Cross River State Governor, Bassey Otu, has been conferred with the “Governor of the Year on Economic Transformation,” while Governor Charles Soludo of Anambra State won ‘The Governor of the Year 2024 (Urban Renewal)’ awards by the Daily Independent Newspaper.

The Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, also bagged the ‘Independent Newspaper Man of the Year’ award.

Otu’s award was in recognition of his visionary leadership, people-centred policies, and strides in revitalising the state’s economy within his first two years in office.

The prestigious accolade was presented during a grand ceremony at Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, attended by Nigeria’s political, economic, and social elite, including National and State Assembly members from the state, Cross River Executive Council, and top government officials, by former Osun State Governor and founding All Progressives Congress (APC) Chairman, Bisi Akande.

ALSO, Soludo’s award was in recognition of his visionary leadership, bold infrastructural reforms, and commitment to transforming Anambra State into a modern, livable, and prosperous homeland.

Receiving the award on behalf of Soludo, the Deputy Governor, Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim, reaffirmed the administration’s dedication to sustainable urban development and infrastructural excellence.

At the ceremony, where the First Lady, Mrs Oluremi Tinubu, seven other governors, two serving ministers, several legislators, prominent politicians and captains of industry, bagged different awards, Makinde was named ‘Man of the Year,’ which was the climax of the awards.

According to the organisers, Makinde was picked as the ‘Man of the Year’ in recognition of his outstanding contributions to governance, democracy, and infrastructure development.