Lagos State Governor, Dr Babajide Sanwo-Olu has bagged the NewsDirect Man of the Year award.
The Man of the Year award was presented to the Governor of Lagos State in recognition of his leadership and contributions to the state and nation.
In the same vein, Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State was named Governor of the Year, while the Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Usman Ododo, was recognised as Governor of the Year in Infrastructural Development.
The Governor who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Strategy, Mr. Lanre Adetokunbo Bajulaye described the award ceremony as a night of “celebration, reflection, and honour,” highlighting the role of responsible leadership and civic participation.
The Governor also 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.
Also speaking, the Chairman and CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa who chaired the occasion, praised NewsDirect’s growth and resilience under the Publisher/Executive Director, 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.
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.
