The Chairman and Publisher of The Guardian newspaper, Lady Maiden Alex-Ibru; former governor of Anambra State, Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeife; Catholic Bishop of Sokoto, Mathew Hassan Kukah, are among prominent Nigerians listed in the 2023 edition of Portraits of Patriots: 100 Leading Nigerian Thought Leaders.
Others are founder of Adeleke University in Osun State and CEO Pacific Holdings, Dr. Adedeji Tajudeen Adeleke; former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha; philanthropist, Gen. T. Y. Danjuma; Afenifere leaders, Pa Adebanjo and Pa Fasoranti, as well as influential hotelier and Niger Delta leader, Rita Lori Igbebor.
The list also included Chief Afe Babalola, Harcourt Adukeh, Henry Odein Ajumogobia, Adebisi Akande, Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi, Archbishop Margaret Idahosa, Philip Asiodu, and former governor of Akwa Ibom State, Obong Victor Attah.
Portraits of Patriots: 100 Leading Nigerian Thought Leaders is an elite listing of accomplished Nigerians who have contributed to the development of the country.
Edited by Kammonke Abam, Steve Ogah, and Tammie Edet Kammonke, Portraits of Patriots profiles Nigerians who have put the country first above personal considerations, ethnic leanings, political affiliations, and every other selfish ambition, which often tends to limit the vision of many others.
It is an assemblage of some of Nigeria’s finest leaders in different spheres of life, that the publishers believe, are currently playing key roles in the emergence of a new Nigeria.
These 100 men and women were selected in acknowledgment of their notable accomplishments and contributions to the development of Nigeria.
The compendium curates the inspirational stories of these outstanding men and women selected from across the broad spectrum of society including civil society actors, entrepreneurs, political leaders, C-suite company leaders, professionals etc towards building a virile Nigeria.
Their undying passion for Nigeria exemplified by their selfless service, consistent sacrifices, and invaluable contributions to its development over the years have earned them a place in the book of records.
The publishing firm, Profiles & Biographies, is a biographical firm that curates history and documents the contributions of history makers to national development.
Their publications are reference documents that are distributed to universities and research institutes, media houses, international development agencies, the diplomatic corps, the presidency, National Assembly, and MDAs.
Lady Maiden Alex-Ibru has sustained the legacy of the Guardian newspaper as the flagship of Nigerian journalism after her husband, Mr. Alexander Ibru, who founded the newspaper died in November 2010.
Lady Ibru is the most powerful female media mogul in Nigeria, by virtue of the high-profile status of the newspaper she oversees.
She graduated from the University of Ibadan in 1972 and holds a Master’s degree in Communications and Media Studies from the American University of Washington DC (1974).
Ever since she became the CEO of The Guardian in 1999, the policy formulation function of the establishment has entailed mobilizing the staff and providing Leadership in the direction of monitoring Nigeria’s democratic process.
She provides the strong leadership which is very essential in strengthening the resolve of an independent newspaper in the face of threats to Nigeria’s democracy. Lady Ibru is one of the biggest media owners in Nigeria’s media landscape.
