…honours Tunji-Ojo, Idris, other distinguished Nigerians
Ebony Herald International Magazine and Abuja Herald Newspaper will on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, hold their 17th Annual Hall of Fame and Dignity Awards Ceremony at the Nigeria National Merit Award House, Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja, Federal Capital Territory.
The annual event, which celebrates outstanding Nigerians whose contributions have positively impacted society, will be held under the theme: “Nigeria’s Evolving Democracy: Insecurity and the Impact of Social Media.”
The ceremony will feature a distinguished lineup of personalities from academia, diplomacy, public service, business, media, sports and other professional fields.
The Guest Lecturer is Dr. Zakari Momoh of the Department of International Relations and Diplomacy, ICONIC Open University, Abuja, while Ambassador Rasheed Akinkuolie, a retired Director of the Nigerian Foreign Service, will deliver the keynote address.
The event will be chaired by renowned writer, author and public affairs analyst, Professor Mohammed Khalid Othman, Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University Dutsin-Ma, Katsina State.
A major highlight of the ceremony will be the investiture of distinguished Nigerians into the Ebony Herald Hall of Fame and Dignity, alongside the presentation of various categories of awards and honours in recognition of their outstanding achievements, leadership qualities and contributions to national development.
Among the prominent awardees are the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, and the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.
Others include Mr. Seun Oni, a banker and international Oil and Gas expert, who will receive the Icon of Intellectual Leadership and Community Development Award; Alhaji Isyaku, an accomplished financial expert with over three decades of cognate experience at the Central Bank of Nigeria; and Temitope Obideyi, a former international athlete with a special passion for sports financing, who will be honoured as a Pillar of Sports.
Also on the list is TMD Olalude, a Nigerian music producer with a production studio in Manchester, United Kingdom.
Other distinguished recipients include; Engineer Adams Zikrulahi Chandy, Chairman of the Ondo State Muslim Welfare Board; Mrs. Aboyewa Olaitan, a professional teacher recognised for her contributions to improving the standard of education in parts of the Federal Capital Territory; and Dr. Isuwa Sunday, Group News Editor of Leadership Newspaper.
The list further features Mohammed Miracle, an information technology expert; Hon. Adamu Yusuf Garkuwan Dutse; and Engr. Olusesan Ogunleye, among other accomplished Nigerians.
In a special press statement issued ahead of the ceremony, the Publisher of Ebony Herald International Magazine and Abuja Herald Newspaper, Alhaji Lai Gidado, said the selection of award recipients was based on nominations received from members of the general public.
According to him, the awards are designed to recognise individuals whose professional accomplishments, commitment to excellence, exemplary leadership and service to humanity have distinguished them in their respective fields.
Gidado emphasised that the annual ceremony also provides an opportunity to celebrate integrity, encourage excellence and inspire Nigerians, particularly the younger generation, to contribute meaningfully to national development.
He further called on well-meaning Nigerians, corporate organisations, government institutions and members of the business community to support the growth and sustainability of professional journalism, particularly the print media.
The publisher expressed concern over the growing dependence on social media as a primary source of information, stressing that while digital platforms have expanded access to information, they cannot replace the professional standards, verification processes and editorial responsibility associated with credible journalism.
He urged Nigerians to support newspapers and established media organisations to enable them to continue providing accurate, balanced and credible information, noting that a vibrant media industry remains essential to democratic development, accountability and national cohesion.
The 17th edition of the Ebony Herald Hall of Fame and Dignity Awards is expected to attract prominent government officials, captains of industry, diplomats, academics, media executives and other stakeholders from across the country.
