The Lord’s Achievers Awards (LAA) will return in 2025 for its 7th edition, with significant changes to its structure aimed at strengthening credibility and widening its scope of recognition. Established as an annual platform to celebrate young achievers, leaders, innovators, and changemakers, the Awards have, over six editions, honoured more than 60 individuals across business, technology, arts, social impact, and other fields.
This year, the Awards will introduce a formal jury session for the first time, reinforcing its commitment to a transparent and evolving selection process. Members of the jury include Stephanie Busari, Senior Editor, Africa, CNN; Chuka Obi, Director of Creativity & Innovations, Globacom; Titilope Adesanya, Director of Operations, Africa, EMPIRE; Wole Odetayo, CEO, Southwest Innovation & Tech Co. Ltd; Femi Taiwo, Managing Partner, F.I.T Africa; Ladun Awobokun, Chief Content Officer, FilmOne Limited; and Chinyere Inya, Partner, Accelerate Africa & Future Africa.
Representing the brand on the jury are Oluwagbemileke Lawal, Marketing Manager, Nigeria Distilleries Limited; Olusegun Akinyemiju, Senior Brand Manager, Lord’s London Dry Gin; and Oluwaseun Olaniyan, Partner and Head of Brands and Communities at The Influence Agency, the Awards’ strategic engagement partner.
Speaking on the Awards, Oluwagbemileke Lawal, Marketing Manager, Nigeria Distilleries Limited, makers of Lord’s London Dry Gin, said: “Our investment in the Lord’s Achievers Awards is a reflection of our long-standing belief in the power of youth to shape the future. By recognising young leaders and innovators across diverse sectors, we are celebrating achievement, while creating a platform that inspires, encourages, and empowers others to take bold steps toward positive change.”
In addition to the new jury process, the 2025 edition will feature four new award categories: Media & Journalism, Sports, Content Creation, and Film & Entertainment. These additions broaden the scope of recognition to include emerging and influential sectors.
During the jury deliberations, nominees were assessed against key criteria such as innovation, impact, leadership, sustainability, and alignment with the brand’s values. Members emphasised fairness and inclusivity, balancing youth representation with sector realities.
Olusegun Akinyemiju, Senior Brand Manager, Lord’s London Dry Gin, added: “Lord’s Gin has always stood for distinction, character, and excellence. The evolution of the Awards and the credibility of this year’s jury process reinforce our commitment to building a legacy platform that honours achievers whose impact will be remembered for years to come.”
With the countdown to LAA 2025 now underway, the organisers are preparing to celebrate a new generation of achievers whose work continues to drive ambition and progress across Nigeria.
