Global Excellence Communications Limited, publishers of Nigeria’s number one celebrity news-magazine, on Sunday, May 18, 2025, held the 21st edition of its annual awards ceremony. The event, held at the prestigious Etal Hotel & Hall, Oregun, Ikeja, Lagos State, as usual, was organized to celebrate the achievements of eminent personalities, including distinguished religious leaders, and corporate and private enterprises.
The organizers of the awards led by Mayor Abiodun Akinpelu, at this year’s event, acknowledged the achievements of the honorees and their dedication to making a difference in their respective endeavours. Over the last 21 years, Excellence Recognition Awards has evolved to accommodate and anticipate current and future trends, and raise the bar of organizing awards. The ultimate goal, however, remains unchanged; showcasing outstanding achievements of people and top-quality brands.
At this year’s ceremony, 15 recognition awards were presented to deserved recipients drawn from across different fields of endeavours. The categories are ‘Healthcare Personality of The Year’ won by PROFESSOR WASIU LANRE ADEYEMO, a Professor of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at the College of Medicine University of Lagos and Consultant Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon in the Lagos University Teaching Hospital; ‘Businessman of The Year’ won by OTUNBA ODEYEYIWA KAZEEM OLAYEMI, a Certified Information System auditor, a strategic business leader, effective human manager and outstanding corporate executive who is the CEO of Repton Group; ‘Most Iconic General Overseer’ won by DR. DANIEL KOLAWOLE OLUKOYA of the Mountain Of Fire and Miracles Ministries worldwide, a church of God noted for its unique and powerful prayer mode.
The list also includes ‘Outstanding Regulatory Agency of The Year’ won by the NIGERIA CIVIL AVIATION AUTHORITY, a federal government agency mandated to ensure aviation safety and economic regulatory services of the aviation industry in conformity with ICAO Standards; ‘Entrepreneur of The Year’ won by DR. TAIWO OLAYINKA AFOLABI, an outstanding manager in shipping operation and port management behind SIFAX Group, a leading firm in port management, shipping, bonded terminal operation, aviation, oil & gas, haulage & logistics, financial services and hospitality; ‘Most Impactful General Overseer’ won by APOSTLE JOHNSON SULEMAN of the Omega Fire Ministries worldwide, an evangelistic ministry with branches in over 62 countries, with bias for soul-winning evangelism and remarkable charity works;
‘Banker of The Year’ won by DR. OLUFEMI BAKRE, a highly accomplished professional with a distinguished career spanning over 35 years in the banking industry, a visionary leader with extensive experience across various aspects of banking, including multilateral business, financial institutions in the public sector, as well as corporate, commercial, SME, and retail banking; ‘Commissioner of The Year’ won by MRS. ADETOKE BENSON-AWOYINKA, the commissioner of Tourism, Arts, and Culture in Lagos State under whose visionary leadership the sectors have been rapidly and incredibly transformed; ‘Minister of The Year’ won by CHIEF FESTUS EGWAREWA ADENIYI KEYAMO (CON), Nigeria’s incumbent Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development whose five-point agenda for performance reflects a comprehensive approach to enhancing safety regulations, supporting local airline businesses, improving infrastructure, developing human capacity, and optimizing revenue generation for the country; ‘Speaker of The Year’ won by RT. HON. MUDASHIRU AJAYI OBASA, the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, an experienced legislator who understands the vital and indispensable role of the legislature in exercising the power of the people in a system of governance;
‘Bank of The Year’ won by ZENITH BANK PLC led by Dame (Dr.) Adora Umeoji, a clear leader in the Nigerian financial space, with several firsts in the deployment of innovative products and solutions that ensure convenience, speed and safety of transactions; ‘Most Improved Representative of The Year’ won by HON. (PRINCE) ADEBAYO OLUSEGUN BALOGUN, the Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Electoral Matters, during whose tenure Ibeju-Lekki has experienced lots of social and physical infrastructural developments; ‘Public Service Personality of The Year’ won by HON. AYODEJI ADEBAYO JOSEPH, the helmsman at the Lagos State Development and Property Corporation (LSDPC) which he has infused with a dynamic vision and a transformative spirit that have significantly altered the developmental landscape of Lagos State; ‘Representative of The Year’ won by HONOURABLE ADEGOKE BABAJIMI BENSON representing Ikorodu Federal Constituency of Lagos state in the House of Representatives whose period has witnessed effective legislation and people-centred oversight as well as massive empowerment and execution of developmental projects; and ‘Alternative Security Personality of The Year’ won by CHIEF BESTMAN NZE JUMBO, a highly skilled professional with a unique blend of expertise in alternative security solutions and strategic communication.
Anchored by the trio of star comedian, Koffi, Dr. Bukky Bello and Deji Balogun, the event boasted of an amazing list of entertainers like Alincology, Amacoz, Anif, Ashny, Emmy, Famous Igboro, Fuzee, HY2, Istijabah, Jay and Sax. Others are Junior Boy, Kool B, Pencil G, Shoka Beat, Terryfeek and Whiteman.
Awardees and guest celebrities, music executives, and influencers attended the event in stunning outfits, making bold fashion statements that stole the spotlight.
On the whole, this year’s ERA did not only showcase moments that resonated deeply with audiences, it also set new benchmarks for excellence.
-Folorunsho Hamsat, Akin Sokoya
