News April 22, 2026 Notable Entrepreneurs, Business Leaders, Others Win Big At 100 Iconic Personalities of the Year Awards in Lagos

Notable Nigerians and other distinguished personalities across Africa were honoured at the 100 Iconic Personalities of the Year 2026 Awards, organised by Iconic International Holdings in Lagos, in a ceremony that celebrated leadership, innovation, and impact across key sectors.

The event, held as part of the broader 100 Iconic Personalities Summit and Honours on April 10, 2026, brought together global leaders, entrepreneurs, policymakers, creatives, and changemakers for a hybrid experience combining high-level discussions with recognition of excellence.

The summit segment featured thought-provoking sessions centred on leadership, innovation, economic growth, and sustainable development, with speakers sharing practical insights and forward-looking ideas aimed at driving progress across Africa and beyond.

Participants actively engaged in the sessions, fostering knowledge exchange, collaboration, and new partnerships, while reinforcing the role of visionary leadership in addressing socio-economic challenges and unlocking opportunities on the continent.

The evening transitioned into a formal dinner and honours ceremony, where 100 individuals were recognised for their outstanding contributions across various fields, with the platform continuing to promote unity, innovation, and sustainable development through strategic recognition.

Speaking at the ceremony, Chief Executive Officer of Iconic International Holdings, Tinotenda Michelle Chavundura, said the initiative remains committed to building a legacy of excellence by spotlighting impactful leaders and creating platforms that inspire collaboration and long-term development.

Chavundura urged awardees to sustain their contributions towards national and continental development.

She added that the success of the summit has set the stage for the forthcoming Iconic Under 40 CEOs event scheduled for June 20, 2026, which will focus on empowering young business leaders and entrepreneurs driving innovation, while expanding opportunities for networking, partnerships, and sustained impact across industries.

Among those honoured at the event are Madam Rachel Makana, Founder/Head, Emmak Group; Tania Ngo Berthe Shastri, Founder, BJS Access Sarlu; Ogundare Racheal Omosewa, Founder, The ADARA Initiative; Maxwell Nosakhare Uwaifo, Managing Partner, Lex Phronesis Solicitors; Euphrasie Esperance Kayembe, CEO, EEK Agency; and Victoria Lebene, Award-Winning Actress/CEO, The VL Exposure.

Also recognised were Delphine Okoronkwo, Entrepreneur/Visionary Leader; Rosemary Ofoegbu, Entrepreneur; Dr. Cecilia Ofoegbu-Fajobi, Medical Practitioner/Mental Health Clinician; Ogonna Agu, Realtor/Interior Designer/Economist and Founder, Clavoye Interiors; Samukelisiwe Samkee Sibanda, Founder, ON Active Wear and Award-Winning Entrepreneur; Bright Ndibunwa (BrightTheSeer); and Madame Alpha Perla Mboyo. 

Others include Amb. Prince Eletu of Lagos, CEO, Eletu Concept and Events Producer; Minister Matsela Joel Mabelebele, Founder, CMJ Ministries; Dr. Josias Jean-Pierre, Author and Motivational Speaker; Amb. Dr. Omoruan Irene Ejiro; Kechi Ibe, Founder and CEO, Kahera Global; Dr. Promise O. Kenneth-Odum, Founder, Rukkies House; Dr. Ebosetale Okhueleigbe, President, Women Mentorship Forum; and Dr. Oberaifo Udoh, CEO, Jafcon Homes Development Ltd.

Further awardees are Neo Iyana Masilela, CEO, Neo Healing Institute; Akosua Osei, Founder, BeTech Connected; Stephanie Nicholas, Voice Over Artist; Yetunde Anifowose, Founder, Crystalline Clinic; Dr. Samuel Ndubuisi-Brown, Group CEO, BrownCon Group; Dr. Chinweoke Amarachi Okuwobi, Founder, Diamond Infinity Foundation; Omiete Inko-Tariah, Investment Coach; Grace Muabi, Entrepreneur; and Mikaya Dalmia, District Commissioner, Kigamboni.

Also honoured were Amb. Dr. Bernardette Erommaose Nwokoro, Founder, ErommaOse Nwokoro Foundation; Amb. Atsenuwa Raymond Kingsley, Comedian and MC; Amb. Sheriff Ayodele Oderinde, CEO, Eleazar Empire Ltd; Angeline Farai Mundava, Founder, Virtuous Farmers; Victoria Smart, Gospel Artist and Coach; Amb. (Dr.) H.C. Reagan Shole Botale; and actor Lanre Adediwura.

Others include Violet Mwendwa, Founder, Telovi Horizon Investments; Mozes Praiz (Greyboss), Media Executive; Hon. Mateus Kanga, President, Provincial Assembly of Tshopo, DRC; Lydie Kibe, Vice President, Afrimechambre; Amb. Mackson Edun; Hon. Dr. Hassan Zamani Mohammed; Ruth Dumbi Mundele, CEO, Tita Cosmetics; and Amb. Dr. Olamide Junaid, Founder, OJ Initiatives.

Also listed are David Odigie, Founder, Polygate Group; Ruggedman, Artist and Humanitarian; Abiodun Ayoyinka Richard, Actor and Filmmaker; Ms. Richeal Ogbonna, Actress and Model; Dr. Princess Kelechi Oghene, PR Expert; Morenike George-Taylor, Group COO, 355 Group; Apostle Edith Grace Enajemo; and Orighoye Darren Nobi, Founder, AniMatters Musical Competition.

Further recipients include Amb. Dr. Blessing Lawal Bashorun, CEO, Cabbilicious Foods; Kenny Oshorun-Olayinka, CEO, PKLamour Group; Alex Nwankwo (AlexReports), Media Consultant; Josué Kitoko, CEO, De Sophia Soft; Amb. Okoli Mary Chiagoziem, Founder, Maylensplace; Amb. Ekwutoziam Ashiedu Chinedu Ogwus, CEO, Ekash Collections; Rotn. Amb. Dr. (Mrs.) Christiana Okenla; and Prof. Eze Chidi Nwauba, Vice Chancellor, I-FATOSS University.

Among others are Hazel Oyeze Onou (Whitemoney), Media Personality; Isokoh Edirin Stanley, Content Creator; Chinenye Ulaegbu, Actress and Storyteller; Anita Natacha Akide (Symply Tacha), Influencer and Entrepreneur; Amb. Oghenerume Davidson ‘Sirrob’ Ogane; Hon. Abraham Oba; Idris Aregbe, Lagos State Government Adviser; Bright Grillzz, Chef; Stephanie Reginald, Founder, Sofis Kitchen; and Aba Martin (Aba Dope), Chef and TV Personality.

The list also features Amb. Dr. Tatenda C. Matirongo; Rehema Wandali, Founder, Golden Star Consultants; Cynthia Chioma Ekeka, Principal Counsel, Noullex Legal; Jennifer Sam Odeh, Actor and Entrepreneur; Darryl Nyamz, Managing Director, Shara Hairs; Bishop George, Author; Fortune Tagwirei, Founder, Quick Rides Car Rental; Ms. Gay Kudakwashe Chindeza; Ronald Moyo, CEO, High Class Car Sales; and Amb. Iris Zemza Nozizwe Mhlanga.

Other honourees include Jelton Sitoe, Entrepreneur; Chidinma Obairi, Founder and Creative Director; Olagbenga Titiloye, Actor and Studio Head; Victory Wilson, TV Host and Producer; Dr. Summy Smart Francis, President, E-Village; Faiza M. Kaisha, Founder, Idaro Skincare; Ogujor Ovie, CEO, King’s Plug Empire Hub; and Amb. Akubor Tennyson Danladi, CEO, Akubor Integrated Services Limited.

News Politics April 21, 2026 JUST IN: Gov Yusuf nominates Garo as Deputy

Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State has forwarded the nomination of Alhaji Murtala Sule Garo to the State House of Assembly for screening and confirmation as Deputy Governor.

This is contained in a statement issued by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Mustapha Muhammad.

According to the statement, the decision is in line with Section 191(3) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which empowers a governor to appoint a deputy governor where a vacancy exists.

It recalled that the position of the deputy governor became vacant following the resignation of the former deputy governor, Comrade Abdussalam Gwarzo, on March 27, 2026.

The statement quoted the governor as saying that the nomination followed consultations with key stakeholders, urging the Assembly to grant the necessary approval.

Garo, 48, is a political administrator with over two decades of experience in elective and appointed positions.He previously served as State Organising Secretary of his party, Special Adviser to the Kano State governor, and Chairman of Kabo Local Government Council.

He also held positions as Chairman of the Kano State chapter of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, as well as the running mate of the state APC Governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2023 general elections.

News April 21, 2026 Northern elders assure massive support for Tinubu’s second-term bid – Housing Minister, Ata

The Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, Rt. Hon. Yusuf Abdullahi Ata, on Tuesday recorded a major political boost for the current administration after holding a strategic meeting with a prominent Northern elder in Kano.

At the meeting, the Minister was given firm assurances of unwavering support for President Bola Tinubu.

According to a statement issued by the Minister’s media aide, Seyi Olorunsola, the Northern elder, representing a wide coalition of regional stakeholders, said the region has agreed to support and vote for President Tinubu for a second term in the 2027 general elections.

Reacting to the outcome of the meeting, the Minister expressed deep appreciation for the sustained confidence of the region in the “Renewed Hope” agenda.

He described the endorsement as evidence of the President’s impactful leadership, especially in urban renewal, affordable housing, and economic reforms that are gradually making an impact across Northern Nigeria.

“The assurance of total support from our elders is a clear signal that the North recognizes the strides of this administration,” the Minister stated.

“This unity of purpose ensures that we can continue our mission to deliver decent, affordable housing and sustainable development to every corner of the country,” he added.

The meeting highlights growing political cohesion within the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the party strengthens its support base ahead of the next election cycle.

News April 21, 2026 BREAKING: Tinubu sacks 2 powerful ministers

President Bola Tinubu has approved a minor reshuffle of the Federal Executive Council, removing the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, and the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, from their cabinet positions.

A statement on Tuesday by the Special Adviser, Media and Publicity to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Yomi Odunuga, said the development was contained in a memo signed by the

Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume.

According to the memo, Taiwo Oyedele has been appointed as the new Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy.

Also appointed is Dr. Muttaqha Darma as Minister-designate for Housing and Urban Development.

The memo directed the outgoing ministers to complete handover processes to their respective successors or supervising officials.

It stated that all handing over and taking over activities must be concluded on or before the close of business on Thursday, 23rd April, 2026.

The memo directed the outgoing ministers to complete handover processes to their respective successors or supervising officials.

It stated that all handing over and taking over activities must be concluded on or before the close of business on Thursday, 23rd April, 2026.

Explaining the decision, Akume said the changes were aimed at improving coordination and strengthening delivery across key sectors of the economy under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

“These changes are aimed at strengthening cohesion, synergy in governance as well as achieving more impactful delivery on the economy to Nigerians, through the Renewed Hope Agenda,” Akume stated.

He added that President Tinubu acted in line with his constitutional powers as provided under Sections 147 and 148 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

The SGF also conveyed the President’s appreciation to the outgoing ministers for their service to the nation and wished them well in their future endeavours, noting that the process of cabinet reinvigoration would remain continuous.

The statement further noted that Taiwo Oyedele was appointed as Minister of State for Finance in March 2026, while Edun was among the ministers appointed on August 16, 2023.

Punch

News April 21, 2026 US legislator alleges bribery plot by Matawalle to undermine report seeking his removal

A United States lawmaker, Kimberly Daniels, has accused Nigeria’s Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, of attempting to influence a US official with money to counter findings contained in a report by the United World Congress of Diplomats.

Daniels, a Democrat representing Florida’s District 14, made the allegation in a video posted on her verified Facebook page on Monday, which has since gained widespread attention.

She claimed the alleged inducement was aimed at shifting focus away from a report by the UN-WCD that accused the minister in connection with violence against Christians in Nigeria.

Maintaining her position, Daniels said she would not be pressured into backing down from speaking out on what she described as the killing of Christians across parts of the country.

“A US elected official was offered money by Nigeria’s minister of state defense, Bello Matawalle, to change the narrative of the UN-WCD Christian genocide in Nigeria report,” she said in the viral video.

Daniels, who also serves as chairperson of the UN-WCD, had previously urged President Bola Tinubu to remove Matawalle, citing alleged links to violence in Plateau, Benue, Kaduna and other regions.

The minister has not publicly responded to the allegation.

Further detailing her claims, Daniels said her earlier statement on what she termed targeted attacks against Christians led to pressure from individuals she associates with the minister. She described these actions as attempts to undermine her report and solicit backing from US-based officials.

According to her, an unnamed American legislator was allegedly approached with a financial offer to publicly oppose her stance and defend Nigeria’s defence authorities.

She added that she has received what she described as evidence of communications tied to the minister, including drafted statements and promotional materials.

Daniels also argued that the alleged bribery move was intended to create division among US lawmakers, insisting instead that they remain united.

Health News April 21, 2026 Nigeria records new COVID-19 case

The government of Cross River has reported an occurrence of COVID-19 in the state, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports.

Dr Henry Ayuk, the state’s commissioner for health, made the announcement at a news conference on Tuesday in Calabar.

According to him, the first reported case of the outbreak involved a Chinese national, who worked with Lafarge and flew into the country on March 17 before taking ill.

The commissioner stated that the Chinese case became worse at the medical facility of his office and had to be taken to the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH).

He explained that at the UCTH, his samples were taken and all protocols followed; it was subsequently confirmed that he had symptoms of COVID-19.

“We are, however, happy to report that he is doing well,” the commissioner said.

Ayuk asserted that the ministry of health had, however, been repositioned by the current administration to handle and manage any situation – diseases or epidemic outbreaks.

According to him, unfortunately, there have been silent infections and clear cases from time to time.

“But we are determined that for every ailment, every disease or outbreak, if it is identified here in the state, there should be no alarm.

“The state will do well in terms of surveillance or containment of an outbreak. Whatever it is, we will do our best to contain it. So, there is no alarm.

“When this case was reported about three or four days ago, we decided to be careful to confirm and ensure that the processes involved with identifying and confirming every case of COVID-19 are duly followed.

“The protocols have been followed and confirmed that a 53-year-old Chinese who works in the Akamkpa Local Government Area of the state has COVID-19,” he said.

On her part, Dr Inyang Ekpenyong, State Epidemiologist, announced that in response to the case, the state emergency response unit had been activated.

She, however, noted that there was currently an ongoing contact tracing and line listing of those the Chinese may have been in contact with.

While noting the last case of a confirmed case of COVID-19 in Cross River to be in 2022, the epidemiologist, however, feared that the Chinese may have contacted the virus here in Nigeria.

“The incubation period for this virus is usually between two and 14 days, but the Chinese flew into Nigeria from China on March 17 and started developing the symptoms on April 10.

“This is well beyond the 14-day incubation period. Like I said, we are doing the line listing of those he may have come in contact with as part of our containment efforts.

“We have also activated the emergency response centre and deployed rapid response teams to Akamkpa, where the victim works.

“There is no way we can stop this disease, but we can stop the disease outbreak.

“It will be wrong not to contain or manage it by ensuring that people do not die,” she stated.

Similarly, Dr Yewande Olatunde, the World Health Organisation (WHO) Coordinator in Cross River, stated that the disease was still around.

“We must explore all preventive measures to protect ourselves,” she stressed. (NAN)

News Politics April 21, 2026 I did my best as President, Jonathan counters Atiku

Former President, Dr Goodluck Jonathan, has defended his administration, adding that he did his best while in office.

His reply followed the criticism of his administration by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar during an interview on Prime Time on Arise TV.

Atiku, a presidential aspirant on the platform of the African Democratic Congress, had, during the interview, described Jonathan as inexperienced, stating that he made mistakes while he held sway.

Atiku is contesting the presidential ticket with the presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, former Minister of Transport, Rotimi Amaechi and former governor of Kano State, Rabiu Kwankwaso.

In the interview, Atiku played down the prominence of Kwankwaso and Tambuwal in the North, limited Obi’s support base to the South-East and Amaechi’s strength to the South-South.

He also expressed disappointment in President Bola Tinubu’s administration and labelled ex-President Jonathan as inexperienced.

“I know Goodluck Jonathan very well. He is a decent young man, but also inexperienced, and I believe that contributed to his inability to manage the affairs of the country, particularly when he was faced with challenges,” he said.

Speaking at the 2025 Association of Retired Career Ambassadors of Nigeria awards ceremony in Abuja, on Monday, Jonathan said nobody who becomes a governor or president would say he did not make mistakes.

“So not too long ago, a very senior politician said, ‘Oh, Jonathan was too young and probably that’s why he made mistakes.’

“If I made mistakes, yes, nobody who becomes a governor or a president will say you did not make mistakes. Even when you promote yourself to the level of a god, you become a deity.

“All human beings must make mistakes. I became president in 2010 at the age of 53. I left in 2015 at the age of 58, and they say I was too young. Must it have been 100 years before I ran the affairs of the state?”

The former President defended his decisions in office, saying that while mistakes are inevitable, he did his best.

The former president highlighted Nigeria’s diplomatic achievements during his tenure, particularly its election to the United Nations Security Council.

“I’m talking to diplomats, so I can say that during my period, I knew what I did for us to appear in the UN Security Council two times… If I were so naive, I don’t think I would have been able to navigate through that process,” he said.

Speaking on the state of the West African countries, Jonathan stressed that political stability remains a critical foundation for economic development, warning that unstable governance systems will continue to hinder progress across West Africa.

He noted that while the founding fathers of ECOWAS had a strong vision, the bloc continues to face instability due to political challenges in member states.

He observed that, particularly in enforcing democratic norms among member states, ECOWAS has suffered setbacks, adding that although the bloc was initially focused on economic cooperation, the region cannot make tangible progress if its societies remain politically unstable.

He stressed, “We cannot progress economically if we are very unstable societies politically.”

He added that efforts to promote democracy and good governance often clash with national sovereignty, making consensus among leaders difficult.

“That means that ECOWAS must interfere with the internal affairs of the states, and the issue of sovereignty becomes a problem,” he said.

Jonathan further urged West African leaders to take collective responsibility for stabilising the region, stating, “the heads of states of ECOWAS must continue to work together and agree on concrete terms and make sure that the sub-region is politically stable.”

He noted that the region’s ambition for economic integration could not succeed without strong democratic institutions.

Jonathan also called on Nigerian diplomats to document the country’s foreign policy experiences to guide future administrations, noting that such efforts would help leaders make informed decisions in international relations.

Paying tribute to the founders of ECOWAS, including former Head of State, Yakubu Gowon, Jonathan praised their foresight in establishing the regional bloc in 1975, describing the vision of a united and economically integrated West Africa as “bold, ambitious, and necessary.”

Gowon, who was also honoured at the awards ceremony, reflected on the origins of ECOWAS, attributing its formation to post-war diplomatic engagements and regional cooperation.

According to him, “it was as a result of the various efforts of all Nigerians when we went through a very difficult period, and I had to go to the various countries to say thank you.”

He explained that discussions with regional leaders revealed a common pattern in bilateral agreements, which inspired a broader vision for collective integration.

“Why don’t we also think about having something that we can at least have in agreement for all of us when we are working together?” he said.

The former leader emphasised that the regional bloc was not the work of one individual but a collective effort involving government institutions and civil servants.

“This would not have been possible without the support of all the staff of the Ministry of External Affairs and the Ministry of Economic Development,” he stated.

Gowon added that the recognition given to him and other awardees should be shared widely.

“The honour that is being done to me today should really go back to all the staff that worked so hard to make sure that this became a reality,” he said.

He described the establishment of ECOWAS in 1975 as a defining moment for the region, bringing together leaders across West Africa to pursue shared economic and political goals, and commended ARCAN for sustaining diplomatic discourse and supporting governance.

The President of ARCAN, Joe Keshi, underscored the importance of recognising excellence in diplomacy, noting that the awards celebrate outstanding achievements and lifelong service to Nigeria and Africa.

“Diplomacy is one profession where success is often invisible, reflected not by news coverage, but by maintained stability, prevented conflicts, cultivated partnerships,” he said.

Keshi added that this year’s ceremony marks the 50th anniversary of ECOWAS, paying tribute to its founding visionaries, including Gowon and Gnassingbé Eyadéma, describing the bloc as “a bold experiment in regionalism.”

He urged diplomats to respond to evolving global challenges such as security, climate change and economic transformation, while commending award recipients and their families for their service.

The Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Waheed Shaibu, also paid tribute to Gowon, describing him as a symbol of visionary leadership and national unity.

He said the honour offers an opportunity to reflect on a legacy “defined by visionary leadership, courage, and unwavering commitment to the unity, stability, peace, and progress” of Nigeria, adding that Gowon’s leadership exemplified “patriotism, resilience, and a profound sense of duty.”

Shaibu further commended ARCAN for its role in shaping discourse on international affairs, noting that it remains “a vital intellectual and diplomatic platform” contributing to Nigeria’s engagement with the global community.