High Chief Ejiogu Bags Entrepreneur Of The Year At Sun Newspaper Award Night

The Expo Convention Centre— Eko Hotels and Suites— witnessed an array of dignitaries, special guests, and the awardees who converged at the venue for the 24th Edition of Sun Annual Event.  In the charged atmosphere, High Chief Duru Mike Ejiogu (Onowu of Igboland)— Chairman of Citygate Homes—  commanded the room, not with words, but with the weight of a legacy quietly built over the years. That evening, he was formally presented with the Sun Entrepreneur of the Year Award 2025 by the duo of Chairman of United Nigeria Airlines, Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, and the Founder of Sun Newspaper, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu — a  recognition befitting a career defined by vision, resilience, and transformative leadership.

The red carpet reception at 4pm set the tone for grandeur, but all eyes turned to the man whose work has steadily reshaped Nigeria’s real estate sector and business landscape. Under the theme “Celebrating Uncommon Achievers,” the award elevated not just his achievements, but the standard of excellence for the country’s emerging entrepreneurs.

The ceremony, chaired by Barr. Allen Onyema, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Air Peace Airlines, drew an extraordinary assemblage of national figures. Present were the representatives of President of the Nigerian Senate, Sen. Godswill Akpabio, the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Jibrin Barau, and governors including His Excellency Barr. Dr. Peter Mbah (Enugu State), His Excellency, Governor Dauda Lawal (Zamfara State), His Excellency, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf (Kano State), His Excellency, Gov. Bassey Otu (Cross River State), Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Olayemi Cardoso, His Excellency, Gov. Dapo Abiodun (Ogun State). Ministers, diplomats, traditional rulers, and leading industrialists also graced the occasion, affirming the prestige of the awards.

While honourees across governance, enterprise, public service, and the arts were celebrated, it was High Chief Duru Mike Ejiogu, whose presence anchored the evening. His recognition reflected a principle often forgotten in public life: that enduring success is rarely loud, it is deliberate and steadfast.

The live broadcast and online streaming of the ceremony allowed Nigerians everywhere to witness the moment, a reminder that true entrepreneurship blends vision with action and legacy with impact. As High Chief Ejiogu received his award, the applause was more than ceremonial; it was affirmation that consistent excellence commands recognition, and leadership built on integrity leaves an indelible mark.

The colourful event, according to the Publisher of 4th Estate Reporters, was attended by family, friends, community leaders and business associates of High Chief Duru Mike Ejiogu; which included but not limited to:  High Chief Goodwill Ebere Uzozie, Chairman of G.U. Ebeco Industries Ltd (Ikenga Umuobom), Dr. Gideon C. Osi, Chief Obinna Unachukwu, Sir. Dr. Kelvin Chukwumobi (Ike Ukpor), Chief Evans Enesim (Okwumereze Ndi Igbo), Chief Frank Nnana Nnadi, Chief  Okeke Nicky Jonas , MON, (Ikenga Orsu), Prince Joseph Okafor (Mmirioma N’ Ihiala), High Chief Christian Okechi  Madugba (Akuruo of Mbano), Ikenna Ofala Onu,  Chief Amb. Dr. Aforjama Joachim (Pump Na AGbagba N Aniocha), High Chief Dr. Christopher Ndubuisi (KSJI) (Ikenga Umuawulu), Chief Michael Chris Okonkwo (Onwa Okpuno), Chief Obinna Ugozu (Igwe Ndede Alor), among others.

It was a night of glitz; in an atmosphere of social conviviality and camadrie as the hall was exquisitely decorated in red and white reflecting the brand colour of Sun Newspapers. The Sun touch of hospitality was evident as the various tables had exotic wines served while sumptuous dinner was awaiting the guests.

The 2025 Sun Newspapers Award in Lagos, put High Chief Duru Mike Ejiogu on national spotlight not just as an award recipient, but the embodiment of uncommon achievement, a beacon for the entrepreneurs of tomorrow and a reminder of what disciplined vision can achieve. Flood of advertorials from his  friends, business associates and men with the economic power to effect positive developmental change in the country, is a true testament that Duru Mike Ejiogu does not only enjoy natural goodwill from the masses, but also have an appealing strong social capital.