The Marketing Manager of Nigeria Distilleries Limited (NDL), Oluwagbemileke Lawal, has emphasized that recognizing achievers across various fields, especially youths, is crucial to guaranteeing and boosting Nigeria’s future by inspiring them to aim higher.

Speaking at the 7th edition of the Lord’s Achievers Awards (LAA) held at the Monarch Events Centre, Lekki, Lagos, Lawal described the initiative as a platform that champions young achievers while positively impacting the country’s future. The 2025 edition of the awards was themed “Icons of Impact.”

“The Lord’s Achievers Awards is more than an event; it is an investment in Nigeria’s future. For seven years, we have celebrated young achievers whose work inspires others and creates ripple effects across society. This year’s winners embody the courage, creativity, and resilience we need to move forward as a nation,” Lawal said.

The event celebrated young leaders, innovators, and changemakers for their creativity, excellence, and contributions to Nigeria and beyond. Lawal added that the recognition “serves as a testament to the power of dedication and hard work.”

Powered by Lord’s London Dry Gin, the awards recognized 12 outstanding achievers in various fields including finance, media and journalism, literature, film and entertainment, and visual arts. Among the honourees were Jennifer Awirigwe, Debbie Larry-Izamoje, Victory Ashaka, Kaline Njoku, and Damilola Onafuwa.

The inaugural “Lord of the City” Award was presented to Ife Durosinmi-Etti, a past honouree who made history at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity by winning three Silver Lions for her groundbreaking breastmilk financing campaign.

The selection process was overseen by a distinguished jury comprising Stephanie Busari (Senior Editor, Africa, CNN), Chuka Obi (Director of Creativity & Innovations, Globacom), Titilope Adesanya (Director of Operations, Africa, EMPIRE), Wole Odetayo (CEO, Southwest Innovation & Tech Co. Ltd), Femi Taiwo (Managing Partner, F.I.T Africa), Ladun Awobokun (Chief Content Officer, FilmOne Limited), and Chinyere Inya (Partner, Accelerate Africa & Future Africa). Representing the brand on the jury were Oluwagbemileke Lawal (Marketing Manager, NDL), Olusegun Akinyemiju (Senior Brand Manager, Lord’s London Dry Gin), and Oluwaseun Olaniyan (Partner and Head of Brands and Communities at The Influence Agency), the Awards’ strategic engagement partner.

Over the past six editions, the Lord’s Achievers Awards has honored more than 70 young achievers, including Layi Wasabi, Adejoke Lasisi, Stanley Onuorah, Kelechi Okoro, Solomon Ayodele, Kennedy Ekezie-Joseph, and Segun Adegoke, many of whom continue to break barriers in their respective fields.

Senior Brand Manager, Lord’s London Dry Gin, Olusegun Akinyemiju, said: “At Lord’s, we are proud to stand behind a platform that amplifies voices of change and excellence. Tonight’s honourees remind us that true leadership is not about titles, but about the impact we leave behind. This is the legacy the Lord’s Achievers Awards continues to build.”

Guests at the event were treated to performances from Seeing Through the Arts (STAR), Band Tronic, Loud Choir, rising Afro-soul star Qing Madi, crowd-favourite Fido, hypeman Do2dtun, a live DJ set, and fast-rising sensation Shoday.