The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has promised increased development and progress for Nigeria in 2025, remarking that Nigerians would have suspected partiality if he wasn’t awarded ‘Minister of the Year’.
Wike made this statement on Monday night while receiving the Minister of the Year award at the prestigious ThisDay Awards 2025.
Expressing his gratitude, Wike thanked Nduka Obaigbena, Publisher of ThisDay Newspaper and Chairman of Arise Television, for organizing the event.
“I want to assure all those who do their businesses in Nigeria that this year, 2025, we will see more developments and more infrastructure, and that is what is basic for us; we do not have time for excuses; the time for excuses has gone. I thank all Nigerians,” Wike said.
The former Rivers State governor noted that his recognition underscored Obaigbena’s objectivity and fairness.
“Let me use this opportunity to say thank you, you have shown that you are not biased. You did the right thing; otherwise, Nigerians would have said you did partiality. I am sure everyone here is happy that I am the Minister of the Year, it is for everyone,” he added.
Wike also extended his appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for providing him the platform to serve and contribute to national development.
“I thank the president for giving us the opportunity; if the president didn’t give us the opportunity, we may not be here to contribute the little we contribute,” he stated.
The event also celebrated other prominent individuals and organisations. Zenith Bank PLC was named Bank of the Year, while Access Bank received the Global Bank of the Year title.
The Chief Executive Officer of Zenith Bank, Adaora Umoji, expressed her appreciation for the recognition and dedicated the award to the bank’s customers and employees. She also acknowledged the unwavering support of Zenith Bank Chairman, Jim Ovia.
In his remarks, the convener of the awards, Nduka Obaigbena, stated, “It is a privilege to honour the best of Nigerians because we believe if we honour the best, our children will be better.”
Other honorees included Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals, which was awarded Company of the Year, and MTN, recognised as Brand of the Year. Shell Nigeria PLC received the Investor of the Year award.
The Managing Director and CEO of Providus Bank, Walter Akpani, was honoured as Banker of the Year, while Senators Adams Oshiomhole and Natasha Akpoti Uduaghan were both recognised as Senators of the Year.
Lifetime Achievers Awards were presented to Maiden Ibru, Publisher of The Guardian Newspaper, and Mustapha Chike-Obi, Chairman of Fidelity Bank PLC.