Osoba, Gbenga Daniel Applaud Champion Over Resilience Amid Economic Crisis

Former governors of Ogun State, Otunba Gbenga Daniel and Aremo Olusegun Osoba, and other eminent Nigerians have expressed their satisfaction with the resilience that has sustained Champion Newspapers Limited over the decades.

They made the remarks during the Newspapers Awards (2025) night on Saturday, March 14, at Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.

The newspapers’ management honoured no fewer than 50 awardees who mounted the podium in recognition of their exceptional performances in both government, the corporate world and personal enterprises.

Senator Daniel spoke as the Chairman of the occasion, Aremo Osoba was a special guest of honour, while among the recipients were Kogi State Governor, Usman Ododo, who won the Governor of the Year on Youth Development and Security. The Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and his commissioners won the Star Performance Award, 2025.

The chairman, chief executive officer, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd), who was represented by the agency spokesman, Mr Femi Babafemi, was the Man of the Year. NDLEA, as a corporate body, won the Most Innovative and Outstanding Public Agency of the Year in the ceremony.

Welcoming guests and awardees, the group managing director/Editor-in-Chief of Champion Newspapers Limited, Dr Mrs. Nwadiuto Iheakanwa, said this year’s awards ceremony is designed to honour exemplary leadership, integrity, innovation, and service across various sectors of the Nigerian economy.

Over the years, the Champion Awards have earned a reputation for identifying and celebrating the foremost achievers whose works continue to inspire progress and national growth.

According to Senator Daniel, “The Annual Champion Awards is a night dedicated to celebrating excellence, courage, enterprise and remarkable individuals whose contributions have brought to shape the progress of our nation. This ceremony is not merely an awards event; it is a special moment of recognition. The recognition of men and women who have risen above the ordinary, who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and whose works continue to inspire confidence in the promise of our country.”

While paying tribute to the Founder of the Champion Newspapers, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyawu, he noted, “his foresight, his courage, his unwavering belief in the power of responsible journalism has today become one of Nigeria’s most enduring media institutions. In an industry that is often turbulent and unforgiving, the survival and continued relevance of the Champion for decades is no small achievement.”

In his comment, former Ogun State Governor, Aremo Olusegun Osoba, also praised Champion Newspapers’ management and staff for their resilience.

He stated that sustaining the news tabloid over decades shows exceptional dedication and commitment, which is highly commendable.

Lagos State Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr Oluyinka Olumide, thanked Champion management for the award, saying the state government is committed to enhancing its achievements on infrastructure delivery.