Silverbird Man of the Year Awards: Past Winners In Over Two Decades
Over the past two decades, the prestigious Silverbird Man of the Year Awards has recognised some of Nigeria’s most influential personalities whose contributions have shaped governance, business, and public service across the country.
Since its inception, the annual event organised by the Silverbird Group has celebrated individuals who have demonstrated outstanding leadership, innovation, and national impact in their respective fields.
Among the early honourees was the late Dora Akunyili, who received the award in 2005 in recognition of her courageous public service and reform-driven leadership while serving as Director-General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).
In 2007, anti-corruption crusader Nuhu Ribadu was honoured for redefining Nigeria’s fight against corruption during his tenure as Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Former Edo State governor and labour leader Adams Oshiomhole was recognised in 2008 for his governance impact, while telecommunications and oil magnate Mike Adenuga received the honour in 2009 for his outstanding achievements in business and enterprise.
The awards also recognised global economic leadership when former Nigerian finance minister and current Director-General of the World Trade Organization, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, was honoured in 2011 for her contributions to economic reforms and financial management.
In 2013, industrialist Aliko Dangote and former Akwa Ibom State governor Godswill Akpabio were both recognised for their contributions to industry and public service respectively.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was also honoured as Extraordinary Personality of the Year in 2015, reflecting his longstanding influence in Nigeria’s political landscape.
In recent years, the platform has continued to spotlight impactful leadership, honouring Nyesom Wike in 2018, Seyi Makinde in 2022, Dapo Abiodun in 2023, and Biodun Oyebanji in 2024.
Over the years, the Silverbird Man of the Year Awards has evolved into one of Nigeria’s most respected recognition platforms, celebrating individuals whose leadership and achievements continue to shape the nation’s development.
