Hard work, smart work, and dedication often lead to success—doing the right thing gets recognition and rewards. We are proud to celebrate outstanding individuals with the Person of the Year Honours by West Africa On Point. This annual awards event highlights the remarkable journey of the sub-region, acknowledging and honouring exceptional individuals who have made significant contributions, impacts, and achievements.

The West Africa On Point’s 2025 Person of the Year Awards recently honoured those who have driven change in their industries. The NCC Chairman, Chief Idris Ibikunle Olorunnimbe, received the Man of the Year Award for West Africa.

Chief Idris Ibikunle Olorunnimbe, Asoju Oba of Iru Kingdom, is the Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission’s (NCC) Governing Board. He is also the founder of The Temple Company and Amaze Africa, an innovative ecosystem that integrates entertainment, digital platforms, talent management, gaming, live events, and sports. Additionally, he owns Ogidi Studios, a creative audio and visual studio located in Lagos.

On Wednesday, March 4, 2026, the West Africa On Point team, led by Mr. Ileriayo Solomon Okunrotifa, visited Chief Idris at The Temple Company in Victoria Island, Lagos, to present the award. The team explains the reason for his selection among other nominees as The Man of the Year 2025. As a mentor to young entrepreneurs, an advocate for digitally-enabled inclusion, and a supporter of platforms that enhance Nigeria’s global competitiveness with his extensive contributions to tech-driven creative industries, public service, governance, and youth development, he demonstrates a strong leadership record. ‘To whom honour is due, honour is given,’ they stated.

During the presentation, the team also introduced Chief Idris to the latest edition of THE PINNACLE MAGAZINE, published by West Africa On Point.

Reacting to the award presentation, Chief Idris appreciated the team for the honor and described it as a challenge to do additional
He also shared with the team the new development from NCC through ALTON Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria and TELCOM operators regarding the initiative of free internet access and zero-rated educational websites, making learning data-free. He emphasizes that the cost of data is the cost of the future. Asking a child to buy data before accessing a textbook is the digital equivalent of charging school fees at the gate of a public school. He describes this initiative as Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s free education policy in the digital age, with the introduction of the Free Universal Primary Education (UPE) program in Nigeria’s Western Region in 1955. The Awolowo generation built the future on free schools. The Tinubu generation will build it on free data. The West Africa on point team applauds Chief Idris for this life-changing initiative and promises to join the campaign.

Other notable personalities honored in 2025 include Funke Akindele, Michael Collins (Don Jazzy), Victor Osimhen, Chude Jideonwo, Bisola Aiyeola, Mobolaji Ogunlede, Dr. Stephen Akintayo, Dr. Babatunde Rufai, Larry Ndianefo (Larry Gaga), Tomike Adeoye, Rufai Oseni, Tunde Onakoya, Wizkid Ayo Balogun, Onaibe Desmond (Destalker), Giovani Caleb from Ghana, Martins Vincent (Verydarkman), and others.