy, challenging awardees to continue contributing to national development.

In a special tribute, musician and activist Charly Boy recounted how the late Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, founder of Champion Newspapers, was his first supporter, highlighting the publication’s long-standing influence on Nigeria’s creative and social landscape.

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The Champion Newspapers Awards 2025 reinforced the media house’s reputation as a premier platform for recognising leadership, accountability, and excellence in Nigeria.