Fubara Dedicates Award To God, Wike, Others, Says FCT Minister Discovered Him

Rivers State governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has said that the minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Chief Nyesom Wike discovered him and gave him the opportunity to showcase his potential.

Fubara who stated this when he received the Man of The Year in the 2025 New Telegraph Awards, held in Victoria Island, Lagos, dedicated the award to God, Wike and the people of Rivers State.

At the well-attended event, Governor Fubara said, “My very wonderful friends and supporters that are here, let me first appreciate the management of New Telegraph and Staff for recognising these very wonderful personalities. We are more than two million people in this country, but somehow you discovered a few of us, and this very special night we are being accorded special recognition.

“I want to thank the management for that. Today, for me, is a very special day. Another special for everyone who has believed in me, and I know for believing in me, you are the share of special food.

“Some of these kinds of people describe them as weakness, while others see them as being strong.  But I choose for a lot of reasons to be weak. Weak because I want peace. Weak because we need to survive. Weak because I need to also protect those things that are dear, not just to me, but to our dear nation. So I want to say it is a special day for everyone.

“Continue to believe in what you believe in.  Weakness is a virtue. It pays at the right time. Let me also say a special thank you to the board again, and also dedicate this award first to God almighty for making this day for us, to my dear family. Unfortunately, my dear wife has gone to pick my children. They are still under 18, so they can’t operate without a guide.

“To the wonderful people of great estates that have shown support, shown quietness, shown maturity that has brought us this far.  I want to say in our end, I do not care how you interpret it or misinterpret it. To also dedicate this award to somebody who has discovered me, who might not be in this situation. The honourable minister of the Federal Capital Territory, my brother, discovered me and he discovered that he gave me this opportunity.  Thank you for everything. I want to wish everybody a very useful night.”

The Lagos State governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, also received the Governor of the Year (Innovation) Award during the award ceremony.

The governor was represented by the state commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso.

In a letter signed by the managing director/editor-in-chief of New Telegraph, Mr Ayodele Aminu, the Board of Editors and Panel of Judges said, Sanwo-Olu was selected for his “visionary leadership and bold innovations that are redefining Lagos as a 21st-century city.”

One of the leading financial institutions in the country, Zenith Bank PLC, was also honoured with the notable Financial Institution of the Year 2025 at the New Telegraph Newspaper annual dinner and award night.

The award is in acknowledgement of its remarkable financial performance, commitment to sustainability, and consistent industry leadership over the years.