Independent Newspapers Limited, publishers of Daily Independent, Saturday Independent and Sunday Independent, has announced that its 25th anniversary will be marked with the 2025 Independent Man of the Year Awards slated for April 18 at the Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.

The media group disclosed this on Wednesday at a press conference held at the Nigerian Institute of Journalism, Ogba, Lagos, where it unveiled a new award format that places the public at the centre of the selection process.

Chairman of the Independent Silver Jubilee Awards Committee, Yemi Adebisi, said the Silver Jubilee edition would feature about 25 categories, each with three nominees, covering business, governance and other key sectors of the Nigerian economy. Prominent honours to be presented include Man of the Year, Financial Sector Regulator of the Year and Lifetime Achievement Award.

In a departure from previous editions, Adebisi said members of the public would participate in choosing the eventual winners, alongside the Board of Editors, the company’s management and a panel of independent juries.

“This year’s award coincides with our Silver Jubilee, so we want it to be one that truly reflects the will of the people,” he said. “It will be a joint decision of the Board of Editors, management and Nigerians who will vote, to ensure transparency and credibility.”

He explained that nominations would open on January 15, 2026, and close on February 12. The shortlist of nominees will be released on March 31, after which public voting will commence the same day and run until April 14.

According to him, nominees will be evaluated based on measurable impact, innovation, leadership, sustainability, contribution to national development and adherence to ethical standards.

Only Nigerian citizens or organisations operating in Nigeria will be eligible. He added that “achievements considered must have occurred in 2025 or had significant impact within the year, while organisations must be duly registered and operational in the country. Public office holders must also be serving or have served within the period under review.”

Adebisi said a panel of respected jurors would be engaged throughout the nomination and review stages to strengthen the integrity of the process.

“Our focus this year is credibility,” he said. “We are taking a new direction because we want the awards to command respect and truly celebrate those who have made real contributions to Nigeria.”

He noted that the Independent Silver Jubilee Awards will form a major part of the company’s 25th anniversary celebrations, bringing together leaders across sectors to recognise excellence and service to the nation.