Independent Awards: Rabiu, Mbah, Others Honoured As Firm Marks 25th Anniversary
Nigeria’s political and business elite on Saturday converged in Lagos for the 2025 Independent Awards, where prominent figures including Abdulsamad Rabiu and Peter Mbah were honoured for their contributions to
Nigeria's political and business elite on Saturday converged in Lagos for the 2025 Independent Awards, where prominent figures including Abdulsamad Rabiu and Peter Mbah
were honoured for their contributions to national development.
The event, organised by Independent Newspaper Limitee held at Eko Hotel and Suites with the theme, “Gamechangers: Breaking Barriers, Shaping Tomorrow,” as the organisation celebrated its 25th anniversary.
Rabiu, Chairman of BUA Group, was named Man of the Year, while Mbah emerged as Outstanding Governor of the Year. Mbah was also recognised in the Financial Architect Governor category alongside Abba Kabir Yusuf.
Other awardees included Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri and Babagana Zulu
for Education Reformer of the Year, as well as Uba Sani who clinched Infrastructure Champion of the Year.
Speaking at the event, the Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief of Independent Newspapers Limited, Steve Omanufeme, said the awards were designed to celebrate “game changers” who have distinguished themselves in their respective fields.
According to him, the selection process combined public voting, assessment by a team of jurists and internal evaluation by the organisation.
He noted that the outcome of the process was reflected in the various categories of awards presented at the ceremony.
Chairman of the occasion, Ghasdi Afolabi Olaoye, described recognition as essential in all spheres of life, stressing that individuals who invest their time, talent and resources in service to humanity deserve to be acknowledged.
The monarch commended the organisers for assembling what he described as notable personalities, adding that the awardees had emerged through a rigorous selection process.
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He said many of the recipients had made lasting impacts on society, noting that history would remain kind to them because of their contributions.
Olaoye congratulated Independent Newspapers on its silver jubilee, expressing optimism that the organisation would continue to grow and celebrate its golden anniversary in the years ahead.
He also urged the awardees to see the recognition as motivation for greater service, adding that both lifetime achievers and younger recipients still had more to contribute to national development.
The awards also recognised key players in the financial and corporate sectors, including Festus Keyamo and Tunji Alausa for Most Innovative Cabinet Minister of the Year.
In the banking and fintech categories, Premium Trust Bank, Moniepoint and Central Nank of Nigeria were among top recipients.
The Lifetime Achievement Award category featured distinguished Nigerians including trophies Danjuma, Atedo Peterside and Keshington Adetutu .
Founded in 2001, Independent Newspapers was established to promote credible journalism and public accountability. Over the years, it has evolved from a print-focused organisation into a multimedia platform, adapting to digital news demands while maintaining editorial integrity.
