Independent Newspapers Limited, the publisher of Daily Independent, Saturday Independent, and Sunday Independent, has officially announced the list of nominees for the silver jubilee edition of its annual Independent Awards. This decision follows a thorough review process by the Board of Editors.
According to the board's statement, the nominations resulted from weeks of submissions from across the country, where Nigerians nominated individuals and corporate entities from both public and private sectors in 25 distinctive categories, recognizing excellence in performance throughout 2025.
Public voting is set to commence on Monday, February 16, 2026, kicking off with the Business Leader of the Year category, which honors business leaders whose vision and execution have significantly influenced Nigeria’s economy.
Among the distinguished nominees are Anthony Elumelu, Catherine Uju Ifejika, Amy Jadesimi, Jite Odeworitse Tesigimoje Brown, Stanley Uzochukwu, Thomas Ogungbangbe, and Kanayo Eni-Ikeh.
In the Young Entrepreneur of the Year category, which highlights under-40 innovators contributing to growth and job creation, nominees include Ola Daramola, Femi Aluko, and Joyce Awosike.
The Board of Editors has pointed out that numerous state governors made remarkable contributions across various sectors in 2025, resulting in several nominations in public sector categories.
The shortlist for the Outstanding Governor of the Year includes Alex Otti (Abia), Peter Mbah (Enugu), Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta), Dikko Umaru Radda (Katsina), and Uba Sani (Kaduna).
Additionally, there are multiple governors' categories such as Financial Architect, Health Sector Transformation, Infrastructure Champion, and Education Reformer of the Year.
At the federal level, nominees have been announced for categories like Most Innovative Cabinet Minister, Senator of the Year, House of Representatives Member of the Year, and Public Sector Reformer of the Year, indicating their significant roles in governance, reform, and service delivery.
The categories for the private sector encompass technology, fintech, banking, alternative energy, pharmaceuticals, creative industries, and corporate social responsibility, with top firms and individuals recognized for their impactful innovations.
Furthermore, the awards will include non-voting Lifetime Achievement Awards to honor exceptional Nigerians for their long-term commitment to nation-building.
The competition for Man of the Year features Abdul Samad Rabiu, Chairman/CEO of BUA Group, and Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General of the World Trade Organisation.
The winners across all categories will be determined through a combination of public voting, jury evaluations, and editorial board assessments, adhering to the established criteria for final selection.
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