Otu, Umahi, Others Emerge Winners at 2025 Silverbird Man of the Year Awards
Several prominent Nigerian leaders, entrepreneurs and entertainers will be honoured at the 2025 Silverbird Man of the Year Awards, in recognition of their contributions to governance, economic development, innovation and the entertainment industry.
The prestigious annual awards organised by the Silverbird Group celebrate individuals whose achievements have significantly impacted Nigeria and the African continent.
Otu Named Man of the Year
Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State emerged as Silverbird Man of the Year, in recognition of his contributions to governance and development in the state.
Since assuming office, Otu has pursued an ambitious development agenda focused on industrial expansion, infrastructure development and environmental sustainability. His administration has embarked on major road construction projects, encouraged investments in manufacturing and implemented community-based initiatives aimed at empowering women and supporting vulnerable groups.
Observers say the governor’s policies and development programmes have contributed significantly to boosting the state’s economy and improving the living conditions of residents.
Umahi Bags Extraordinary Personality Award
Nigeria’s Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, will receive the Extraordinary Personality of the Year Award.
A trained civil engineer and former governor of Ebonyi State, Umahi earned national recognition for his infrastructure-driven governance style during his tenure between 2015 and 2023.
As governor, he initiated extensive road and bridge construction projects, urban renewal programmes in Abakaliki and industrial ventures including cement and agro-processing initiatives.
Since his appointment as Minister of Works by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2023, Umahi has been overseeing major federal road projects nationwide, including the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway, while advocating the use of concrete pavement technology and locally sourced materials.
Plateau, Kano Governors Honoured
Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State and Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State were both named Governors of the Year.
Mutfwang has been recognised for implementing reforms aimed at revitalising infrastructure, improving education and healthcare services, boosting agriculture and strengthening security across Plateau State.
Similarly, Yusuf was honoured for expanding public services in Kano, including reforms in the education and healthcare sectors, agricultural support programmes and infrastructure projects designed to improve transportation and water supply.
Keyamo Emerges Minister of the Year
The Minister of Aviation and
Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, was named Minister of the Year for his reform initiatives in Nigeria’s aviation sector.
Under his leadership, Nigeria has recorded improved compliance with international aviation agreements and secured new partnerships with global aviation companies. His administration has also embarked on airport upgrades and negotiated agreements aimed at boosting international connectivity and attracting investment into the aviation industry.
Elegbe Recognised for Business Impact
Fintech entrepreneur Mitchell Elegbe, founder of Interswitch, received the Special Achievement Award for pioneering digital payment systems that transformed Nigeria’s financial technology ecosystem.
Nollywood Stars Honoured
Veteran actress Joke Silva was honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award for her decades-long contribution to the growth of Nigerian theatre and Nollywood.
Silva, who co-founded the Lufodo Group and has starred in numerous films and television productions, has also played a significant role in mentoring younger actors and raising professional standards within the industry.
Actress and filmmaker Omoni Oboli and comedian-producer Ayo Makun were recognised with Trailblazer Awards for their innovative contributions to filmmaking and entertainment entrepreneurship.
Entrepreneur Chimaobi Desmond Anyaso also received a Trailblazer Award for his achievements in business and investment through the CAADES Group.
Posthumous Honours
Several late national figures were also honoured posthumously for their enduring legacies.
They include the late Alaafin of Oyo, Lamidi Adeyemi III; former President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu; elder statesman Edwin Clark; and former Plateau State governor Solomon Lar.
The awards ceremony will hold on March 1, 2026, at the Eko Hotel and Suites, where the honourees will be formally presented with their awards.
