OrderPaper Nigeria has announced the commencement of the ICONS (Initiative for Celebrating Outstanding National Statesmen) of the Fourth Republic programme as the country marked 26 years of uninterrupted democratic governance.
The top three on the list are President Bola Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and First Lady Remi Tinubu, while 11 governors also make the list.
They include Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa State, Bassey Otu of Cross River State, Mohammed Bago of Niger State, Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State, Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, Douye Diri of Bayelsa State, Hope Uzodimma of Imo State, Ademola Adeleke of Osun State, Uba Sani of Kaduna State, Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State, and Monday Okpebholo of Edo State.
Others listed are 21 incumbent senators, including Orji Kalu, Ibrahim Dankwambo, Yahaya Abdullahi, Simon Lalong, Aminu Tambuwal, Adams Oshiomhole, Seriake Dickson, Aliyu Wamakko, Mohammed Goje, Adamu Aliero, Enyinnaya Abaribe, Abdulaziz Yari, Gbenga Daniel, Haruna Manu, Idiat Adebule, Ikra Bilbis, Abdulhamid Madori, Abubakar Bello, Abba Moro, and Ipalibo Harry.
Twenty-two members of the Tinubu cabinet will be vying for slots in the book of records, the first of its kind in Nigeria’s history. They are led by Femi Gbajabiamila, chief of staff to the president, secretary to the government of the federation, George Akume, minister of state for labour & employment, Hon. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, minister of interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, and minister of works, Sen. David Umahi, among others.
ICONS is a prestigious, legacy-driven programme created to celebrate exceptional individuals whose service in both the legislative and executive arms of government has significantly shaped the country’s governance landscape and democratic trajectory.
It entails the publication of the Book of Records, a premier legacy publication profiling confirmed ICONS with data-driven documentation of their journeys, legislative contributions, and executive footprints; and a historic digital archive capturing 25 years of impactful governance transitions and democratic service across both arms of government.
The book of records and digital archive will be presented at an exclusive award and gala night scheduled for August 2025 to celebrate the inductees and their legacies.
Speaking on the initiative, Oke Epia, Chief Executive Officer of OrderPaper Nigeria and Convener of the ICONS programme, said it honours the best of the best—leaders whose work has deepened our democratic experience and strengthened national development.
He explained that each nominee has been pre-selected through a rigorous, non-partisan, evidence-based vetting process, rooted in OrderPaper’s decade-long commitment to legislative accountability and civic engagement.
“ICONS of the Fourth Republic is more than a celebration—it is a national chronicle of excellence, service, and leadership,” he stressed.
