FUBARA DEDICATES ‘MAN OF THE YEAR’ AWARD TO WIKE, CREDITS POLITICAL RISE TO EX-GOV
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By: Sefiu Ajape
Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has paid tribute to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, acknowledging the pivotal role he played in shaping his political career.
Fubara made the remarks while receiving the “Man of the Year” award presented by the New Telegraph, stating that Wike identified his potential and “elevated him to national prominence.”
“I dedicate this award to somebody who also discovered me, not minding the situation—the Honourable Minister of FCT. He discovered me, and it is his discovery that gave me this loudness,” the governor said.
Describing the recognition as both a personal milestone and a symbolic honour for those who have supported him through challenging periods, Fubara reflected on the trials he and his supporters have faced, calling them “special pain” interpreted by some as weakness and by others as strength.
He explained, “Weak because I want peace. Weak because we need to survive. Weak because I need to protect those things that are dear, not just to me, but to our dear nation.”
Also honored at the event was Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who received the Governor of the Year award for innovation. Represented by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, Sanwo-Olu thanked the New Telegraph for recognizing the state’s contributions to innovation.
The publisher of New Telegraph, Dr. Uzor Kalu, also commended the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu government for stabilizing the economy and “leading Nigeria alright.”
Also honored are Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, who won Governor of the Year Award, Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, won Distinguished Leadership Award, while Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, Governor of the Year (Education) Award; Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, Governor of the Year (Digital Economy and Skill Development) Award; while Sokoto State Governor, Ahmad Aliyu wins Governor of the Year (Human Capital Development) Award.
Others are Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, Governor of the Year (Projects); Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, Governor of the Year (Infrastructure), and Niger State Governor, Mohammed Bago, Governor of the Year (Agriculture). The 2023 presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso wins Lifetime Achievement Award; Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, received Visionary Leadership and Innovation Award; the Managing Director of Zenith bank, Dr. Adaora Umeoji, won the newspaper’s prestigious Banker of the Year 2025, and the managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, goes home with Public Servant of the Year 2025.
The Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), Khalil Suleiman Halilu, won Outstanding Service in Innovation and Reform Award; High Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo (Tompolo) won Personality of the Year (Security), while the Chief Executive Officer of UTM Offshore Limited, Dr. Julius Rone, received Personality of the Year (Oil and Gas).
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