Jim Ovia, Adesina, Tantita, MTN, others get honours at Daily Times @100 Centenary event
All roads lead to Abuja as Nigeria’s political, business, traditional and media elite converge for the Daily Times of Nigeria @100 Centenary Awards, where the nation’s foremost change makers will be honoured with the prestigious DTN@100 Heroes Awards.
The 100-year-old newspaper is marking a century of journalism with a grand event holding on September 3, 2026 at the ThisDay Dome, Central Area, Abuja to recognize individuals and institutions that have shaped Nigeria’s story in governance, security, economy, innovation and service to humanity.
Leading the honourees is the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, who will receive the DTN@100 Statesman Award for his decades of public service and role in national cohesion.
Also on the roll of honour is the Founder/Chairman of the Zenith Bank, Jim Ovia who gets the DTN@ 100 Change Maker of the Century while the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof Mentawe Yilwatda , who bags the DTN@100 Political Leadership Award.
State Governors also make the list. Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma wins the DTN@100 Good Governance Award; Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu gets the DTN@100 Mega City Transformation Award, while the Niger State Governor Umaru Bago is honoured with the DTN@100 Agricultural Revolution Award for his drive on food security and mechanized farming.
Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule receives the DTN@100 Outstanding Governor (North Central) while Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal gets the DTN@100 Outstanding Governor (North West).
Joining them are two of the South- East and South- South’s brightest performers. Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah clinches the DTN@100 Innovation and Infrastructure Award for his bold investments in smart governance, security and urban renewal. Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno receives the DTN@100 People-Centered Governance Award for his ARISE Agenda focused on job creation, rural development and social welfare.
From the economic front, the richest man in Africa and President of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, will be decorated with the DTN@100 Industrialist of the Century Award for his contributions to job creation and industrialization.
Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, former President of the African Development Bank (AfDB) takes home the DTN@100 Pan-African Development Award.
Traditional institutions are also celebrated and honoured for their roles in the society. The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, will receive the DTN@100 Royal Icon Award for his role in cultural renaissance and youth empowerment.
In the security sector, Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited will be honoured with the DTN@100 Change Maker of the Century Award winner for its critical role in protecting Nigeria’s oil and gas assets and restoring stability to the Niger Delta.
Other awardees from different walks of life, including banking, health, education, media, sports and philanthropy are also expected to receive the prestigious awards during the epoch making event.
Speaking ahead of the event, the Chairman of Folio Media Group and Publisher of Daily Times, Mr Fidelis Anosike, said the DTN@100 Heroes Awards are designed to celebrate Nigerians who have made sacrifices and delivered impact in the last 100 years.
He said, “For 100 years, Daily Times has told the Nigerian story. Today we honour those writing the next chapter. These are men and women who chose service over self, and results over rhetoric.”
The Centenary Gala, scheduled for the International Conference Centre, Abuja, is expected to draw cabinet members, governors, captains of industry, traditional rulers, diplomats and media leaders.
According to the organisers, the night will feature tributes, documentaries and the official unveiling of the DTN@100 Commemorative Book chronicling Nigeria’s journey through the eyes of Daily Times.
With a theme titled, “A Century of Truth, A Future of Impact,” the DTN@100 Awards aim to set the tone for the next century of nation-building.
The list is out and the event is loading. The stage is set. Abuja is ready for the prestigious event of honouring the best in Nigeria.
