Pillars of Progress: Stakeholders Magazine Unveils Elite Nominees for 2026 Excellence Awards

Stakeholders Magazine is thrilled to announce the official nominees for the 2026 Stakeholders Magazine Awards, a prestigious platform celebrating the exceptional leaders and organizations driving transformative change across Nigeria.

Marking the magazine’s landmark 1st Anniversary, these awards recognize excellence in governance, business, and social impact. Each nominee has been carefully selected based on empirical research conducted by the Stakeholders Magazine Editorial Team, honoring those who have demonstrated remarkable innovation, resilience, and a steadfast dedication to national progress.

In a statement issued in Lagos on Monday, 5th January 2026, the Publisher and Managing Editor emphasized the rigorous nature of the selection process while clarifying the publication’s role:

“Stakeholders Magazine is an editorial publication and not a ratings organization. These selections are the result of deep-dive research into the tangible impacts made by these individuals and institutions over the past year.”

A Legacy of Impact
A centerpiece of the 2026 honors is the Lifetime Achievement Award, which will be conferred upon Nduka Obaigbena, founder of ARISE News and THISDAY. This honor recognizes his transformative impact on Nigeria’s media landscape and his lifelong commitment to the defense of free expression.
2026 Award Nominees & Honorees:

• Highly Commendable Award for Peace: Governor Siminalayi Fubara (Rivers State)
• Best Governor (Job Creation & ICT): Governor Peter Mbah (Enugu State)
• Best Governor (Infrastructure): Governor Alex Otti (Abia State)
• Best Governor (Education): Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf (Kano State)
• Best Governor (Agriculture): Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago (Niger State)
• Best Governor (Local Government Reforms & STEM Education): Governor Douye Diri (Bayelsa State)
• Businessman of the Year: Emmanuel Egboh (ASNL)
• CEO of the Year: Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe (Fidelity Bank)
• Businesswoman of the Year: Odunayo Eweniyi (PiggyVest)
• Federal Appointees of the Year: David Umahi (Works), Festus Keyamo (Aviation), Nyesom Wike (FCT), Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo (Interior), Zaccheus Adedeji (FIRS), Charles Odii (SMEDAN)
• State Appointee of the Year: Tokunbo Wahab (Lagos Environment)
• Best Bank (SME Support): Ecobank Nigeria
• Best Organization (CSR): OPay Financial Services
  The Celebration
  The inaugural awards ceremony will be held at the Transcorp Hilton Congress Hall, Abuja, on a date to be announced soon. The event will serve as a high-level gathering of policymakers, industry titans, and innovators to celebrate the trailblazers shaping the future of the nation.
  About Stakeholders Magazine
  Stakeholders Magazine is a premier publication dedicated to showcasing impactful leadership and innovation globally. By focusing on governance, business, and societal development, the magazine highlights stories of resilience that inspire positive change. The inaugural Stakeholders Magazine Awards represent our commitment to honoring those who build, lead, and transform Nigeria.