In a dazzling display of honour and recognition, distinguished Nigerians from across various sectors were celebrated at the 2024 Vanguard Personality of the Year Awards. The event brought together leaders, innovators, and changemakers whose efforts continue to shape the nation’s future in meaningful ways.
Adding emotional weight to the ceremony was a posthumous tribute to elder statesmen Pa Edwin Clark and Pa Ayo Adebanjo, both of whom passed away earlier this year. Their lifelong dedication to public service and nation-building earned them enduring respect and special recognition.
The spotlight of the evening shone brightest on Dr. Adedeji Adeleke, Chairman of Pacific Holdings, who received the top honour as Vanguard Personality of the Year 2024. By receiving this award, he joins a prestigious group of former recipients such as Tony Elumelu, Aliko Dangote, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, and former Presidents Buhari and Goodluck Jonathan.
Seven state governors received the Good Governance Award for their impactful leadership and service to their states. Honoured in this category were Hope Uzodimma (Imo), Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta), Abba Yusuf (Kano), Charles Soludo (Anambra), Douye Diri (Bayelsa), Abiodun Oyebanji (Ekiti), and Umar Namadi (Jigawa).
Achievements in entrepreneurship, public service, education, and humanitarian work were also recognized. Notable awardees included:
- Sir Emeka Offor – Businessman of the Year
- Kaine Edike – Young Entrepreneur
- Oba Abolarin Adedokun – Education Icon
- Wale Adeniyi – Public Sector Icon
- Senator Olubiyi Fadeyi and Dr. Usula Miku-Atu – Humanitarian Award
Several industry leaders were also celebrated for excellence in their respective fields:
- William – Energy Icon
- Prof. Barth Nnaji – Power Sector Icon
- Daniel Chukwudozie – Oil and Gas Icon
- Mitchell Elegbe – Fintech Icon
- Franklin Nechi – Immigration Investment Icon
- Lanre Shittu and Dr. Alexander Chika Okafor – Industrialists of the Year
- Sublime Industries – Company of the Year
- Chima Anyaso and Sam Ogrih – Real Estate Icons
- Mayor Oshinowo – Grassroots Development Icon
Honouring decades of dedication, the Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to respected figures who have made lasting contributions to Nigerian society. Recipients included Sir Peter Odili, Wale Adenuga, Oyin Jolayemi, Abba Folawiyo, Benson Idonije, Onyema Ugochukwu, Julie Coker, Sule Lamido, Engr. Joana Maduka, Chief John Oyegun, and Nike Davies-Okundaye.
Delivering the welcome address, Vanguard Editor Eze Anaba explained the significance of the occasion, emphasizing the difficulty in selecting awardees from such a vast pool of outstanding Nigerians. “Identifying these exceptional individuals was a challenge, but we are proud to highlight people who consistently strive to make Nigeria better.
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Speaking as the event chairman, renowned businessman and founder of Stanbic IBTC Bank, Atedo Peterside, praised Vanguard for maintaining its journalistic excellence for over four decades. He commended the publication for upholding integrity and professionalism, adding that the awardees reflect the values needed to move the country forward. “To be recognized for your hard work is always special,” he noted, “and I congratulate everyone honoured tonight.”
As the ceremony drew to a close, it left more than just applause in its wake—it left a message of hope. The stories shared throughout the night stood as proof that excellence still thrives across Nigeria. For every award handed out, a deeper call was made: for every Nigerian to continue pushing the boundaries of what is possible.
