SENATOR GEORGE AKUME AND NEYA KALU
AMAECHI OGBONNA, IKECHUKWU AMAECHI, TONY MANUAKA AND IHEANACHO NWOSU
CHIEF ALEX DUDUYEMI AND CHIEF FOLARANMI OGUNJOBI
PROF AWA KALU AND SAM LOCO SMITH
CHIEF BRIGHT EDOM AND MR FESTUS MBISIOGU
CHIEF AND MRS RAY OKOYE
UCHE OGAH, PROF OBIORA AND A GUEST
Frank Edoho anchoring The Sun Awards
Jennifer Eliogu performing
Chief Mrs. Maria Olateju Phillips, Chairman, LASACO Assurance Plc. with Chief Alex Duduyemi, Asiwaju of Ife.
CHIEF ANDREW ORU; AMB. IFEANYICHUCKWU IFEDI; AND JOY AFEGBUA
By Agatha Emeadi
The much-talked-about The Sun Awards was held last Saturday at the upscale Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island. The yearly event saw a gathering of the crème-de-la-crème in the society. Though, it has come and gone, the memories will linger. While enjoying an evening of glitz and glamour, some guests spoke to our reporters about their impression of The Sun awards.
Dr Fred Odutola, former General Secretary/ CEO, Bible Society of Nigeria and former Chairman, United Bible Societies Africa Area.
I am here to support Arch. Bishop Emeka Agu who worked with me in the Bible Society in the 90s. When he told me he won The Sun Awards, I gave him the father’s blessing and told him the award is not cheap. It is not for every Tom, Dick and Harry. I congratulated him and promised to make myself available to celebrate with him. I want The Sun to keep up the good work by giving the award to people who merit it. It will ginger others to work hard. I remember the times of Mike Awoyinfa, Dimgba Igwe, Femi Adesina who were great men of the pen. Keep up the good work because it does not come cheap.
Felix Nnamani, Commissioner for Water Resources, Enugu state.
The Sun Award is a great event to have been here for 21 years. It is wonderful with colourful arena/red carpet. Though this is my first time of coming, I am satisfied with what I have seen so far. His Excellency, Gov. Peter Mbah who I am here to celebrate has turned around Enugu. He came prepared and we love him for that. All his campaign promises are being confronted one way or the other. At least the popular sit at home is no longer there. He has created an enabled environment for all.
Umoh Nnacheta, real estate consultant
It is so great that The Sun decided to honour our president, Dr Jayne Onwumere, Group Managing Director and President (PWAN) who has done a lot. Through the vision of PWAN, she has empowered a lot of people, renewed hope and changed lives. We are here to appreciate The Sun Newspaper for this recognition.
Uwaezuoke Eziaha, Executive Director, South East PWAN Homes Ltd.
So far, the Sun Awards is very encouraging. The environment is so interesting. I must also say, this is the best of what I have seen so far since I started attending events. Our Group Managing Director invited us as an exceptional woman to us. The millions of people she has empowered through the opportunities she created cannot be quantified. We therefore cannot fathom a particular way to appreciate her better. So, for The Sun newspapers to capture her, this is the best so far. Congratulations to The Sun and PWAN.
Hon. Ginika Tor, Federal Character Commissioner
Well, The Sun Awards have stood the test of time. They have been consistent in what they believe in, always making the right choice. At any given time, seeing the quality of the few selected; you know they deserve the award and that is the major event. I don’t look at the venue or decoration, but the personalities that are being honoured. At the short realisation, it is a great activity by a wonderful newspaper.
Kester Idiata, real estate consultant
This is the first time I am attending The Sun Awards. My president, Dr Jayne Onwumere deserves the honour and more. Her philanthropist lifestyle has helped a lot of people. We deal in lands, but through it, a lot of people have been empowered.
Sir Ifeanyi Ikejiaku, businessman
I have been here once when the Chairman of Orange Drugs (Chief Tony Ezenna) was awarded some time ago. It was a memorable day. Today I am here to support the Chairman of Tiger Foods Ltd, Chief Celestine Ebubeogu, “Ide Gburugburu Akokwa.” It is a very wonderful event which I look forward to attending every year especially when I am close to an awardee.
Dr Frederick Ofeoghene Okpaje, Group Executive Director, Operations, (PWAN)
For Mrs Jayne Onwumere, I think she deserves the award because in the last 12 years, she has been empowering people. What she has set up has grown to become an Iroko tree in the real estate industry. Therefore, it is an award merited. At the moment, she controls over 50 companies within a space of 12 years, and still counting. I am delighted that this recognition came to Mr Jayne Onwumere, and I believe that more will come. Thank you, The Sun Newspapers.
Chief C.C Okafor, businessman, civil activist
For me, it is a very well-deserved award coming from a credible and reputable organization. It is not like the cheap awards given everywhere. Given what Dr and Mrs Onwumere have achieved in a very short time, I think she is deserving of the award. While people are busy cutting corners, PWAN deployed creativity, and took the real estate business to another height. I really congratulate them on this occasion.
Philip Uche, Abia State.
From the calibre of people that are receiving the award, it is a good refection on what integrity and hard work can do. I am here for my principal counsel, Prof Awa Kalu (SAN).
Tony Okoroafor, research fellow
The Sun Awards is fantastic. It shows that The Sun recognises the input of the people from various professions, and that is authentic. If they continue this way, the society will be a better place for all. I am here to cheer Chief Awa Kalu, (SAN).
Azuka Chukwurah, J-Jumac Industries Ltd.
The Sun Awards is a glorious affair. One of its kind, it is not an award we see all the time. When The Sun says this is it, then that is the best. It is not a kiddies play. We are really happy and appreciate The Sun newspapers so much. I am here for Chief James Okwu Uzuh, Industrialist of the year.
Chioma Okeke-Okoli, attendee
I feel so grateful and happy. I like the way The Sun is encouraging people who have put in their best in their various professions. Let them keep up the good work up.
Wilson J. Yakubu, Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor of Gombe State
The Sun Awards given to Governor of Gombe State, Mohammed Inuwa Yahaya as the Governor of the Year is well deserved. Awards like these boost the activities of those that are impacting on humanity, and it becomes a challenge to others to emulate those that are doing good, so they would be honoured next time. His Excellency has done a lot of transformation in Gombe State.
Ajogwu Sunday Emeka, Commissioner for Special Duties, Enugu State.
Well, I think The Sun awards has consistently remained at the top of the annual award ceremonies in Nigeria. The quality of the awardees is a testament that The Sun does not look at party affiliations. If one does well, The Sun would recognize the person and my governor Dr Peter Mbah is a pure example of what I mean. He is a young man that just came in few months ago, with transformational policies. The governor came prepared and knows the job. He has been doing a lot in all sectors, so we say kudos to The Sun Awards.
Ngozi Enih, Commissioner for Children, Gender Affairs and Social Development, Enugu State.
The Sun as far as I know them has been at the apex of their professionalism in terms of print media while organising such awards every year to appreciate those Nigerians who had gone a long way to put their very best efforts in changing the face of the society. It is a good thing that they are doing it consistently and we pray that they keep getting better yearly.
Sir Ifeanyi Amonye
The Sun Awards is a good development, which encourages people to work hard. I am here to support Chief Kenneth Ifekudu aka Agbalanze Onyekachukwu na Ozubulu.
George Nnadilinwa
The Sun awards is quite spectacular. Though this is my first time of attending the event, I think it is a great honour for deserving members of the society. I am here to support my friend Agbalanze Onyekachukwu na Ozoubulu.
Ezeani B.C Igwilo (SAN)
The award has a life of its own. It has become glamorous and improving by the year. Two years ago, we were here and I observed that it is inspiring and motivating. If you are recognized in any category, you want to maintain it. So, kudos to The Sun Awards.
Asiwaju Olubunmi Oluwadare, Bellagio Airlines limited.
I am here for Hon. Dare Akande who is being recognized as the Investor of the Year. The Sun Awards is fantastic and also a sought-after award that people look forward to. Everybody celebrates The Sun Awards everywhere. It is good news to us as our chairman is being recognized.
Joy Michael, PWAN
This award is fantastic because it encourages the upcoming and gives hope to the younger generation that they can emulate the awardees. Regardless of what we are passing through, Nigerians are great.
Chinyere Usen, ED Legal, Masters Energy
This is the second time The Sun is giving Masters Energy Limited Awards. From all of us in Masters Energy, we are grateful for the award.
Emmanuel Enwere (Ozo-Umuawulu Na Umuawulu).
This is not the first time I am attending The Sun Awards at Eko Hotels and Suites. But for this year, I am here to celebrate with Chief Kenneth Ifekudu (Agbalanze) and Ikenna Okafor (Ikenga Umuawulu). They are my friends and brothers who have also made us proud.
Juliet Igboukwu, NUPRC
It is a good thing to give awards to those who are deserving of the awards. Those people who have put in their best in their various profession. Our boss Gbenga Komolafe is winning The Sun award.
Chukwuma Ugbo, businessman
The Sun Awards has been a noble initiative, which has been consistent over the years. This is the first time I am attending. My friend, Dr Uche Ogah is being awarded The Sun industrialist of the year.
Jeniffer Eliogu, artiste, Nollywood star
The Sun Awards has been on for several years which means they are doing something right. They are recognizing excellence, hard work, tenacity and transparency. I am glad that this year, I was invited to perform and I am very grateful to be part of the beautiful evening. Seeing the calibre of people who have gathered here tonight tells a lot about The Sun Awards.
Tayo Adekoya… MD Adept Lessor Ltd
The award is very well organised, the security is top-notch with a world-class ambience. I am here to support my client, Dr Jayne Onwumere. She is a real estate mogul who has shown herself as an exemplary leader in the space where she operates. The reality is that I came to see what it looks like and I am impressed.
Fumubi Olufayo Adeleye, attendee
I think it is nice, well put together. I think the sitting arrangement can be improved better. It is a good award with quality choice of venue, ambience, MC, keeping to time and smart ushers.
JESSICA OJE-HUMPHREY, DR ROBERT OBIOHA AND HIS WIFE, MOGAJI DAMOLA OLAJUMOKE AND EVELYN ONYIBE
MR. JERRY SUNDAY; MD/CEO, PWAN, AMB. ADA LILIAN SUNDAY; DR. IDU LOLIA
EMEKA UGWU-OJU AND A GUEST
MR. NNAMDI EZEIGBO, CEO, SLOT SYSTEMS LIMITED AND HIS WIFE, NKECHI
Ms Imade Osawaru and Mrs. Ifah Faith
TUNJI ODUNLAMI AND GBENGA DAIRO
Mrs Nwadiuto Iheankanwa and Evelyn Onyibe
Group Head, Media and External Relations, UBA, Ramon Nasir; Managing Director, New Telegraph, Ayo Aminu; And Former Managing Director, The Sun Publishing Limited, Eric Osagie
Consultant on Media to the Governor of Ogun State, Prince Ifekayode Akinbode and Hon. Commissioner for special duties and intergovernmental affairs, Ogun state, Hon. Funmilayo Efuwape.
Representative of Olu of Warri, Chief. Kofi Kartey; Chief Mrs. Tessy Ikimi; and Chief. Gilbert Grant
Chief Benjamin Igwe, Chief Ingram Osigwe and Chief Divine Ikechukwu
Mrs. Amaonye Amalachukwu ; Nneka Emodi-Eze and Doris Chukwuneke
Kayode Akinmade and Tope Adeboboye
Chidi Nnadi, Editor, Sunday Sun
AMAECHI OGBONNA, IKECHUKWU AMAECHI, TONY MANUAKA AND IHEANACHO NWOSU
Lekan ADENIRAN and Obasa Paul