Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has been named Person of the Year 2025 by Leadership Newspapers at the media organisation’s 18th Annual Conference and Awards ceremony.
Speaking at the event, Senator Tinubu underscored the importance of national unity, stressing that Nigeria’s progress depends on citizens working together across cultural, religious and political divides.
“The future of our nation depends on our willingness to work together, across cultural and religious differences and interests, for the good of all. For a house divided against itself cannot stand. Let us keep working together to realize the Nigeria of our dreams,” she said.
The First Lady dedicated the award to her mentors and to Nigerians who continue to contribute to national development behind the scenes.
“I do not take this honour alone. I stand on the shoulders of a lot of people who have mentored and continued to mentor me. This award is for all those who have helped me along the way. It is also for the many Nigerians, especially women, young people and community leaders, who work quietly every day to uplift others and ignite hope in our nation,” she stated.
She also expressed appreciation to the Chairman of Leadership Newspapers, Mrs. Zainab Nda-Isaiah, for the recognition and for sustaining the legacy of the organisation’s founding chairman, the late Sam Nda-Isaiah.
“I celebrate the legacy of the Founding Chairman, Late Mr. Sam Nda-Isaiah, OFR, whose dreams his better half, Mrs. Zainab Nda-Isaiah, has taken to the next level. I believe that looking down today, he will be proud of you for keeping the fire of this organisation burning,” she added.
Delivering a keynote address on the theme, “Political Stability and Sustainable Development in Africa in an Increasingly Unstable Global System: A Roadmap for Nigeria,” the Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, Dr. Amina Mohammed, noted that nation-building ultimately rests on the commitment of citizens at home.
She called for efforts to deepen democracy and promote greater investment and economic sustainability across Africa, particularly in Nigeria.
Chairman of the occasion, Matthew Kukah, urged the present administration to strengthen institutions as a pathway to achieving sustainable development and long-term political stability.
In total, 27 eminent Nigerians and corporate organisations were honoured at the ceremony, which was instituted 18 years ago by the late Sam Nda-Isaiah to recognise excellence in leadership, public service and corporate performance.
