By Sylvia Akpan, Government House Correspondent
The Governor of Cross River State, Senator Bassey Otu, and 16 other personalities including governors have been selected to receive an Independent Award.
The award organized by Independent Newspaper said the 17 outstanding individuals and organizations were recognized for their contributions to various fields. The awardees will be honored for their achievements in governance, business, hospitality, and public service.
In the governance category, Governor of Cross River State, Senator Bassey Otu will received the Governor of the Year award for Economic Transformation award.
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State is named Man of the Year, while Chief Bode George is recognized as Chairman of the Day.
Alhaji Usman Ododo, Governor of Kogi State, will receive Governor of the Year for Agriculture. Other governors who has been selected included Alhaji AbdulRahman AbdulRasaq – Governor of Kwara State for Hospitality, Enterprise, and Creative Economy category; Governor of Ebonyi State, Hon. Francis Nwifuru – for Human Capital Development; and the Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Charles Soludo, Governor of Anambra State – for Urban Renewal.
Two are recognized for Lifetime Achievement Awards: Chief Bisi Akande, Founding Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), and Otunba Mike Adenuga Jnr.
In the business category, Access Bank is named Bank of the Year, while Mr. Oliver Alawuba, Group Managing Director of United Bank for Africa (UBA), will receive the Banker of the Year award.
Other notable awardees include Barr. Festus Keyamo as Minister of the Year, Sen. Adams Oshiomhole as Legislator of the Year; Transcorp Hotels Plc as Hospitality Company of the Year; Kiekie as Social Media Influencer of the Year, NDIC as Public Sector Agency of the Year, and Mr. Bashir Adeniyi, Comptroller General, Nigeria Custom Service as Public Servant of the Year.
The award ceremony will be graced by dignitaries from various sectors in the event that will be held on Saturday March 15th, 2025 at Expo Convention Center, Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island Lagos State by 5:PM.