The Times100 Heroes Awards celebrates the individuals and institutions whose leadership, courage, and contribution have shaped Nigeria — and continue to define its next century.
The Trophy
Crimson and gold, cast to mark a century of impact.
For 100 years, Daily Times has done more than report the news. We have documented history, amplified voices, celebrated heroes, and chronicled the journey of a nation through moments of triumph, challenge, and transformation.
From the stories that shaped public discourse to the headlines that captured defining moments, our legacy is woven into Nigeria's story.
Daily Times publishes its first edition in Lagos, beginning a century of documenting the Nigerian story.
Through the independence movement, the paper becomes a forum for the ideas and leaders shaping a future republic.
Daily Times chronicles the lowering of one flag and the raising of another as Nigeria takes its place among nations.
At its height, the title commands the widest circulation on the continent and sets the standard for journalism.
The paper documents the nation's return to civilian rule and the renewal of its democratic institutions.
One hundred years on, Daily Times launches the Times100 Heroes Awards to honour those who shaped the nation.
The Times100 Heroes Awards was established to identify, celebrate, and preserve the stories of extraordinary Nigerians and institutions whose contributions have positively shaped communities, industries, and the nation.
The awards seek to spotlight impact, inspire future generations, and create a lasting record of the people who built — and are building — Nigeria.
Surface the extraordinary Nigerians and institutions whose work too often goes unrecognised.
Honour impact publicly — with the prestige and permanence it deserves.
Create a lasting record that inspires the generations still to come.
Each category recognises a distinct field of contribution. Explore the criteria, then nominate the hero who embodies it.
Honouring the Nigerian man whose leadership, influence, and impact over the past year have left a defining mark on the nation.
Nigerian men with a documented record of outstanding achievement or national impact within the qualifying period.
Celebrating the Nigerian woman whose leadership and achievements have inspired the nation and broken new ground.
Nigerian women with a documented record of outstanding achievement or national impact within the qualifying period.
Recognising a public servant whose integrity, diligence, and reform have strengthened the institutions of the Republic.
Individuals in public office or civil service with documented, measurable impact on policy, institutions, or communities.
Honouring an enterprise built around social impact, delivering measurable change alongside sustainable growth.
Social enterprises or impact-driven organisations with verifiable outcomes and a sustainable operating model.
Recognising the financial institution whose growth, innovation, and stability have defined banking over the past decade.
Licensed Nigerian banks with a sustained record of growth, innovation, and financial soundness over the past ten years.
Celebrating a banking leader whose vision and stewardship have shaped the financial sector over the past ten years.
Banking executives with a sustained record of leadership, innovation, and impact across the past decade.
Honouring an energy company whose operations and investment have powered Nigeria's growth over the past decade.
Energy sector companies with a sustained record of growth, reliability, and contribution to national energy supply.
Recognising a manufacturer whose quality, scale, and local production strength have set the standard for industry.
Manufacturing companies with verifiable growth, quality standards, and contribution to local production capacity.
Celebrating a diversified business group whose scale and governance have shaped multiple sectors of the economy.
Diversified corporate groups with operations across multiple sectors and a strong record of governance and growth.
Honouring a digital or technology company whose innovation has reshaped how Nigerians live, work, and connect.
Technology or digital companies with a sustained record of innovation, adoption, and impact over the past decade.
Recognising the South West governor whose policies and projects have delivered the most measurable impact for residents.
Sitting governors of South West states with documented achievements in governance, infrastructure, or development.
Recognising the South East governor whose policies and projects have delivered the most measurable impact for residents.
Sitting governors of South East states with documented achievements in governance, infrastructure, or development.
Recognising the South South governor whose policies and projects have delivered the most measurable impact for residents.
Sitting governors of South South states with documented achievements in governance, infrastructure, or development.
Recognising the North West governor whose policies and projects have delivered the most measurable impact for residents.
Sitting governors of North West states with documented achievements in governance, infrastructure, or development.
Recognising the North East governor whose policies and projects have delivered the most measurable impact for residents.
Sitting governors of North East states with documented achievements in governance, infrastructure, or development.
Recognising the North Central governor whose policies and projects have delivered the most measurable impact for residents.
Sitting governors of North Central states with documented achievements in governance, infrastructure, or development.
Honouring the governor whose overall record of leadership and delivery stands out nationally among their peers.
Sitting governors with an outstanding, nationally recognised record of governance and development delivery.
Recognising a political figure whose statesmanship and influence have shaped national discourse and policy direction.
Elected or appointed political figures with a documented record of leadership and influence at the national level.
Celebrating a development or infrastructure project whose completion has delivered lasting value to communities.
Completed or substantially delivered projects with measurable, verifiable benefit to communities or the economy.
A transparent, merit-led journey. Every hero is verified, every shortlist independently assessed.
Anyone may nominate a hero. Submissions open to the public through the online nomination portal.
The secretariat verifies each nominee's details and confirms eligibility against the category criteria.
Verified nominees are reviewed and a shortlist is drawn up for each award category.
An independent jury of distinguished Nigerians assesses shortlisted nominees against merit and impact.
The jury deliberates and selects the honourees for each category through a rigorous final vote.
Shortlisted heroes are announced publicly ahead of the ceremony, celebrating every nominee's contribution.
Honourees are unveiled and celebrated live at the Times100 Heroes Awards ceremony.
A night of recognition, heritage, and celebration as the Times100 honourees are unveiled.
The Times100 Heroes Awards is made possible by partners who share our commitment to recognising excellence.
Announcements, campaign updates, and the stories behind the heroes.
The public is invited to nominate the Nigerians and institutions whose contributions have shaped the nation, as Daily Times marks its centenary.
Read moreA panel of distinguished Nigerians across public service, enterprise, the arts, and academia will assess shortlisted nominees.
Read moreFrom its first edition in 1926 to the largest press in Africa, the Daily Times has been woven into Nigeria's story.
Read moreHave a question that isn't answered here? Reach out to the awards secretariat below.
Anyone. Nominations are open to the public — members of the public, colleagues, communities, and institutions are all welcome to put forward a hero.
Nigerian individuals and institutions whose contributions have positively shaped communities, industries, or the nation. Specific eligibility criteria are listed under each award category.
Self-nominations are accepted for individual categories, provided the nominee meets the stated eligibility criteria and the submission is supported by verifiable evidence of impact.
No. Submitting a nomination is completely free. The Times100 Heroes Awards will never charge the public to nominate a hero.
Through a multi-stage process: public nomination, screening and verification, shortlisting, assessment by an independent jury, and a final selection. Merit and verifiable impact guide every stage.
Shortlists are announced ahead of the event, and honourees are unveiled live at the Times100 Heroes Awards ceremony. Follow the News & Updates section for exact dates.
Questions about nominations, partnerships, or the ceremony? We're here to help.
