CEO banks Oshiomhole, Ajibola, others by price

Amid glitz and Razzmatazz, The Sun Publishing Limited, publisher of the Daily Sun, Saturday Sun, Sunday Sun and Soccer Star yesterday presented The Sun Man of the Year 2010 award as a businessman, Alhaji Aliko Dangote and Governor of Gombe State, Alhaji Danjuma Goje, who are co-winners.
The event, which took place at the Eko Expo Hall, Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos has witnessed great politicians, musicians, Nollywood stars and business leaders. They include Alhaji Dangote, Governor Goje, winners, Adams Oshiomhole governor of Edo State Deputy Governor of Rivers State, Hon. Tele Ikuru, who represented Governor Rotimi Amaechi, Lady Ucheoma Chukwudum Uchenna, who represented Governor Peter Obi of Anambra State, Princess Denrele Ogunsanya, who represented Governor Babatunde Fashola, Chief Segun Osoba, former governor of the state Ogun, and Alhaji Ibrahim Dankwambo, former Accountant General of the federation. Others are the Prince Bola Ajibola, chairman of the occasion, Mr. Mike Awoyinfa, former CEO of The Sun, Mr. Dimgba Igwe, former Director General of The Sun and other prominent Nigerians. Speaking on the occasion, Prince Ajibola said he was happy to be at the event. He said he has agreed to be Chairman of the occasion because of the respect he has for the winners.
Prince Ajibola said: "Recognizing our men who have distinguished themselves in the country is, for me, the best way to stigmatize and re-branding. This is the best thing to do to introduce those who are excellent. When I was told the two people who are in the spotlight today, I said, I must be here even if I was sick. Dongote and Goje are men to be proud of anywhere in the world. The two people we have come to honor are the people we should be thankful because they have distinguished themselves in their efforts.
"There are so Nigerians everywhere. All we hear are a few Nigerians who are involved in this or that. Of course, we have the good, the bad and the ugly. It is not peculiar to Nigeria. There are Nigerians who hold positions well in the world, including the United States. We should be ashamed of ourselves if we do not recognize the Dangote philanthropy and piety. "
The Chairman said that Dangote has employed many Nigerian and therefore deserves the award. To show his approval of the award, he sang, "because it is a good guy" for the winners.
The Council of Sun editors voted Dangote and Goje that the most important figures in 2010 for their contributions in the enviable public and private sectors respectively. Goje governor had emerged as first runner Sun Man of the Year 2009. He was chosen as joint winner in 2010 after careful consideration of its significant achievements in education, health, water supply through the construction of a huge dam on the River Gongola, and construction of a new airport in the state.
Dubbed "An Evening of Excellence", the glamorous red carpet event, which was by Gbenga Adeyinka compeered, was also an evening of entertainment, as musicians like Paul Play Dairo and comedians like Spencer and Mallam Seyi Law entertain the public. Launched in 2003, The Sun Man of the Year "is the humble way of honoring the company's Nigerian patriots whose public conduct and actions help to inspire hope for a better Nigeria.
Dr. Mike Adenuga Jnr, chairman of Globacom, has emerged as the first recipient of this award in 2003 for the introduction of per second billing in the industry of the nation in the telecommunications field, and thus put phones in the hands ordinary Nigerians. In 2004, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), won the coveted award for consider a new banking order.
Malam Nuhu Ribadu, former Chairman, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has emerged as the winner in 2005 for his courage, determination and outstanding leadership demonstrated in the fight against corruption. And in 2006, Obiageli Ezekwesili, the Minister of Education, for his pragmatic reforms in the education sector. Mr. Peter Obi, governor of Anambra State, Rotimi Amaechi and the Governor of Rivers State, has become co-winners of awards in 2007.
Obi and Amaechi were named recipients for their steadfast faith in the judiciary and the rule of law to challenge the injustice imposed on them by those who handle patent process because they close the door of political offices. In 2008, Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State emerged the winner when he was governor Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN) of Lagos State and Mr. Tayo Aderinokun, Managing Director / CEO GTBank Plc emerged joint winners in 2009.