40 Nigerian Innovators Recognised At NiRA Awards

The Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NiRA) celebrated its 20th anniversary on December 2, 2025, alongside the 8th .ng Awards. NiRA, managers of the .ng domain, recognised over 40 individuals and organisations whose work has illuminated Nigeria’s digital space over the years.

The NiRA 20th Anniversary, themed “20 Years, One Identity: Powering Nigeria with .ng,” featured a series of impact-driven activities, beginning with a live radio appearance, the production of the NiRA History Documentary, and the Community Walk, and culminating in the landmark Anniversary and Awards Night.

The ceremony brought together pioneers, innovators, partners, industry leaders, and members of the NiRA community to celebrate two decades of stewarding Nigeria’s digital identity.

As highlighted by Peter Oluka, chairman of the .ng Awards Committee, in his welcome address, the purpose of the evening was to pay tribute to the pioneers, acknowledge today’s leaders, and applaud outstanding achievements that continue to elevate the .ng brand. He also emphasised that as NiRA marks 20 years, the community must look ahead to the next two decades with renewed commitment and national pride.

In his remarks, the president of NiRA, Adesola Akinsanya noted that, “Twenty years ago, visionary men and women laid the foundation for what has grown to become Nigeria’s digital anchor, the custodian of our online identity.”

He reflected on the journey of .ng from its early beginnings to its significance today as a symbol of national representation, digital trust, and economic empowerment. Similarly, he reinforced the need for Nigerians, businesses, institutions, creators, and citizens, to embrace the .ng domain as the authentic digital identity of the nation.

His words set the tone for a heartfelt tribute to NiRA’s early champions and a smooth transition into the evening’s main programme.

The NiRA COO, Oluwaseyi Onasanya, delivered a tribute session that highlighted the men and women whose early contributions helped shape NiRA’s emergence. She highlighted the sacrifices, collaborations, and determination that guided the repatriation and governance of the .ng domain, emphasising that the .ng story is the story of Nigeria’s digital awakening.

A significant highlight of the anniversary celebration was the unveiling of the 20th Anniversary Logo and the hardcover of the NiRA History Documentary. The documentary captures over 30 stakeholders recounting the story of NiRA’s journey, from inception, through challenges and triumphs, to its growth as the manager of Nigeria’s digital identity.

The unveiling, led by NiRA’s leadership alongside stakeholders, partners, and members, symbolised two decades of resilience, technological progress, and national pride.

The general awards session recognised excellence across sectors. Pulse Nigeria emerged as Best Online Media Website, Cool FM received Best Electronic Media Website (Radio), the Corporate Affairs Commission was honoured for Digital Innovation in the Federal Government category, Lagos State received recognition for Digital Innovation in State Government, Hervest emerged as Startup Company of the Year, and Nibox Financial Payment Solutions was recognised as the .ng Fintech Company of the Year. These and other winners reflect the diversity and innovation present within Nigeria’s digital ecosystem, which continues to grow on the backbone of the .ng domain.

In commemoration of NiRA at 20, pioneers and key figures who shaped the Association’s history received Lifetime Achievement Awards. Honorees included Dr. (Mrs.) Ibukun Abimbola Odusote, Chief Chima Onyekwere, Dr. Isaac Odeyemi, Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, GCFR, and the late Engr. Ndukwe Kalu, individuals whose contributions remain woven into the fabric of NiRA’s progress.

We are Nigerian.” It is the symbol that strengthens digital sovereignty, builds global trust, protects local content, powers digital commerce, and secures the future of Nigerian innovation.

“The call, therefore, is clear, for businesses seeking credibility, for innovators building the future, for institutions shaping national narratives, and for individuals who want to be truly represented online: Own your identity. Choose .ng. Build Nigeria’s digital legacy, ”