Governors of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah and Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke; Founder and CEO, North-West Petroleum & Gas Company Limited, Winifred Akpani; First Lady of Kwara State, Prof. Olufolake Abdulrazaq, and Founder and CEO, Chapel Hill Denham Group, Bolaji Balogun, have been named winners of the 2024/2025 Zik Prize in Leadership Awards.

According to the organisers, they were all selected in recognition of their exceptional achievements in governance, entrepreneurship, professional excellence, and humanitarian service across Nigeria and the African continent.

In a statement, the Advisory Board of the Public Policy Research and Analysis Centre (PPRAC) said that the winners of the prestigious 2024/2025 Zik Prize in Leadership AwardsLeadership Awards had demonstrated exceptional vision, integrity, and service to humanity.

Established in 1995 to immortalise the legacy of Nigeria’s first President, Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe, the Zik Prize continues to celebrate transformative leadership across Africa and the Diaspora.

Over the years, it has honoured outstanding figures, such as Dr Nelson Mandela, President Julius Nyerere, Prof. Dora Akunyili, and Dr Akinwumi Adesina.

This year, the awardees were recognised for their trailblazing achievements in governance, entrepreneurship, professional excellence, and humanitarian service.

The announcement of the awards was accompanied by a solemn tribute to the late Chairman of PPRAC, Prof. Jubril Aminu, who passed away in June 2025.

The Centre praised its visionary leadership and lifelong dedication to promoting excellence in public service across Africa.

The statement, signed by the organisation’s Head, Selection Committee, Prof. Pat Utomi, noted that Mbah was recognised for his visionary “Tomorrow Is Here” agenda, which is transforming Enugu into a hub of innovation and productivity.

Also honoured in this category is Addeleke for his transparent and people-focused governance. Winifred Akpani received the award for her transformative impact on Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, commitment to integrity, gender inclusion, and indigenous participation in the energy sector.

First Lady of Kwara State, Prof. Abdulrazaq, was honoured for her compassionate leadership and humanitarian impact through the Ajike People Support Centre.

Balogun was honoured for his pioneering role in investment banking and Nigeria’s economic transformation. Utomi said that the 2024/2025 honorees embody the ideals of visionary leadership, ethical governance, and societal transformation espoused by Dr Azikiwe.

“These laureates represent the best of African leadership: bold, people-centred, and transformative. They remind us that Africa’s destiny lies in the hands of leaders who serve with courage, compassion, and integrity,” he said.

Meanwhile, the formal presentation ceremony of the Zik Prize Awards would take place on Sunday, November 16, 2025, at the Eko Hotels & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos. (The Guardian)