News
Zobis CEO Bags Sun Newspaper Industrialist of the Year Award, Earns Praise from Igbo Billionaires
Joel Ajayi
Following the recent conferment of the Sun Newspaper Industrialist of the Year Award on the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Zobis Electrical Wires and Cables Limited, Chief John Ezeobi, waves of congratulatory messages have continued to pour in from prominent Anambra industrialists, business leaders and corporate organisations, celebrating what they described as well-deserved and timely recognition of youthful excellence, consistency and indigenous industrial growth.
As earlier reported, Chief Ezeobi, Chairman of Zobis Electrical Wires and Cables Limited, emerged as the youngest Nigerian and the youngest Anambra indigene to receive the prestigious Industrialist of the Year honour at the 2025 Sun Awards held at Eko Hotels and Suites, Lagos, a feat that further cemented his status as a leading light in Nigeria’s manufacturing sector and a symbol of the new generation of African industrialists.
Reacting to the honour, Chairman of Apams Funeral Ltd, Sir (Dr.) Kevin Chukwumobi, described the award as well-deserved, noting that Chief Ezeobi’s achievements at a young age stand as a great inspiration to Nigerian youths and another evidence of his impact on job creation and economic value addition.
On his own part, the Managing Director of Tastia Restaurant, Bakery and Café, Mr. Agwu Kester Okike, said the recognition reflects years of resilience, innovation and commitment to building a credible industrial brand that continues to advance Nigeria’s industrial sector.
Also reacting, the Management of Globus Group, in a brief congratulatory message, stated that the award validates Chief Ezeobi’s impact on the industry and described his achievements as a benchmark for others in the business community.
In his own congratulatory note, Owelle Okija, Ichie Ken Chimezie Nwankwo, prayed for continued good health and divine grace for the Zobis Boss, describing the honour as a fitting reward for his dedication to excellence.
Similarly reacting, the President and Group Managing Director of Gosima Group, Dr. Gideon C. Osi, said the award speaks volume of Chief Ezeobi’s visionary leadership, consistency and outstanding contribution to Nigeria’s industrial growth and economic development.
Lending his voice, the Chairman of Bolton White Group, Chief Polycarp Obiukwu, congratulated the Zobis CEO on what he described as a recognition that reflects years of vision, hard work and measurable impact through the Zobis Group.
High Chief Kenneth Ifekudu (OFR) of Ozubulu noted that the award rightly fits Chief Ezeobi, describing him as a visionary leader whose contributions have positively shaped Nigeria’s industrial landscape and inspired many within the business ecosystem.
In a personal congratulatory message, Ugodinobi Nnewi, Sir Chidiebere Mbanefo, said the honour goes beyond business success, reflecting Chief Ezeobi’s integrity, discipline and passion for sustainable development over the years.
Chairman/CEO of Emeka Bishop Enterprises, Chief Emeka Onyenanu, KSC, described the award as recognition of Chief Ezeobi’s role in giving Nigerian industrialists a good name through the production of world-class cables for both local and West African markets.
Also reacting, Chairman of Valid Dreams Ltd, Chief John Anichukwu, said the recognition mirrors years of disciplined effort and clear thinking, adding that Chief Ezeobi’s journey continues to set a standard worthy of respect.
To the Chairman of Mekens Nigeria Ltd, High Chief Sir (Dr.) Anthony Ikenna Obele, the award acknowledges a career built on long-term value, standards, systems and consistency, noting that Chief Ezeobi’s influence has strengthened confidence in local manufacturing and industrial sustainability.
News
SGF, Gbajabiamila, Wase, HoS Mandate FCC Board; Chairman Declares End to Business as Usual
Joel Ajayi
The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to fairness, equity, and national cohesion, urging the recently inaugurated members of the fifth Board of the Federal Character Commission (FCC) to strengthen enforcement of constitutional provisions guiding inclusive governance.
Speaking at the opening of a two-day induction and sensitization workshop at Stratton Hotel, Abuja, on Tuesday, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Dr. George Akume, OFR, described the gathering as a strategic national engagement aimed at repositioning the Commission as a proactive and results-driven institution.
Represented by his technical adviser, Professor Babatunde Bernard, Akume emphasized the importance of assertive regulatory measures.
“The Commission must move beyond routine compliance toward a more assertive regulatory framework that ensures fairness, accountability, and inclusive governance across all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies. Nigerians expect a Commission that is principled, independent, and professional. The Federal Character Principle must neither be politicized nor diluted,” he said.
Representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Chief of Staff to the President, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, described the Federal Character Commission as a strategic pillar within Nigeria’s governance architecture.
The former Speaker, House of Representatives, reminded commissioners that their mandate extends beyond political appointments to equitable distribution of national opportunities and development initiatives.
“Federal Character must never become a mere arithmetic exercise. Representation and merit must strengthen one another rather than compete. You are custodians of one of the most delicate compacts holding our nation together. When fairness is upheld, Nigeria feels united; when it is ignored, the country feels fragile,” Gbajabiamila said.
Also, Hon. Ahmed Idris Wase, Chairman of the House Committee on Federal Character, stressed the value of collaboration between the legislature and the Commission in ensuring balanced representation across the federation.
“The Federal Character Commission must remain a guardian of fairness and inclusion. Balanced representation builds trust and reinforces democratic stability. Inclusion and competence must work together. Strong institutions emerge when fairness and merit are applied side by side,” Wase stated.
Representing Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, OON, Head of Service of the Federation, Permanent Secretary for the Service Policies and Strategies Office, Dr. Ishiyaku Mohammed re-emphasized the need for disciplined and efficient human resource management across the public service.
“Federal Character is not only about representation; it is about ensuring that appointments and placements are strategic, merit-driven, and aligned with national priorities,” he said.
In her welcome remarks, Executive Chairman of the Federal Character Commission, Hon. Hulayat Motunrayo Omidiran, described the induction programme as a defining moment in the Commission’s institutional evolution, stressing that the workshop align with vision, deepen understanding of statutory responsibilities, and strengthen enforcement mechanisms.
“The Federal Character Principle is not a political slogan, it is a stabilizing framework that promotes fairness, inclusion, and national cohesion. It will not be business as usual. We are committed to ethical conduct, accountability, and lawful enforcement of our mandate,” Omidiran affirmed.
The opening day of the induction workshop was attended by the Secretary, Honorable Commissioners and Directors of the Federal Character Commission.
Themed “Guiding the Effective Implementation and Enforcement of the Federal Character Principle,” featuring sessions led by seasoned resource persons and policy experts, focusing on leadership, monitoring frameworks, data-driven compliance, and collaborative governance.
Photos: Hon Hulayat Omidiran, Executive Chairman, and Hon Ahmed Idris Wase. Chairman House Committee on Federal Character; Hon Femi Gbajabiamila, Chief of Staff to the President; Prof Babatunde Bernard (Rep of SGF), Dr Ishiyaku Mohammed, Permanent Secretary SPOS of HoS.
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