The Governor of Enugu State, Dr Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, has been honoured with The Sun Newspapers Man of the Year Award 2025, with a pledge to continue raising the bar of governance and deepening reforms across the state.
Governor Mbah received the award at the 2025 edition of the Sun Awards ceremony, held in Lagos at the weekend.
In its citation, The Sun said Mbah stood out among his peers for breaking barriers and driving remarkable transformation across virtually all sectors through disruptive innovation and inclusive governance.
Rendering the citation, the Chairman and Publisher of Sun Publishing Limited, Barr. Neya Kalu, said that while Nigeria was navigating a demanding period, it was important not to overlook the progress being recorded across the country.
Congratulating Mbah and other awardees, Kalu described the 2025 Sun Awards as special, noting that the ceremony was not only a celebration of excellence but also a reminder that greatness continues to emerge even in challenging times.
“This is a moment that reminds us that even in complex seasons, greatness still rises,” she said.
Presenting the award, the Founder and former Chairman and Publisher of Sun Publishing Limited, Senator Orji Uzo Kalu, described Governor Mbah as a leader deliberately rebuilding Enugu State and delivering tangible results across sectors.
“He is a governor who is tilling the ground. I think that is a better way of describing this governor,” Kalu said.
He added that The Sun was conceived as a public trust and maintained an apolitical stance in its editorial and awards processes.
“It is owned by the Nigerian people, and that is why The Sun is apolitical,” he stated.
In his acceptance speech, Governor Mbah dedicated the award to members of his administration, stressing that leadership success was impossible without teamwork.
“One is nothing without a team. Therefore, I receive this award on behalf of my team, whose commitment, selfless work ethic, and dedication have translated our bold ideas into visible progress,” he said.
Mbah thanked The Sun for upholding the values of credible journalism, noting that the award was a reminder that leadership should be measured by results, not applause.
“But our work is not done. We are not going to slow down. This award will rather challenge us to continue to do more.
“We will remain committed to raising the bar of governance, deepening reforms, and delivering the future that Ndi Enugu truly deserve,” he vowed.
Also speaking, Chairman of the event and Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Air Peace, Dr Allen Onyema, said Mbah’s emergence as Man of the Year further reinforced the credibility of the Sun Awards.
According to Onyema, few Nigerians would dispute that the Enugu governor had elevated governance within a short period in office.
“The Sun Awards is one of the most credible awards in the country. When you look at the array of nominees, you will agree they merit it.
“Who will fault the governor of Enugu State as Man of the Year? Nobody. He deserves what he is getting,” Onyema said.
Earlier, in his welcome address, the Managing Director of Sun Publishing Limited, Mr Onuoha Ukeh, described the awardees as “Uncommon Achievers” who chose excellence over conformity.
“In a world where conformity often seems like the easiest option, these individuals have chosen to stand out.
“They have taken risks, confronted challenges head-on, and emerged victorious. Their stories reflect the power of human potential, determination, and resilience,” he said.
Ukeh added that the awardees had refused to be limited by the challenges of a developing country, choosing instead to chart their own paths to success.
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