Daily Times Nigeria has honoured a diverse group of Nigerians for their contributions to media, aviation, security, public administration and business at its centenary Heroes Awards.
The ceremony, held in Lagos, recognised individuals and institutions whose work has shaped national development.
Moky Makura, Executive Director of Africa No Filter, received a Changemaker Award for her work in challenging limiting narratives about Africa.
In her acceptance speech, Makura said changing the perception of Africa required Africans themselves to recognise and communicate the progress taking place across the continent.
“The work that I do is about changing the way the world sees Africa and Nigeria. Not just the world, but how we ourselves perceive ourselves,” she said.
Makura also recalled her personal connection to Daily Times, revealing that her father had been a columnist for the newspaper.
Aviation and Security Leaders Recognised
FAAN Managing Director Olubunmi Kuku received the Changemaker in Aviation Safety Transformation Award for her contributions to airport administration, infrastructure and passenger safety.
“There’s a lot more that needs to be done,” Kuku said, thanking Folio Media Group and her colleagues at FAAN.
Professor Obiora Okonkwo received the Changemaker in Air Transportation Award for his contributions to domestic aviation through United Nigeria Airlines.
Captain Chris Najomo, Director-General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, was honoured as Trailblazer in Aviation Administration.
General Christopher Musa received the Changemaker in Strategic Security Leadership Award for his contributions to national defence and security management.
The citation highlighted his service as Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai in the North-East and his subsequent leadership as Chief of Defence Staff.
Veteran broadcaster Eugenia Abu, who anchored the ceremony, appealed for support for the National Warrior Wellness Centre, an initiative to provide care for military personnel.
Business and Public Administration Honours
Dr Ayodele Subair received a Changemaker Award for his contributions to revenue administration at the Lagos State Internal Revenue Service.
Subair appealed for greater tax compliance, saying national development required cooperation between citizens and government.
“If we want Nigeria to develop, we want Lagos State in particular to develop, so if we want it to develop, we have to partner with the government,” he said.
In technology, Aboyeji received the Changemaker in Tech Entrepreneurship and Venture Capital Award for his role in developing Africa’s technology ecosystem.
His citation recognised his involvement in the establishment of Andela and Flutterwave and his continued support for emerging businesses through Future Africa.
OPay received the Digital Bank of the Year Award for expanding access to digital payment services.
PiggyVest received the Tech Company of the Year Award for its contributions to digital savings and investment services.
The citation noted that PiggyVest had grown to serve more than six million users and recorded cumulative payouts exceeding ₦3 trillion by its tenth anniversary in 2026.
The ceremony also recognised contributions in energy, banking, real estate, marketing communications and law.
Daily Times, founded in 1926, has documented major developments in Nigeria’s political, economic, cultural and social life for a century.
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