Independent Newspapers Limited is set to recognise and honour outstanding Nigerians with lifetime achievement awards for their contributions to the economy and society at large.
Yemi Adebisi, chairman, awards committee, made this known during a recent press conference indicating the 2025 edition of the media platform’s annual awards tagged, Independent Silver Jubilee edition coincided with the 25 years of existence of Independent Newspapers.
“We are pleased to announce that our annual award ceremony will hold on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos,” he said.
Themed, ‘Gamechangers, Breaking Barriers & Shaping Tomorrow,’ Adebisi disclosed that this year’s awards will feature about 25 categories, with three nominees per category, spanning business, governance, and key sectors of the Nigerian economy.
Notable categories for the silver jubilee edition include Man of the Year, Financial Sector Regulator of the Year, Lifetime Achievement Award, among others.
Adebisi also disclosed that the 2025 edition of the awards will allow members of the public to participate in the voting process, in a significant shift from previous editions.
According to him, nominations will be assessed by the board of editors, an independent jury panel, and respected Nigerians to ensure credibility, fairness, and transparency. “The final shortlist will be publicly announced,” he added.
He highlighted key dates of the silver jubilee awards as follow: Nomination opened on January 15, 2026, and closes on February 12, 2026.
Also, shortlisted nominations will be announced on March 31, 2026. Public voting will commence on March 31 and end on April 14, 2026. While the awards ceremony will be held on April 18, 2026.
“Nominees will be assessed based on measurable impact, innovation, leadership, sustainability, contribution to national development, and adherence to ethical standards,” Adebisi said.
According to him, nominees must be Nigerian citizens or organisations operating in Nigeria. He added that achievements must have occurred or had significant impact in 2025.
Adebisi also disclosed that nominated organisations must be duly registered and operational in Nigeria, while public officials must be currently serving or have served within the relevant period.
