The Great Nigerian Assembly (GNA) has officially announced the recipients of its 2025 GNA Pacesetter Awards, with Aliko Dangote, Chairman of the Dangote Group and Africa’s most influential industrialist, emerging as the GNA Pacesetter Person of the Year 2025.
The results were unveiled during a globally livestreamed virtual ceremony on Saturday, broadcast on GNA TV and YouTube, drawing participants from across Nigeria and the diaspora. The event celebrated outstanding leaders in the public and private sectors whose performance demonstrates measurable impact, accountability, and commitment to national development.
Dangote Bags GNA Person of the Year 2025
Following the formal introduction of the award category by Kayode Elusoji, Founder and Executive Director of the Great Nigerian Assembly, the announcement was made by Oba Rasheed Oladele Adetayo, the Adagba of Iyanfoworogi in the Ife Kingdom and a member of the GNA TV Advisory Board.
Alhaji Aliko Dangote, GCON, was recognised for his enduring contribution to Nigeria’s industrialisation, large-scale job creation, economic transformation, and pan-African industrial leadership.
As Founder and Chief Executive of the Dangote Group, a diversified conglomerate with interests in cement, sugar, flour, salt, and petrochemicals, Dangote has played a defining role in repositioning Nigerian enterprise on the global stage. His leadership of the Dangote Petroleum Refinery in Ibeju-Lekki, Africa’s largest oil refinery, is expected to significantly reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imported refined petroleum products while creating thousands of direct and indirect jobs.
Beyond industry, Dangote’s philanthropic interventions through the Aliko Dangote Foundation have impacted healthcare, nutrition, education, and disaster response across Nigeria and Africa.
GNA also acknowledged the role of the Federal Government, under Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in supporting economic reforms, while emphasising that the dividends of democracy must reach citizens at the grassroots through transparent and accountable governance frameworks.
Sanwo-Olu Named GNA Pacesetter Governor of the Year 2025
In the Governor of the Year category, following a detailed overview of the expectations for the office, the Chairperson of the GNA Global Advisory Council (GAC), Johnson Olufunsho Adetayo, announced Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Governor of Lagos State, as the GNA Pacesetter Governor of the Year 2025.
Governor Sanwo-Olu was recognised for sustained infrastructure development, economic resilience, and people-centred governance. Since assuming office in 2019, his administration has delivered major urban rail projects, strengthened healthcare infrastructure, expanded housing initiatives, improved security architecture, and maintained Lagos State’s position as Nigeria’s economic nerve centre.
Akpoti-Uduaghan Wins GNA Pacesetter Senator of the Year 2025
The Senator of the Year category was introduced by Tokunbo Adeniji, a member of the GNA Global Board of Trustees, who outlined the responsibilities of senators to both the nation and their constituencies.
The Vice-Chairperson of the GNA Global Advisory Council, Collins Nweke, thereafter announced Natasha Hadiza Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, as GNA Pacesetter Senator of the Year 2025.
A lawyer and public policy advocate, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan was recognised for constituency-focused interventions, legislative advocacy, and initiatives that expand economic opportunity, civic participation, and local governance impact.
Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo Emerges GNA Pacesetter Minister of the Year 2025
In the Minister of the Year category, Niyi Murelepresented the expectations for ministerial leadership, after which Chika Emmanuel, President of NIDO Brazil and member of the GNA Global Advisory Council, announced Olubunmi Tunji-Ojoas GNA Pacesetter Minister of the Year 2025.
Since his appointment in August 2023, Dr Tunji-Ojo has overseen far-reaching reforms within the Ministry of Interior, notably the automation of passport applications, clearance of backlogs, improved border security systems, prison reforms, and enhanced service delivery across immigration and internal security agencies.
The GNA also commended the reform efforts of other ministers, including Festus Keyamo and Bosun Tijani, for their contributions to national progress.
Hon. Kolade David Alabi Named Local Government Chairman of the Year 2025
The Local Government Chairman of the Yearcategory, described as the closest tier to the grassroots, was analysed by Olufunke Momoh, a member of the GNA National Board of Trustees.
The award was announced by Gabriel Piriye Whyte, who declared Kolade David Alabi, former Chairman of Bariga LCDA and National President of ALGON, as GNA Pacesetter Local Government Chairman of the Year 2025.
His tenure was credited with visible community infrastructure projects, healthcare expansion plans across wards, education support initiatives, and strengthened local governance capacity.
No Winner Declared for House of Representatives Category
In the House of Representatives category, Olusegun Apata outlined the expectations of constituency representation and utilisation of constituency allowances.
However, Gbenga Fabamigbe announced that no award would be declared in this category due to insufficient verifiable data and performance evidence, reaffirming GNA’s commitment to integrity, transparency, and evidence-based assessment.
Awards Rooted in Citizen Assessment and Accountability
Explaining the methodology, Martins Olalekanstated that the awards were determined through structured online surveys, civic feedback, and independent verification by Nigerians at home and abroad.
Further contributions on governance and development were delivered by Michael Ojo, Ikechi Agbugba, Adetunji Adeleke, and Marian Oyewande, covering good governance, food security, youth empowerment, media development, and the GNA Coverage Area Administrator (CAA) governance model.
Citizen Participation at the Heart of the GNA Pacesetter Initiative
In his closing remarks, Kayode Elusoji reaffirmed that the Great Nigerian Assembly remains non-political, non-governmental, non-religious, and non-partisan, stressing that the Pacesetter Awards represent a civic movement rather than a ceremonial exercise.
“We must celebrate those who deliver results, drive innovation, and create opportunities for others. Citizen recognition can inspire a new wave of commitment to nation-building across governance, business, and civil society.”
Formal Presentation Scheduled for May 2026
The GNA disclosed that the formal presentation of the 2025 Pacesetter Awards will take place in May 2026.
Founded in 2018, the Great Nigerian Assembly is a global professional platform committed to good governance, accountability, and active citizen participation in nation-building.
