Daily Times Nigeria has announced plans to honor 11 distinguished Nigerians whose contributions have had a significant impact on various sectors, including marketing communications, media, banking, technology, energy, investment, and public service. The awards, which will be presented at the DTN@100 Times Heroes Awards on November 3, 2026, at Harbour Point, Victoria Island, Lagos, are part of the newspaper's centenary celebrations. The event will bring together prominent figures from various industries to recognize and celebrate Nigeria's achievements.
The recipients of the awards include Dr. Biodun Shobanjo, Chairman of Troyka Holdings, who will receive the Changemaker of the Century Award. Shobanjo is widely regarded as a pioneer of Nigeria's advertising and marketing communications industry, having built a legacy through the establishment of Insight Communications and the development of a broader marketing communications group. His contributions to the industry have been instrumental in shaping the country's marketing landscape.
Prince Nduka Obaigbena, Founder and Chairman of THISDAY and ARISE News, will be honored as Media Icon of the Decade. Obaigbena's contributions to Nigerian journalism and broadcasting have been significant, including founding THISDAY newspaper and establishing ARISE News as an international news channel with an African focus. His work has helped to promote African perspectives and voices in the global media landscape.
Dame Dr. Adaora Umeoji, Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Zenith Bank Plc, will receive the Person of the Year Award. Her appointment as the bank's first female GMD/CEO represents a milestone in the leadership of Nigeria's banking industry. Umeoji's achievements have paved the way for women in leadership positions in the banking sector.
The other honourees, who will receive Changemaker Awards, include Dr. Ayodele Subair, Executive Chairman of the Lagos State Internal Revenue Service (LIRS); Mrs. Olatomiwa Williams, Chief Growth and AI Officer for Microsoft's Middle East and Africa Growth Markets; Mrs. Olubukola Arowolo Verheijen, Special Adviser to the President on Oil and Gas; Mr. Iyinoluwa Aboyeji, CEO and General Partner of Future Africa; Dr. Kola Adesina, Group Managing Director of Sahara Group; Mr. Phillips Oduoza, Founder and Chairman of NOVA Bank; Ms. Neya Kalu, Chairman of The Sun Publishing; and General Christopher Musa (Rtd.), OFR, Nigeria's Minister of Defence.
The DTN@100 Times Heroes Awards are part of Daily Times' centenary programme, which includes the Shaping the Future Town Hall, the Honouring the Past Exhibition, and the DTN@100 Times Heroes Awards. The programme aims to celebrate Nigeria's achievements and encourage fresh thinking about the country's future. The Shaping the Future Town Hall will convene stakeholders for a policy-focused conversation on national development priorities, while the Honouring the Past Exhibition will showcase important events, personalities, and milestones from Nigeria's history.
Bolaji Okusaga, Chairman of the DTN@100 Times Heroes Awards Council, said the initiative connects the lessons of history with the possibilities of the future. He emphasized that the centenary celebrations provide an opportunity for Daily Times to recognize individuals and institutions whose vision, leadership, and achievements have helped shape Nigeria. The Nigerian Grand Book, National Book of Changemakers, a landmark publication developed over 15 years, will document distinguished Nigerians and their contributions, providing an enduring record of the people and institutions that have influenced the country's development.
Key points
- Daily Times Nigeria will honor 11 distinguished Nigerians at the DTN@100 Times Heroes Awards on November 3, 2026.
- The awards recognize contributions to various sectors, including marketing, media, banking, technology, energy, investment, and public service.
- The event is part of Daily Times' centenary celebrations, which include the Shaping the Future Town Hall and the Honouring the Past Exhibition.
