Udom Emmanuel, Adora Umeoji Get Man, Woman Of The Year Nominations

Former Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Udom Emmanuel; GMD/CEO of Zenith Bank and Founder Pink Breast Cancer Care Foundation, Adaora Umeoji; and Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State have emerged ‘Man Of The Year’, ‘Woman Of The Year’ And ‘Governor Of The Year’ respectively.

They are part of an esteemed group of 43 accomplished Nigerians who emerged winners of the 2024 Leadership Excellence Awards (LEEX). They will be formally recognised and celebrated at the upcoming 6th edition of the prestigious awards ceremony, honouring exceptional leaders and change-makers in various fields.

In a 13-day nationwide poll monitored by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Udom Emmanuel garnered 1,460,388 votes to defeat H.E. Babagana Zulum, Governor Borno State; 861,976 Chief Barth Nnaji, CEO of Geometric Power; 436,115 votes, and Otunba Michael Adenuga, Chairman Globacom 267,915 votes.

In the same vein, with 819, 543 votes Dr Adaora Umeoji defeated Folorunso Alakija, GMD Rose of Sharon Group and Founder Flourish Africa Foundation (611,854); Sen. Aishatu Binani, Former Senator Adamawa Central (358,024) and Prof. Florence Obi, Vice Chancellor University of Calabar (306,814)

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State’s (437,528) votes defeated H.E Babagana Zulum of Borno State (298,344); Governor Alex Otti of Abia State (286,235) and Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State (86,195) to emerge winner.

The Man and Woman of the Year awards are the country’s most prestigious online media honours, recognising exceptional individuals who have made significant impacts. The past four years’ winners include:

Man of the Year: – 2023: Alhaji Abdul Rabiu – 2022: H.E. Peter Obi – 2021: Obi Cubana – 2020: Dr. Godwin Maduka

Woman of the Year: – 2023: Prof. Nnenna Oti – 2022: Dr. Betta Edu – 2021: H.E. Judith Amaechi – 2020: Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala

These individuals have demonstrated outstanding leadership, innovation, and commitment to excellence in their respective fields.

The highly coveted award, endorsed by the African Union and African Film Institute, will be presented at the Nigeria Air Force (NAF) Banquet Hall Abuja in a grand ceremony on 2nd November 2024.

The other winners who will be honoured during the occasion include:
H.E Sen. Barau Jibrin – Best Senator of the Year

Cyril Stober – Lifetime Achievement (Journalism)

Dr Chima Anyaso – Businessman of the Year, H.E Rt. Hon. Chibuike Amaechi – Lifetime Achievement (Public Service), Mayor Dele Oshinowo – Best LGA Chairman of the Year, Alhaji Ahmed Amshi – Public Servant of the Year, H.E Sen. Muhammad Adamu Aliero – Senator of the Year (Education), Dr Chris Ifediora – Diaspora Humanitarian of the Year, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori – Governor of the Year (Welfare/Empowerment), Abubakar Adamu – Youth Advocate of the Year, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen – Best Lawmaker of the Year 2024, Sen. Uche Ekwunife – Iconic Woman Leader of the Year, H.E Sen. Theodore Orji – Iconic Political Leader of the Decade, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Ukpong-Udo – Best Rep Member of the Year (Empowerment), Dr Yetunde Adeniji – Social Welfare Icon of the Year, Hon. Alex Ikwechegh – Best Reps Member of the Year (1st Term), Dr Seun Bosede Osamaye – Gender Rights Advocate of the Year, Chief Chidozie Nwangwu – Cultural Icon of the Year, Bishop Matthew Kukah – Peace Icon of the Year, Deacon Chris Iyovwaye – Maritime Icon of the Year, Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN) – Legal Icon of the Year, Engr. Odinaka Chukwu – Gas Icon of the Year, Hon Odi Okojie – Outstanding Community Service Icon, J. Martins – Tourism Icon of the Year, Ambassador (Dr.) Maureen Tamuno – Investment Promoter of the Year, Chief Majesty Kelechi Olugu – Real Estate Facilitator of the Year, Fatima Sulaiman (Moon by Me) – Fashion Brand of the Year, Hon. Gift Johbull – Community Advocate of the Year, Chief Azubuike Ihemeje – Hospitality Icon of the Year, Blessing Osom – Restaurateur of the Year, Dr. Kehinde Bankole – Innovative Developer of the Year, Brain Jotter – Online Influencer of the Year, Prophet Jeremiah Omoto Fufeyin – Philanthropist of the Year, Patience Ozokwor – Lifetime Achievement (Entertainment), Femi Kuti – Lifetime Achievement (Entertainment), Chris Onyenso – Iconic Producer of the Year, Patrick Azi – Energy Icon of the Year, Hon Sokarii Goodboy Sokari – State Lawmaker of the Year, Dr. Abbas Waziri – Naturopathic Icon of the Year, Kennedy Okoruwa – Real Estate Icon of the Year, These exceptional individuals have demonstrated remarkable achievements in their respective fields, and their recognition serves as a testament to their hard work and dedication.