… The Sun celebrates Nigeria’s finest, pride of the nation

By Henry Umahi

 It was a night of stars that twinkled gloriously in their numbers. Indeed, Lagos, the Centre of Excellence, was agog as the Pride of the Nation came to town.

Unarguably, a dominant media, entertainment and networking brand in Africa, the 20th edition of The Sun Awards paraded Nigeria’s finest in every sphere: men and women, old and young, whose words and actions define the present and the future of their beloved country and even beyond. 

From the fringe of the Sahara to the Atlantic coastline, they came. Some came to adorn the glittering crowns on their worthy heads; some came to give support, to be part of history.

Blazing in glory, The Sun hosted captains of industry, boardroom gurus, political bigwigs, diplomatic community, business moguls, policy makers, entertainment impresarios, actors, actresses and models. It was interesting seeing politicians exchanging greetings with their rivals with a ceremonious display of friendship.

From 6:00p.m, the red carpet became active and various automobile wonders glided into the Convention Centre, Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, venue of the event. The movers and shakers of the society, decked in different designer stuffs,walked in confidently to the admiration of many. Some of them looked like a million bucks. It is the stuff Hollywood is made of and memories are made of such. 

The highly-anticipated event dripped finesse and majestic splendour. It’s like wine, getting better with age. Like previous editions, yesterday’s outing was first class in terms of content and character. If anything, there was an elevated touch of class and style.  

As someone put it, The Sun made it a January to remember for many, including those who watched the show on television in their homes and elsewhere.

After the red carpet, which was like an icing on the cake, they began to saunter into the exquisitely decorated hall which was every inch breathtaking. The stage was one of its kinds. A whiff of perfumes rent the air.

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The beautiful and courteous ushers took guests to their seats where the magic began to unfold. From the decorations of the tables, you knew The Sun had an ace up its sleeves: to redefine entertainment and give guests a treat of a lifetime.

The Sun’s hospitality was also on full display. The very best of wines, champagne and other drinks were served with an array of mouth-watering cuisine.

On-air-personality, Abdulfatai Otori, and star actress, singer and television host, Chioma “Chigul” Omeruah, were joint hosts of the event chaired by former Governor of Ogun State and media icon, Chief Segun Osoba.

Days before the event, the editors had a not-too-rosy time. Friends of the house and associates bombarded their phones, asking for invitation cards. Alas, the day came and the sweet story will continue to be told. The Sun has done it again.

Those who received awards at the event were Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State and Mallam Mele Kyari, Group Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (Man of the Year); Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, Governor of Abia State; Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State and Governor Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa (Governor of the Year); Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State (Courage in Leadership); Governor Darius Ishaku of Taraba State (Political Icon) and Dr. Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu (First Lady of the Year).

Other award winners were General Overseer, Omega Power Ministries, Apostle Chibuzor Chinyere; Chief James Chjioke Ume, Chairman, Unubiko Foundation (Humanitarian Service Icon); Mr Festus Mbisiogu, Chairman, Shanghai Engineering Works Limited; Lady Ada Chukwudozie (Industrialist of the Year); Barr. Ngozi Ekeoma; Chief Benjamin Igwe (Entrepreneur of the Year); Dr. Stanley Uzochukwu, Chairman of Stanel Group; Dr. John-Kennedy Opara, Chairman, CSS Integrated Farms Limited (Investor of the Year); and Chief Kelvin Jumbo Onumah, Chairman, Sublime Group (Hospitality Personality).

Others who received awards were Mercy Johnson-Okojie (Nollywood Personality); Chief Gabriel Igbinedion, Esama of Benin Kingdom; Dr Chukwuemeka Ezeife, ex-Anambra State governor; Alhaja Sinatu Ojikutu, ex-Lagos Deputy Governor; and Alhaji Sule Lamido, former Jigawa State governor (Lifetime Achievement).

Others were Prof Mohammed Sani Haruna, Executive Vice Chairman, National Agency for Science, Engineering Infrastructure; Dr. George Moghalu, MD, National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA); Dr. Richard Okoye, Chief Medical Director, Save A Mission Hospital Group, Port Harcourt (Public Service), and Mr Olukayode Pitan, MD, Bank of Industry (Banker of the Year).

    Music sensation, Chike-Ezekpeazu Osebuka, simply known as Chike, a singer, actor and songwriter, thrilled the audience at the event. Before the main dish was served, the Hero’s Band serenaded the audience with a medley of old and current songs.