Reputable Poll International (RPI), in collaboration with the Global Reputation Forum (GRF) has unveiled the Olu of Warri, His Royal Majesty, Ogiame Atuwatse III among 100 most reputable Africans for 2025.
The annual announcement by RPI celebrates African leaders, innovators, and changemakers who have made exceptional contributions across diverse sectors, including Business, Governance, Arts, Education, and humanitarian.
The list of 2025 honourees recognised 17 Nigerians across different walks of life.
Other Nigerians on the list include the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu; Minister of Industry Trade & Investment, Jumoke Oduwole; and the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye.
The rest are Apostle Jushua Selman, Tony Elumelu, Senator Gbemisola Saraki, Prof. Benedict Oramah, Dr Bala Wunti, Cosmas Maduka, Dr Daniel Kolawole Olukoya, Dr Paul Enenche, Kamil Olufowobi, Mayam Uwais, Wemimo Abbey, Songwriter and worship singer, Osinachi Egbu, better known as “Sinach”, and Poet Alhanislam, Maryam Bukar Hassan.
Ogiame Atuwatse III since his coronation in 2021 has continued to build bridges of partnership across globe and attracting development to Warri Kingdom as a change maker and a serial entrepreneur.
Member of the House of Parliament and Opposition Leader of the Conservative Party in the United Kingdom, Kemi Badenoch also made the list in the African Diaspora category.
The honourees were chosen for their significant local and global influence as well as their ability to create meaningful change.
According to the GRF, the 2025 honourees were selected through a rigorous methodology based on integrity, ethical leadership and commitment to societal well-being.
“They were also selected through the impact of contributions to transformative projects and initiatives as well as the recognition and influence within their respective fields,” the GRF said in its statement.
The recipients have taken to social media channels to acknowledge the award and celebrate the recognition.
[18/01, 6:52 pm] Bode: Tanker Explosion: Federal Gov’t Mourns Victims, Commiserates With Niger Govt, Orders Probe
BY NSE ANTHONY-UKO
The Federal Government has expressed profound sympathy with the government and people of Niger State following the tragic explosion of a petrol-ladened tanker at Dikko Junction along the Abuja-Kaduna Expressway on Saturday.
The incident, which resulted in the loss of lives and left several others injured, was described as a heartbreaking tragedy.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the minister of Petroleum Resources (Oil), Heineken Lokpobiri, extended his heartfelt condolences to the families of those who lost their loved ones in the explosion. “I am deeply saddened by this tragic event, and my thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved families. May the souls of the departed find eternal rest, and may God grant their families the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss,” he said.
The minister also prayed for the speedy recovery of those who sustained injuries in the accident. “To the injured, I pray for their swift and complete healing. This is a time for us to stand together as a nation in solidarity with all those affected by this tragedy,” he added.
While emphasising the need for enhanced safety measures to minimise the occurrence of such incidents, Lokpobiri urged citizens to exercise caution during emergencies involving petrol-ladened tankers. He stated, “As much as we strive to implement safety measures across the petroleum supply chain, I must strongly appeal to the public to avoid approaching petrol-ladened tankers in the event of an accident. I have appealed this severally, the risks are enormous, and lives are too precious to be lost unnecessarily.”
While noting that he has directed NMDPRA to commence investigation on the incident, the minister reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to ensuring the safety of petroleum transportation across the country, calling for sustained collaboration among relevant stakeholders to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
“This tragedy reminds us of the importance of collective responsibility. We must all work together – government, transport operators, and citizens – to ensure that safety remains paramount in all aspects of petroleum distribution,” he noted.
Lokpobiri assured the people of Niger State of the Ministry’s support during this difficult period, reiterating his unwavering commitment to promoting safety and well-being in all operations under his purview.
