The late Afenifere chieftain, Ayo Adebanjo and the late elder statesman, Edwin Clark, were among the distinguished Nigerians honoured at the 2024 Vanguard Personality of the Year Awards held in Lagos last week. The duo bagged posthumous recognition.

According to Vanguard Newspapers’ management, “Adebanjo’s passing marks the end of an era for Nigerian politics and democracy. He was a prominent statesman and a tireless advocate for good governance whose legacy will undoubtedly live on in the nation’s history.”

“Clark, whose contributions to nation building are unquantifiable, left a legacy of patriotism and selflessness.”

In his speech, the Editor of The Vanguard, Eze Anaba, said: “Our awardees have set exemplary standards through their dedication, creativity and passion, and it is our privilege to acknowledge their hard work and accomplishments.”

Also, Chairman of the event, Atedo Peterside, said that the Publisher of the newspaper, Sam Amuka-Pemu, must be celebrated for sustaining the brand for over four decades.

Meanwhile, Governors Hope Uzodimma (Imo), Abba Kabir Yusuf (Kano), Umar Namadi (Jigawa), Duoye Diri (Bayelsa), Charles Soludo (Anambra), Abiodun Oyebanji (Ekiti) and Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta) emerged Governors of the Year Award.

This year’s Man of The Year Award went to Chairman of Pacific Holdings Limited, Dr Adedeji Adeleke, while other awardees include Kaine Edike as Young Entrepreneur of the Year, Sir Emeka Offor as Businessman of the Year, Oba Adedokun Abolarin as Education Icon, Lady Mary Dinah for Humanitarian Service, Manish Mandhana as Private Sector Icon, Wale Adeniyi as Public Sector Icon, and William of Tetraco Energy as Energy Icon.