High Chief Dr Sir Darlington Nwabunike, President of De Imperial Philanthropic Family and Chief Executive Officer of Saint Buniks Group, has been honoured with the 2024 Excellence in Leadership Award by Champion News in recognition of his outstanding contributions to community development, philanthropy, and visionary leadership.

The award ceremony took place on 7 June 2025 at Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos. It brought together notable dignitaries, civic leaders, and members of the media to celebrate individuals making a significant impact on Nigerian society.

According to Champion News, Dr Nwabunike was selected for the prestigious award due to his unwavering commitment to public service, his innovative leadership style, and his long-standing dedication to humanitarian initiatives that uplift underserved communities.

In his acceptance speech, Dr Nwabunike underscored the importance of servant leadership, urging fellow Nigerians to embrace values that promote positive change.

“Leadership is about service, integrity, and a genuine commitment to improving lives,” he said. “This award is a call to continue the work, and I remain deeply committed to the cause of social progress in our communities.”

Dr Nwabunike has led various initiatives under the banner of De Imperial Philanthropic Family, with a particular focus on education, healthcare, and social welfare. Through strategic giving and grassroots engagement, he has become a prominent advocate for inclusive development.

The Champion News award is the latest in a growing list of recognitions. Earlier this year, Dr Nwabunike was also named Humanitarian Service Personality of the Year by The Sun Newspaper, further cementing his reputation as one of Nigeria’s most dedicated philanthropists and community-focused business leaders.

The event organisers hailed Dr Nwabunike’s efforts as an example of transformative leadership that blends compassion with impact, urging other leaders in both the private and public sectors to follow suit.