NewsDirect marks 15 years of media excellence with star-studded awards ceremony

By Sodiq Adelakun

In a night of reflection, celebration, and recognition, Nigerian NewsDirect marked its 15th anniversary with a grand awards ceremony at the Federal Palace Hotel, Lagos.

The occasion brought together leading figures in politics, business, royalty, and the media, showcasing the media company’s enduring influence in shaping narratives, promoting accountability, and championing excellence across Nigeria.

Since its founding in 2010 by the late Prince Dr. Samuel Folorunsho Ibiyemi, NewsDirect has grown from a modest print publication into a fully integrated media powerhouse.

Under the stewardship of Publisher and Executive Director Prince Mathew Adeogun Ibiyemi, the organisation has expanded to include NewsDirect TV, Events Spaces, a Gen-Z financial intelligence hub, and the flagship newspaper, reflecting a commitment to innovation, youth engagement, and public service.

The ceremony, described by Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Strategy, Mr. Lanre Adetokunbo Bajulaye, as a night of “celebration, reflection, and honour,” highlighted the role of responsible leadership and civic participation.

Speaking through his representative, the Governor urged Nigerians to remain committed to strengthening democratic institutions. 

“We must keep building a Nigeria where hope is alive, progress is consistent, and democracy stays strong,” he said, praising NewsDirect for its dedication to factual reporting and credible journalism.

Sanwo-Olu dedicated his award to hardworking public servants, supportive communities, and young Nigerians optimistic about the future. “This award belongs to all of us,” he added.

Dabiri-Erewa urges journalists to uphold ethics

Also, Chairman and CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa who also chaired the occasion, praised NewsDirect’s growth and resilience under Prince Mathew Ibiyemi. 

Recalling the founder’s early days, she said, “I look at him and I see how he has kept the business alive. His father would be very proud.”

She urged journalists to maintain ethical standards and engage in constructive criticism. 

“Nobody is afraid of criticism, but let it be constructive. If you criticise, I should be a better person. It has to be constructive, not destructive,” she emphasised.

Dabiri-Erewa also addressed the plight of Nigerians stranded abroad, particularly in Libya, advising them to use official repatriation channels. 

“We brought back over 10,000 people, and President Tinubu has brought back more than 6,000 between January and now. If you are trapped in Libya, the IOM brings people back regularly, but you must wait your turn unless you can fund your return yourself,” she explained.

Publisher reflects on humble beginnings and literary investment

Prince Mathew Ibiyemi recounted the paper’s humble beginnings, noting that the first anniversary at Sheraton Hotel seemed a distant dream compared to the current status of NewsDirect as a media conglomerate. 

He highlighted the organisation’s investment in literary development, revealing that over N1.4 million has been spent on supporting Nigerian poets, through chapbooks, anthologies, and prize sponsorships such as the Folorunsho Editor’s Prize for Poetry, the Akachi Chukwuemeka Prize for Literature, and the Spring Annual Poetry Contest.

The ED emphasised NewsDirect’s commitment to community development, citing over N12 million spent between 2023 and 2025 on school outreaches, food banks, and other interventions. 

He noted the organisation’s expansion in distribution, digital reach, and staff training, describing the success as a result of structured leadership and unwavering dedication.

On media freedom, Ibiyemi expressed concern over the harassment of journalists and called for the release of reporters imprisoned for performing their duties. 

The ceremony celebrated individuals and institutions whose work has positively impacted Nigeria. 

At its 15th anniversary and awards ceremony, Nigerian NewsDirect honoured outstanding individuals and organisations across governance, business, banking, and public service for their remarkable contributions to national development.

The Man of the Year award was presented to Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, in recognition of his leadership and contributions to the state and nation. Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State was named Governor of the Year, while Mallam Umar Namadi of Jigawa State received the award for Governor of the Year in Agro-Investments and Security. Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Usman Ododo, was recognised as Governor of the Year in Infrastructural Development, and Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Dr Hyacinth Alia, earned the accolade for Governor of the Year in International Cooperation and Development.

In the legislative category, Hon. Benjamin Adeyemi Olabinjo was named Lawmaker of the Year, recognising his outstanding representation of his constituency.

The ceremony also celebrated achievements in public service, with Dr Abba Aliyu, MD of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), awarded Public Sector CEO of the Year. Other recipients of the Award of Exemplary Leadership in Public Service included Engr. Jennifer Adehije, MD of NDPHC; Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, ES NCDMB; Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, DG NAFDAC; and Engr (Dr) Adedeji Ashiru, MD/CEO of Ogun–Oshun River Basin Development Authority.

In the private sector, Mr Tony Elumelu, Chairman of Heirs Holdings, was honoured as Business Leader of the Year, while banking accolades went to Dr Adaora Umeoji, GMD of Zenith Bank, as Banker of the Year. Zenith Bank Plc was named Bank of the Year, United Bank for Africa Plc received recognition as Bank of the Year in Digital Banking, Access Bank earned the Corporate & Investment Banking award, and Fidelity Bank was celebrated as MSME Bank of the Year.

The awards also recognised outstanding companies and organisations, with Dangote Refinery Plc named Company of the Year, Heirs Energies honoured as Energy Company of the Year, NIMASA awarded Government Agency of the Year, and OlivePay recognised as the Emerging Payment Solutions Provider of the Year.

Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State, through his Special Adviser on Media and Strategy, Hon. Kayode Akinmade, praised NewsDirect as “family” and reaffirmed the government’s support for the media organisation. 

He described the awards as “truly deserving and of great value,” highlighting the paper’s enduring contribution to Nigerian journalism.

Meanwhile, Member representing Ifako-Ijaiye Federal Constituency, Hon. Benjamin Olabinjo, was named Lawmaker of the Year for his constituency projects and youth empowerment initiatives. 

Olabinjo pledged to continue delivering value for his constituents. “I believe youth should not wait for white-collar jobs anymore. Empowerment allows them to take charge and make progress,” he said.

Also, Fidelity Bank, recognised as SME Bank of the Year, for its commitment to supporting small and medium enterprises. 

Adebowale Banzi, team lead of media and internal communication at the bank, said, “We are grateful for the recognition and proud to support NewsDirect. We are looking forward to introducing initiatives in 2026 that will further empower SMEs across Nigeria.”

Abba Aliyu, MD/CEO of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), received Public Sector CEO of the Year, highlighting REA’s efforts in providing electricity to rural communities. “We have provided over 8 million people with electricity and secured the largest public sector renewable funding project in the world, $750 million,” he said.

Dangote Refinery PLC was honoured as Company of the Year, with the company attributing the award to Nigerians’ support and government policies stabilising the downstream sector.

In the same vein, Kogi State Commissioner for Information, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, praised NewsDirect for demonstrating the importance of structured leadership and effective succession in sustaining a media organisation. 

The Olota of Ota, Oba Adeyemi Abdulkabir Obalanlege, who served as Royal Father of the Day, hailed the Executive Director for maintaining the newspaper’s credibility and urged the organisation to continue thriving. 

The 15th anniversary of NewsDirect not only celebrated achievements but also underscored the newspaper’s role in fostering accountability, promoting ethical journalism, and supporting societal development. With its diversified operations, community engagement, and investment in cultural initiatives, NewsDirect continues to set a benchmark for media excellence in Nigeria.

Prince Mathew Ibiyemi added the ceremony with a call for sustained growth and societal impact, declaring: “NewsDirect is 15 years strong, but we are just getting started. We remain committed to shaping narratives for a better Nigeria and Africa.”

Distinguished guests at the event included Lagos State Governor, represented by Mr. Lanre Adetokunbo Bajulaye; The Olota of Ota, Oba Adeyemi Abdulkabir Obalanlege; Chairman of Gibraltar Construction Nigeria Limited, Sir Olu Okeowo; MD/CEO of REA, Abba Abubakar Aliyu; MD/CEO of Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority, Engr. (Dr.) Adedeji Ashiru; Hon. Benjamin Olabinjo; and the MD/CEO of Fidelity Bank, represented by Kevin Ugwuoke, among others.