Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, and the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa, have emerged as top honourees at the 2025 OurNigeria News Awards, with particular recognition given to Fubara’s leadership and governance record.
The recipients were unveiled on Tuesday at a press briefing in Abuja by the organisers of the awards.
Speaking at the event, Chairman of the Editorial Board of OurNigeria Magazine, Dr. AK Peters, said the awards were established to recognise Nigerians whose leadership, service and commitment to national development have delivered measurable impact across critical sectors.
He explained that the theme of the 2025 edition, scheduled to hold in 2026, is “Providing a Podium for the Unsung Hero,” noting that it reflects the magazine’s mission to spotlight individuals who have made significant contributions to nation-building without commensurate public acclaim.
Governor Fubara was named Governor of the Year 2025, marking the second consecutive year he has clinched the magazine’s top honour.
“Governor Siminalayi Fubara was our Man of the Year 2024, and he has again emerged our Man of the Year 2025. He has demonstrated the consistency and the type of leadership we want to see in Nigeria,” Peters said.
He noted that despite political distractions and challenges, the Rivers State governor has remained focused on governance, peace and the welfare of the people, maintaining a strong connection with grassroots communities.
General Musa, on his part, was named Man of the Year 2025, following his role in shaping Nigeria’s security architecture and his appointment as Minister of Defence. Peters described Musa’s appointment as one of the most celebrated decisions of the current administration, citing his record, public profile and the high expectations surrounding his leadership of the defence sector.
According to Peters, the honourees were selected through a rigorous process involving nationwide nominations, editorial screening and independent assessment by evaluators drawn from the 36 states.
“From the nominations we received, we scaled them down, subjected them to independent assessment, and zeroed in on those whose impact stood out within the 2024–2025 review period,” he said.
Other award recipients include the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, named Minister of the Year; Aishatu Dahiru Ahmed, Politician of the Year; Mubarak Ahmad Tijani, winner of the Plato Leadership Award for Young Politician of the Year; and Comrade Uba Sani, honoured as Icon of National Unity and Patriotism, alongside several leaders across politics, security, academia, media and civil society.
Peters expressed appreciation to the media and other stakeholders for supporting the magazine’s vision of projecting positive Nigerian narratives and promoting excellence, accountability and patriotism.