DTN@100: Oldest Surviving Entity Enters Its Second Century With 100 Nigerian Icons & Institutions - Ben Television | Breaking - Nigeria, Africa and World Top News.
As one of the most influential entities in Africa and more so as Africa’s most populous nation, the trailblazer enters a new era of creating legacies and institutional global presence comes Daily Times Nigeria as it marks its historic 100th anniversary; the nation’s oldest surviving newspaper institution is celebrating a century of journalism, national service. . . Read More
As one of the most influential entities in Africa and more so as Africa’s most populous nation, the trailblazer enters a new era of creating legacies and institutional global presence comes Daily Times Nigeria as it marks its historic 100th anniversary; the nation’s oldest surviving newspaper institution is celebrating a century of journalism, national service and impact through theDTN@100 Heroes Awards— a landmark recognition programme honouring individuals, organisations and institutions that have contributed significantly to Nigeria’s growth and development. The DTN@100 Heroes Awards, one of the major highlights of the centenary celebrations, recognised outstanding achievements across business, governance, technology, energy, public service, sustainability, community development and national transformation. Bolaji ChairmanThe Organising Council, chaired by Bolaji Okusaga, announced winners across 29 categories following a nationwide public voting process that attracted thousands of verified votes from Nigerians within the country and across the Diaspora. According to the Council, the awards represent more than a celebration of personalities. They form part of the historic documentation of Nigerians and institutions shaping the country’s future and will contribute to the forthcoming Nigeria Grand Book (National Souvenir). “For one hundred years, Daily Times has chronicled Nigeria’s history and celebrated the people shaping its future. The DTN@100 Heroes Awards continue that legacy by spotlighting individuals and institutions whose vision, courage and impact have advanced national development,” Okusaga stated. Among the distinguished honourees isAlhaji Aliko Dangote, GCON, recipient of theBusiness Icon of the Century Award, recognised for his extraordinary contribution to Nigerian industrialisation through the development of one of Africa’s largest business groups spanning cement, manufacturing, fertiliser, refining and logistics, creating employment opportunities and strengthening local production. Mr Jim Ovia, CON, receives theChange Maker of the Century Awardfor his transformational contribution to Nigeria’s financial sector, entrepreneurship development and economic empowerment through the establishment and growth of Zenith Bank Plc and his wider philanthropic initiatives. TheClimate Responsibility Awardgoes to theNational Council on Climate Change (NCCC)in recognition of its role in coordinating Nigeria’s climate action agenda, promoting environmental sustainability and supporting national responses to climate challenges. TheCommunity Impact AwardhonoursHis Imperial Majesty Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, for his commitment to cultural preservation, youth empowerment, community development and initiatives promoting social inclusion and national unity. MTN Nigeria Communications Plcreceives theDigital Company of the Decade Awardfor transforming Nigeria’s telecommunications landscape, expanding connectivity and supporting the digital economy through technology infrastructure and financial inclusion. GEILTheEnergy Company of the Decade AwardrecognisesGreen Energy International Limited (GEIL)for its contribution to indigenous participation in Nigeria’s energy sector and its efforts towards strengthening local capacity. Emadeb Energy Groupreceives theEnergy Company of the Year Awardfor its contribution to Nigeria’s energy value chain and commitment to supporting economic growth through energy solutions. Mrs JaneTheEnterprise AwardhonoursMrs Jane Egerton-Idehenfor her leadership in business development, technology advancement and enterprise growth, particularly in creating opportunities within Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem. TheGlobal Impact Awardis presented toDr Akinwumi Adesina, CON, CGH, in recognition of his international leadership in agricultural transformation, development finance and economic advancement across Africa through his work at the African Development Bank. TheGovernment Agency of the Year Awardrecognises theNigerian Revenue Service (NRS)for efforts towards strengthening revenue administration, improving efficiency and supporting national economic development. TheGovernor of the Decade AwardhonoursSenator Hope Uzodinma, CON, for governance initiatives, infrastructure development and programmes aimed at improving economic growth and public service delivery. TheGovernor of the Year Awardgoes toAlhaji Mohammed Umar Bagofor his agricultural transformation agenda, food security initiatives and development programmes in Niger State. Barrister Nyesom Wike, CON, receives theImpactful Minister of the Year Awardfor his public service contributions, infrastructure interventions and commitment to development-focused governance. TheLawmaker of the Year (House of Representatives)award goes toRt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, CFR, for legislative leadership, national advocacy and contributions to democratic representation. TheLawmaker of the Year (Senate)award recognisesSenator Ahmed Aliyu Wadadafor his legislative contributions and commitment to national development issues. Mrs. F AlakijaTheLife and Legacy AwardhonoursMrs Folorunsho Alakijafor her outstanding achievements in entrepreneurship, philanthropy and national development through decades of contributions across business, education, healthcare and humanitarian initiatives. Barrister Festus Keyamo, SAN, receives theMinister of the Decade Awardfor his public service leadership, legal expertise and contributions across various ministerial responsibilities. TheOutstanding Governor awardsrecognise exceptional state leadership across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones. Engr Abdullahi Audu Suleis honoured for his development initiatives in Nasarawa State;Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, CON, of North West for governance and infrastructure achievements in Bauchi State;Dr Dauda Lawal of North West, Nigeriafor his leadership and development programmes in Zamfara State;Mr Peter Ndubuisi Mbahfrom the South East region for economic transformation and investment-driven initiatives in Enugu State;Pastor Umo Bassey Eno covering the South-South geopolitical zonefor development programmes in Akwa Ibom State; andBabajide Sanwo-Olu, CON, picked the South West region of Nigeria award for infrastructure, technology and governance reforms in Lagos State. ThePerson of the Year AwardrecognisesDame Dr Adaora Umeoji, OON, for leadership achievements in banking, financial inclusion and corporate responsibility. She is with Zenith Bank. Nentawe, ProfessorThePolitician of the Year AwardhonoursProf Nentawe Yilwatda, the Chairman of All Progressives Congress Partyfor his contributions to political engagement and development-focused leadership. ThePublic Impact Person of the Decade AwardrecognisesSenator George Akume, CON, for decades of public service and contributions to governance. ThePublic Officer of the Year Awardgoes toAlhaji Bashir Adeniyi, MFR, for leadership and reforms within Nigeria’s customs administration, improving trade facilitation and revenue generation. Minister OjoTheTransformative Minister of the Year AwardhonoursDr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojofor reforms focused on improving government efficiency, service delivery and citizen-centred administration. TheTransformative Project of the Year Awardrecognises theTrade Modernisation Project (TMP)for its role in digitalising trade processes, improving customs operations and strengthening Nigeria’s commercial environment. Public voting remains open until 5 August 2026 for additional honours in the Financial Innovation, National Development and Sustainability categories. The Financial Innovation nominees includeFlutterwave, Moniepoint, OPay, Paystack, PiggyVest and VBank, recognised for their contributions to Nigeria’s growing fintech ecosystem, digital payments and financial inclusion. The National Development nominees includeMr Charles Odii of SMEDAN, Ms Jennifer Adighije of Niger Delta Power Holding Company, Dr Olasupo Olusi of Bank of Industry and Dr Tony Okpanachi of Development Bank of Nigeria, recognised for supporting enterprise growth, infrastructure development and development finance. Mr Charles SMEDANMrs JenniferDr. Olasupo BOIDr TonyThe Sustainability Award nominees —ACReSAL, Bank of Industry, Sahara Group, Sahara Holdings, Seplat Energy and Unilever Nigeria— are recognised for their contributions towards environmental responsibility, sustainable business practices and inclusive development. The DTN@100 celebrations will culminate on 3 September 2026 at the THISDAY Dome, Abuja, where recipients will be formally honoured and inducted into the Nigerian Book of Life. Established in 1926, Daily Times Nigeria remains one of Africa’s most historic media institutions. Like globally respected publications such as The Times of London, The New York Times and Le Monde, Daily Times evolved beyond journalism to become a national institution that documented Nigeria’s journey, shaped public debate and produced generations of media professionals. As Daily Times begins its second century, the DTN@100 Heroes Awards reaffirm its historic mission — not only to preserve Nigeria’s past but to celebrate the leaders, innovators and institutions shaping its future. Award Winners (Alphabetically by Category)Business Icon of the Century– Alhaji Aliko Dangote, GCONChange Maker of the Century– Mr. Jim Ovia, CONClimate Responsibility Award– National Council on Climate Change (NCCC)Community Impact Award– His Imperial Majesty Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFRDigital Company of the Decade– MTN Nigeria Communications PlcEnergy Company of the Decade– Green Energy International Limited (GEIL)Energy Company of the Year– Emadeb Energy GroupEnterprise Award– Mrs. Jane Egerton-IdehenGlobal Impact Award– Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, CON, CGHGovernment Agency of the Year– Nigerian Revenue Service (NRS)Governor of the Decade– Senator Hope Uzodinma, CONGovernor of the Year– Alhaji Mohammed Umar BagoImpactful Minister of the Year– Barrister Nyesom Wike, CONLawmaker of the Year (House of Representatives)– Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, CFRLawmaker of the Year (Senate)– Senator Ahmed Aliyu WadadaLife and Legacy Award– Mrs. Folorunsho AlakijaMinister of the Decade– Barrister Festus Keyamo, SANOutstanding Governor (North Central)– Engr. Abdullahi Audu SuleOutstanding Governor (North East)– Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, CONOutstanding Governor (North West)– Dr. Dauda LawalOutstanding Governor (South East)– Mr. Peter Ndubuisi MbahOutstanding Governor (South South)– Pastor Umo Bassey EnoOutstanding Governor (South West)– Babajide Sanwo-Olu, CONPerson of the Year– Dame Dr. Adaora Umeoji, OONPolitician of the Year– Prof. Nentawe YilwatdaPublic Impact Person of the Decade– Senator George Akume, CONPublic Officer of the Year– Alhaji Bashir Adeniyi, MFRTransformative Minister of the Year– Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-OjoTransformative Project of the Year– Trade Modernisation Project (TMP)Public Voting Still OpenVoting remains open until5 August 2026for three additional honours. Financial Innovation Award:FlutterwaveMoniepointOPayPaystackPiggyVestVBankNational Development Award:Mr. Charles Odii (SMEDAN)Ms. Jennifer Adighije (Niger Delta Power Holding Company)Dr. Olasupo Olusi (Bank of Industry)Dr. Tony Okpanachi (Development Bank of Nigeria)Sustainability Award:ACReSALBank of IndustrySahara GroupSahara HoldingsSeplat EnergyUnilever NigeriaThe Council also announced the close of nominations for theDTN@100 Trailblazer Award, with the ten highest-ranked nominees from public voting to be inducted during the grand finale. Fidelis AnosikeThe centenary celebrations extend beyond the awards ceremony. Managing Partner and Publisher,Chief Fidelis Anosike, has outlined a broader vision that includes recognising distinguished Nigerians in the Diaspora, convening an international summit beginning in Europe, where some of Daily Times’ early leaders received professional training – and expanding the newspaper’s global engagement. Reflecting on the significance of the milestone, Anosike noted:“The 100 years of our media is a major historical archival project, and not just a day’s work but more in the months ahead. As we look forward to another century of delivering our services, products and resources to the growth and development of our nation and continental integration”The DTN@100 Heroes Awards and Centenary Celebration will culminate on3 September 2026at theTHISDAY Dome, Abuja, where recipients will be formally honoured and inducted into theNigerian Book of Life, recognising individuals and institutions whose contributions have shaped Nigeria over the past century. As Daily Times embarks on its second century, the institution is reaffirming its historic role—not only as a chronicler of Nigeria’s past but also as a platform for celebrating the leaders, innovators and visionaries shaping the nation’s future. BEN TV Founder and Chief Mazi AnosikeBEN Television (Europe’s first Ethnic and Black Satellite TV) congratulates Daily Times Nigeria on its remarkable DTN@100 milestone. We celebrate a century of journalism, national service and excellence. We commend Chief Fidelis Anosike and the entire team for preserving this historic legacy while creating a vision for the next century of Nigerian storytelling and impact. —————————————————————————————————————————————Your help to our media platform will support the delivery of the independent journalism and broadcast the world needs. Support us by making any contribution. Your donation and support allows us to be completely focus, deeply investigative and independent. It also affords us the opportunity to produce more programmes online which is a platform universally utilised. Thank you. Please click link to make –DONATION