It was indeed a remarkable day on the 11 of March 2017, when Vanguard newspaper management invited distinguished personalities known for their achievement and contributions to the growth and development of humanity in Nigeria at Eco hotel Lagos state.

WITH a governance template that stands out as a model among Nigeria’s 36 states, governing Lagos State requires more than just being a political heavyweight as obtains in Nigeria’s political landscape. It is a task that comes with a proportionate mixture of intelligence, character and audacity to achieve super results that befit Lagos.

Weeks of expectation heralding the annual Vanguard Awards climax today at the Convention Centre of the Eko Hotel and Suites, Lagos as Vanguard honours some of Nigeria’s leading lights in the professions, business, and government. Today’s event was yesterday heralded by the Vanguard Economic Discourse where some of Nigeria’s leading economic minds ventilated their views on the different slants towards resuscitating the economy.

All is set for the annual Vanguard Personality of the Year awards scheduled to take place tonight in grand style at the Convention Centre of the prestigious Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos. The occasion which is organized to recognise and honour eminent stakeholders from all walks of life, will be the cynosure of all attention as eminent personalities and people of affluence gather for a night of glory, glamour and glitz. Beyond the razzle-dazzle expected to be in full bloom, there will be musical and comedy interludes from some of the country’s best in the entertainment industry.

EVER since Alhaji Ismaila Isa Funtua commenced his working career at the Katsina Native Authority many decades ago, he has remained as constant as the northern star in the polity.

Nigeria’s history will be incomplete without the mention of former military head of state, General Yakubu Gowon (rtd).

Capt. (Dr.) Idahosa Wells Okunbo (JP), Group Chairman, Ocean Marine Solution (OMS, OMT, SAA, and PPPFM. With unusual determination, he retired as a commercial airline pilot at a young age of 30 years after qualifying as Captain. Like the proverbial palm tree planted by the river side, he has weathered the Nigerian business storm to conquer challenges in all spheres — air, sea and land.

Current reports across markets indicate that Central Bank of Nigeria’s long-haul strategy may have a sustained positive results in the area the apex bank had been most vulnerable – foreign exchange market and the external sector.

It is said that the heights that great men attain, are hardly achieved in one day, nor do they come on a platter of gold.

Dr. Pascal G. Dozie, Chairman, MTN Nigeria Communications Limited, is a seasoned economist, econometrician, consultant and banker. He was a key contributor to the development of the Nigerian economy, both in government and in the private sector

WHENEVER the name of Chief Chukwuemeka Eleazar Anyaoku, CFR, CON, GCVO, is mentioned, one of the impressions that readily come to mind is that of a distinguished diplomat, who excelled at the highest echelon of diplomacy in the world.

Herbert Onyewumbu Wigwe, a top flight banker and entrepreneur, currently Group Managing Director/ CEO, Access Bank Plc, is our BANKER OF THE YEAR, 2016.

Chief Willie Maduabuchukwu Obiano was born 59 years ago to the family of late Philip Onuorah Obiano in the historical town of Aguleri in Anambra State. Young Willie showed great promise in his early education. He was particularly remarkable at the Christ the King’s College, CKC, Onitsha, where he won the John Fitzgerald Kennedy Prize for Essay writing in 1974 and subsequently made good grades that earned him a place in the University of Lagos where he studied Accountancy.

FORMER National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur became governor of the defunct Gongola State in October, 1983 and following the General Muhammadu Buhari-led military coup of December 31, 1983,

LOVE or hate the Ijaw-born former Federal Commissioner for Information and Leader/Coordinator of the Pan Niger Delta Forum, PANDEF, Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, aka Gogoro (OFR, CON), one thing you cannot take away from him is his audacity and patriotism, especially in matters that affect the Niger Delta.