The third edition of the Megastar Man of the Decade Awards has honoured oil and gas entrepreneur Dr Julius Dediare Rone, Senator Gbenga Daniel and 28 other distinguished Nigerians for their contributions to national development.
The ceremony, held on Friday at Wells Carlton in Abuja, brought together prominent figures from business, politics, governance, entertainment, sports, humanitarian services and other sectors.
Rone, who received the prestigious Megastar Man of the Decade Award 2026, emerged as the most recognised recipient at the event. He was honoured for his contributions to Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, particularly gas development, as well as his efforts to promote indigenous participation in the energy sector through UTM Offshore Limited.
He had previously received recognition as Sustainable Energy Development Personality of the Decade for his contributions to the industry.
The 2026 edition of the awards was held under the theme, “The Road to 2027: Citizens, Stakeholders, and the Democracy We Choose.” The theme focused on citizens’ responsibilities, political leadership, accountability and the future of Nigeria’s democracy ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Gbenga Daniel Calls for Accountable Leadership
Senator Gbenga Daniel, who represents Ogun East Senatorial District, delivered one of the keynote addresses at the event, urging Nigerians to reflect on the type of democracy and leadership they desire as the country approaches another election cycle.
Daniel said the 2027 elections should provide an opportunity for citizens to examine the performance of political leaders and determine the direction they want the country to take.
“As Nigeria approaches 2027, what kind of democracy do we want? What kind of leadership do we deserve, and what responsibilities are we prepared to accept as citizens?” he asked.
According to the senator, these questions go beyond political competition and extend to the economy, national security, unity and the future of young Nigerians.
He maintained that democracy should deliver tangible benefits to citizens rather than being limited to voting during elections. He said it should also guarantee accountability, freedom of expression, protection of fundamental rights and responsible leadership.
Daniel called on political leaders to move beyond campaign promises and focus on addressing the challenges affecting Nigerians, including the rising cost of living, unemployment, insecurity and inadequate access to quality education, healthcare, electricity and infrastructure.
“The time has come to move from the politics of promises to the politics of performance, and from the celebration of personalities to the measurement of public value,” he said.
The lawmaker also urged voters to take responsibility for the quality of leaders they elect, warning against allowing ethnic, religious and partisan considerations to determine electoral choices.
“We cannot build a united nation with a divided conscience, and we cannot demand responsible government while rewarding irresponsibility at the ballot box,” Daniel stated.
He further called on political parties and candidates to present credible programmes and demonstrate integrity. He also urged electoral institutions to operate transparently, security agencies to remain politically impartial and the judiciary to uphold the rule of law.
Daniel described young Nigerians as important stakeholders in the country’s present and future, stressing that the 2027 elections should help strengthen public confidence in democratic institutions.
Governor Sule Questions Identity-Based Politics
Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule, who was represented by Mohammed Yakubu Lamai, Director-General of Strategic Communication and Events Management to the state government, also addressed the gathering.
Sule reflected on Nigeria’s political experience since the return to democratic rule in 1999, raising concerns about leadership, national unity and the quality of democratic governance.
Referencing Chinua Achebe’s 1983 book, The Trouble with Nigeria, the governor recalled the author’s argument that the country’s fundamental problem was the failure of its leaders to demonstrate the right values and provide good examples.
He questioned the continued use of ethnic, religious and other identity-based sentiments to mobilise political support, asking whether such practices represented the kind of leadership Nigerians wanted to leave for future generations.
According to Sule, citizens cannot be expected to maintain confidence in the country when the conduct of their leaders fails to inspire trust.
He said the awards’ theme challenged Nigerians to examine the character, values and principles of those they elect, particularly whether political leaders would promote division or work towards unity and national progress.
“Nigeria won’t be ruled by aliens or robots or AI. Nigeria will be governed by Nigerians,” he said.
The governor emphasised that the country’s future would depend significantly on the quality of leadership Nigerians choose and the values they uphold in the democratic process.
He urged citizens to take ownership of the nation’s political future, noting that power ultimately rests with the people.
Organiser Urges Nigerians to Participate in Democracy
Earlier, the Executive Producer of the awards, Dr Adeniyi Ifetayo, explained that the platform was established to recognise Nigerians whose contributions to leadership, entrepreneurship, public service and other areas had helped advance national development.
Quoting former United States President John F. Kennedy, Ifetayo said, “Ask not what your country can do for you — ask what you can do for your country.”
He explained that the theme of the 2026 edition was designed to encourage Nigerians to move from complaints to participation and from political apathy to active involvement as the country prepares for the 2027 elections.
“Democracy is not something that happens to us. It is something we decide every day, and not only on election day, by what we tolerate, what we demand and what we build,” he said.
Ifetayo urged eligible Nigerians to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), question political leaders about their performance and reject attempts to exploit ethnic, religious and other divisions for political purposes.
He also called on stakeholders in government, business, the media and civil society to demonstrate integrity, protect democratic institutions and contribute meaningfully to national development.
Olu of Warri Commends Award Organiser
The Olu of Warri, His Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse III, served as the royal father of the occasion and commended Ifetayo for establishing a platform dedicated to celebrating the achievements of other Nigerians.
In a goodwill message delivered at the event, the monarch praised the organiser’s commitment to bringing deserving individuals and organisations into the spotlight.
He observed that while many people seek public recognition for themselves, Ifetayo had chosen to create opportunities for others to be celebrated.
The monarch described the initiative as an example of leadership that helps others gain recognition for their accomplishments.
Her Majesty Olori Atuwatse III served as the royal mother of the event.
Full List of Other Award Recipients
Other recipients recognised at the ceremony included the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation; Kola Aina; Mitchell Elegbe; Optiva Capital Partners; Dotun Daniel; Niger Delta Restaurant, popularly known as Mama Banga’s Place; and Jubril Adewale “Wale” Tinubu, CON.
Others were media personality Reuben Abati; Nwangwa Uzonna and Irvin Global and Investment Group; Emmanuel Idiagbon Paddy Iyamu; football star Asisat Lamina Oshoala, OON; Leemon Agbonjagwe Ikpea, CON, JP, FNSE; Cynthia Ikponmwosa and LAPO Microfinance Bank; and Senator Ahmed Wadada Aliyu.
The list also included former Katsina State Governor Ibrahim Shehu Shema; former Senate President Abubakar Bukola Saraki, CON; former Ondo State Governor Olusegun Mimiko; former Kano State Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso; and entertainer Efosa Emmanuel Iyamu, popularly known as Sir EFEX.
Additional honourees were Eferebo I. Sylvanus and Somatrix Marine Ltd; George O.K. Onafowokan and Coleman Wires and Cables; Nuhu Fulani Kwajafa, MFR; Osahon Okunbo and Vetrinox Capital; Mount Zion Faith Ministries International, led by Pastor Mike Bamiloye; Habeeb Olalekan Okunola, MON, OFR; Afolashade Shona-Aluko; and Ayoolanrewaju Kuyebi and GodMade Homes Limited.
The recipients were recognised for their contributions across business, entrepreneurship, public service, governance, humanitarian work, entertainment, sports and other fields.
The organisers explained that the awards were not only intended to celebrate outstanding accomplishments but also to inspire greater civic responsibility and encourage constructive discussions about Nigeria’s future.
With the 2027 general elections approaching, the event highlighted the importance of responsible leadership, active citizenship, credible electoral processes and the need for Nigerians to participate in shaping the country’s democratic future.
READ ALSO:
- Nine Escape Unhurt as Private Jet Door Falls Off Mid-Air in Abuja
- Megastar Man of the Decade Awards Honour Rone, Gbenga Daniel, 28 Others
- Ogun 2027: Some APC Members Say They May Withhold Votes From Yayi if Adebutu Stays Off Ballot
- EFCC Takes Custody Of Maina’s Son, Reveals Next Step After Arrest
- Why Ladi Adebutu Could Return to INEC’s List for 2027 Ogun Governorship Election | By Seun Oloketuyi
