On Sunday, March 1, 2026, Nigeria’s political, business, creative, and cultural elite will converge at the Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, for the 2025 Silverbird Man of the Year and Special Awards, commencing at 6:00 p.m.
At the heart of the celebration, the most prestigious honour of the night — Silverbird Man of the Year 2025 — will be presented to Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State, following an emphatic endorsement by Nigerians nationwide.
Governor Otu was officially declared winner on January 1, 2026, after securing over 70 percent of total votes, cast via WhatsApp and text messaging platforms. The outcome reflected broad-based public confidence in his leadership style, performance, and people-focused governance.
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A Landmark Year for a Landmark Award
The 2025 edition of the Silverbird Man of the Year is especially significant, marking the 20th anniversary of the award, which was instituted in 2005 by media entrepreneur Senator Ben Murray-Bruce to recognise Nigerians whose work has shaped the nation’s socio-economic trajectory.
Over the past two decades, the Silverbird Man of the Year platform has honoured some of Nigeria’s most influential and transformative figures, including:
• Prof. Dora Akunyili (2005), for her courageous public service and reform-driven leadership
• Nuhu Ribadu (2007), for redefining the anti-corruption fight
• Adams Oshiomhole (2008), for governance impact
• Mike Adenuga Jr. (2009), for business excellence
• Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala (2011), for economic leadership
• Aliko Dangote and Godswill Akpabio (2013), for industry and public service
• Bola Ahmed Tinubu, honoured as Extraordinary Personality (2015)
• Nyesom Wike (2018), Seyi Makinde (2022), Prince Dapo Abiodun (2023), and Biodun Oyebanji (2024)
By joining this distinguished lineage, Governor Bassey Otu’s selection situates him among leaders whose influence extends beyond office into lasting national relevance.
A People’s Mandate, Earned Through Service
Reacting to the recognition, Governor Otu described the honour as deeply humbling and reflective of collective effort.
“This award belongs to the people of Cross River State and to Nigerians who believe that leadership must translate into real impact,” he said.
“To receive this level of support from citizens across the country is both an encouragement and a responsibility.”
The nomination process began with the Silverbird Editorial Board, chaired by Mr. Jacob Akinyemi-Johnson, the Chief Creative Officer of the Silverbird group before proceeding to a nationwide public vote — reinforcing the award’s reputation as both editorially credible and people-driven.
Healthcare at the Grassroots: Leadership That Touches Lives
One of the most visible hallmarks of Governor Otu’s administration has been the renewed focus on primary healthcare, particularly in rural and underserved communities.
Through the rehabilitation and upgrading of primary health centres, access to quality healthcare has been expanded, preventive care strengthened, and pressure reduced on tertiary facilities.
“Healthcare is most effective when it is closest to the people,” the Governor noted.
“Our goal has been to ensure that no Cross Riverian is left behind because of location or circumstance.”
Education: Building Tomorrow, Today
Education reform has equally remained a cornerstone of the administration. Across the state, schools have been renovated, new learning facilities constructed, and educational infrastructure strengthened.
Governor Otu’s conviction is clear:
“Education is the foundation of any lasting development. When we invest in schools, we invest in the future of our children and the stability of our society.”
This commitment has rekindled confidence among parents, teachers, and students alike.
Tinapa and the Reawakening of Tourism
The revival of Tinapa Business and Leisure Resort stands as one of the administration’s most symbolic interventions. Long regarded as a sleeping asset, Tinapa is now being repositioned as a catalyst for tourism, commerce, and job creation.
“Tinapa represents opportunity — for investors, for young people, and for the state’s economy,” Governor Otu explained.
The move forms part of a broader strategy to reclaim Cross River State’s identity as Nigeria’s premier tourism destination.
Progress in the Face of Financial Constraints
Despite significant fiscal challenges — including the loss of oil wells following boundary adjustments with Akwa Ibom State — the administration has continued to deliver key projects through discipline, prioritisation, and innovation.
By strengthening internally generated revenue and adopting prudent financial management, the government has demonstrated that effective leadership is defined not by abundance, but by wise stewardship.
As Theodore Roosevelt once observed, “The best executive is the one who has sense enough to pick good people to do what he wants done, and self-restraint enough to keep from meddling while they do it.”
A Legacy Still Being Written
Leadership, as the Silverbird Man of the Year platform has consistently affirmed, is not measured by promises alone, but by impact.
With calm vision, firm execution, and a deep commitment to service, Governor Bassey Otu has restored confidence, momentum, and purpose across Cross River State.
In this milestone 20th anniversary year of the Silverbird Man of the Year Award, his recognition stands as both a celebration of progress achieved and a statement of belief in leadership that truly serves the people.
Governor Bassey Otu — Silverbird Man of the Year 2025.
