Independent Newspapers Limited has announced plans to hold its 2026 Annual Awards ceremony on Saturday, April 18, at Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, as part of activities marking its 25th anniversary.
The Chairman of the Awards Committee, Mr Yemi Adebisi, in a statement, said the Silver Jubilee edition would be held under the theme "Gamechangers, Breaking Barriers & Shaping Tomorrow."
Next Stay 40 42 00:00 00:00 / 00:00 10 Sec
Follow us on WhatsApp | LinkedIn for the latest headlines
He explained that the awards would feature about 25 categories with three nominees in each, cutting across business, governance and key sectors of the Nigerian economy.
Notable categories include Man of the Year, Financial Sector Regulator of the Year and Lifetime Achievement Award.
Adebisi noted that, in a significant departure from previous editions, members of the public would participate in the voting process.
He said nominations would be assessed by the Board of Editors, an independent jury panel and respected Nigerians to ensure credibility, fairness and transparency, adding that the final shortlist would be publicly announced.
According to him, nominations will open on January 15 and close on February 12, 2026, while the shortlist will be unveiled on March 31.
Public voting will run from March 31 to April 14, with the awards ceremony scheduled for April 18. Nominees will be evaluated based on measurable impact, innovation, leadership, sustainability, contribution to national development and adherence to ethical standards.
He added that eligibility is open to Nigerian citizens and organisations operating in Nigeria, provided their achievements occurred or had significant impact in 2025.
Organisations must be duly registered and operational in the country, while public officials must be currently serving or have served within the relevant period.
