…Dr. Leo Ekeh highlights Zinox’s role in driving digital revolution, media transition in Nigeria
Oredola Adeola
Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Africa’s richest man and President of Dangote Group, alongside prominent Nigerians, including industry leaders and politicians, was among 41 institutions and distinguished individuals honored with various awards at the 2024 Annual Champion Newspapers’ Awards in Lagos.
The awardees, along with their families and friends, converged in Lagos to participate in the colourful and well-attended 2024 Annual Champion Newspapers’ Awards held on Saturday at Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.
According to the management of Champion Newspapers, the recipients were selected based on their proven track records, integrity, and unwavering commitment to excellence in service to humanity and national development.
In his remarks, Alhaji Aliko Dangote described the Man of the Year 2024 honour conferred on him by Champion Newspapers as a recognition of his excellence not only in Nigeria but across Africa.
The award was received on his behalf by Mr. Tunde Oladipo, Group Branding Lead, Dangote Industries Ltd.
Dangote, who is the Founder, President, and Chief Executive of Dangote Industries Ltd—the largest conglomerate in West Africa—was celebrated as Man of the Year/Global Business Icon.
Other top brands recognized at the event included Zenith Bank, UBA, Keystone Bank, and several insurance companies, in acknowledgment of their roles in advancing Nigeria’s socio-economic development.
The Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, who was honoured as Most Outstanding Deputy Governor of the Year, was represented by Mr. Olumide Sogunle, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Strategy.
Zenith Bank Plc clinched the Bank of the Year award, while Mr. Oliver Alawuba, Group Managing Director/CEO of UBA Plc, was named Banker of the Year. Mr. Olufemi Soneye, Chief Corporate Communications Officer of NNPC Ltd, received the Media Manager of the Year award.
Engr. Abdullahi Sesan Olowa, Chairman, Ibeju-Lekki Local Government Area of Lagos State, was presented with the Outstanding Grassroots Leadership Award. Expressing joy, he dedicated the award to the people of Ibeju-Lekki, his management team, and his staff.
He also acknowledged the support of President Bola Tinubu and Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, stating, “I never knew people were watching us. I thank the Champion management for the honour.”
Chairman of the occasion, Dr. Leo Stan Ekeh, Founder of Zinox Technologies, commended Champion Newspapers for becoming the first media house in sub-Saharan Africa to receive the WHQL certification.
He reiterated Zinox’s commitment to its “Computerise Nigeria” initiative, aimed at promoting digital literacy and economic transformation in Nigeria and Africa.
Ekeh noted that his company had led the digital transition of several Nigerian media houses, including Champion Newspapers, stating, “In the next five years, there will be no hard copy.”
Dr. (Mrs.) Nwadiuto Iheakanwa, Group Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief of Champion Newspapers, highlighted the importance of the awards as part of the organization’s mission to promote good governance, law and order, and a business-friendly environment.
She emphasized the need for more structured efforts toward national development, while acknowledging the economic challenges facing the country.
She urged government at all levels to focus more on agriculture as a sustainable path to growth, stating, “A nation which cannot feed its citizens will be exposing people to the vagaries and dictates of foreign powers.”
She commended the federal government’s “Nigeria First” policy and urged public officials to lead by example in promoting locally made goods and services.
Other eminent Nigerians and organizations honoured included:
- Ikenna Egbukole, Executive Chairman, Mitsun Group – Most Innovative Brand CEO of the Year
- Dele Ayanleke, National President, Miners Association of Nigeria – Lifetime Achievement Award
- Ibrahim Mani Ahmad – Most Outstanding Educationist of the Year
- BUA FOODS Plc – Most Successful Food & FMCG of the Year
- Dan Okehi, MD/CEO, Brickred Insurance Brokers – Insurance Personality of the Year
- Veritas Kapital Assurance Plc – Most Resilient Insurance Company of the Year
- Chief Obinna Tochukwu Iyiegbu (Obi Cubana), Chairman, Cubana Group – Celebrity Investor of the Year
- Michael Oglegba, Hon. Commissioner of Finance, Benue State – Best Commissioner of Finance of the Year
- Ogechi Patience Iwunze-Anthony, CEO, Noble Merry Empowerment Foundation – Heart of Gold Award
- Joel Terhemen Mtsor, MD, Benue Printing and Publishing Corp. – Young Entrepreneur of the Year
- Keystone Bank Ltd – Most Friendly SME Bank of the Year
- Senator Ned Nwoko – Senator of the Year
- Seplat Energy Plc – Energy Company of the Year
- Otunba Soji Odedina – Marketing Communicator of the Year
- Chief Royal Ifechukwu Asianya – Entrepreneur of the Year
- Chukwuemeka C. Agbasi, MD/CEO, FERMA – Public Servant of the Year
- High Chief Emeka Agbanari (MFR), Chairman, Seaman Group – Most Outstanding Industrialist of the Year
- High Chief Sir Darlington Nwabunike, MD/CEO, Saint Buniks Group – Excellence in Leadership Award
- De Imperial Philanthropic Family (DIPF) – Most Outstanding Philanthropic Organisation in Nigeria
- Pascal Okechukwu (Cubana Chief Priest), Chairman, De Angels Group – Brand Ambassador of the Year
- Adaeze Moghalu – Distinguished Service Award in Philanthropy and Community Service
- SAM Empowerment Foundation (SEF) – Most Outstanding NGO of the Year
- Rite Foods Limited – Most Outstanding Energy Drink of the Year (Fearless Energy Drink)
- Prof. C.J. Osim, CEO, AFF Landport Global Estates – Most Transformative Estate Development Manager
- Emeka Mbachu Christian – Most Courageous Philanthropist of the Year
- Chief Humphrey Anuna – Best Market Leadership of the Year
- Kenneth Ebong – Philanthropist of the Year
- Rev. Prof. Obeka Samuel, Vice-Chancellor, Wesley University – Most Impactful and Innovative Academic Leader of the Year
- Boff and Company Insurance Brokers – Insurance Broker of the Year
- Mallam Buhari Umar, Director of Budget, Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, Sokoto State – Most Outstanding Public Administrator of the Year
