Plans are in top gear to hold the second edition of the Eko Mi Awards.
With the team, ‘Eko Best 11,’ the event is set to be held on Thursday, June 19, 2025, at the
Radisson Blu Hotels, in Ikeja GRA, Lagos.
According to Otunba Bestman Nze Jumbo, the CEO of Image Expression, publisher of Eko Mi, Eko E Newspaper and the organiser of Eko Mi Awards, this edition isn’t just another event.
“It’s a salute to legacy, leadership, and the relentless Lagos spirit. We’re celebrating pioneers, disruptors, and legends who’ve redefined what’s possible and powered the pulse of Lagos,” he said.
Nze-Jumbo further reiterated that just like the second edition, the award ceremony will be held after a careful selection process that went through a rigorous routine by the team behind the awards ceremony.
Already, prominent Nigerians in Lagos, who are adding value in different sectors, have been listed as possible recipients of the awards ceremony scheduled to hold on June 19, 2025.
These personalities include Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Tunde Onakoya, Tony Rapu, Emmanuel Orobosa, Funke Akindele, James Faleke, Olawale Talabi, Awele Elumelu, Sanmi Doherty, Femi Otedola, Olawale Ayilara, Tokunbo Wahab, Dele Oshinowo, Oba Suleiman Raji Adesina, Kunle Afolayan, Odunayo Eweniyi, Femi Aina, Akin Alabi, Chris Oyakhilome, Tosin Eni Olorunda, P Prime, Cosmas Maduka, Jimi Benson, Tunde Folawiyo, Seyi Tinubu, Tony Elumelu, Aliko Dangote, Femi Gbajabiamila, Obafemi Hamzat, Jim Ovia, Sam Adeyemi, Veekee James, Oba Saheed ElegEko Mi Awards Return for Second Edition with Lagos Icons in Spotlight
Award ceremony set for June 19
Plans are in full swing for the second edition of the Eko Mi Awards, a highly anticipated event designed to honour exceptional Lagosians. Organised by Image Expression, publishers of Eko Mi and Eko E Newspaper, the event is scheduled to take place on Thursday, June 19, 2025, at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Ikeja GRA, Lagos.
Themed “Eko Best 11,” this year’s ceremony promises a night of celebration, recognition, and powerful storytelling.
Honouring legacy and the Lagos spirit
According to Otunba Bestman Nze Jumbo, CEO of Image Expression and the driving force behind the awards, this edition is more than a simple ceremony, it’s a tribute to the enduring legacy of Lagos and the individuals shaping its future.
“It’s a salute to legacy, leadership, and the relentless Lagos spirit. We’re celebrating pioneers, disruptors, and legends who have redefined what’s possible and powered the pulse of Lagos,” Nze-Jumbo said.
He stressed that the awardees will emerge after a thorough and transparent selection process carried out by a dedicated team behind the scenes.
Celebrating excellence across all sectors
The Eko Mi Awards aim to recognise individuals making lasting contributions across various sectors. From politics and entertainment to entrepreneurship and innovation, the awards reflect the wide scope of talent and hard work that drives Nigeria’s economic and cultural capital.
A long list of nominees has already been compiled, featuring some of the most influential names in Lagos and beyond. The final list will be trimmed to just 11 honourees, who will be celebrated as the Best of Eko for 2025.
Nominees reflect the diversity of Lagos
Those being considered for this year’s honours include a mix of public officials, entertainers, business leaders, creatives, and community builders. Among the notable figures are:
- Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu – Lagos State Governor
- Tunde Onakoya – Founder of Chess in Slums Africa
- Funke Akindele – Nollywood actress and filmmaker
- Tony Elumelu – Business mogul and philanthropist
- Aliko Dangote – Industrialist and Africa’s richest man
- Seyi Tinubu – Entrepreneur and youth advocate
- Kunle Afolayan – Award-winning filmmaker
- Odunayo Eweniyi – Tech entrepreneur and co-founder of PiggyVest
- Veekee James – Fashion designer and influencer
- Sam Adeyemi – Pastor and leadership coach
- Mai Atafo – Renowned fashion designer
- Ibukun Awosika – Businesswoman and motivational speaker
- Chris Oyakhilome – Founder of Christ Embassy
- Femi Otedola – Business magnate and philanthropist
- Jim Ovia – Founder of Zenith Bank
- Akin Alabi – Politician and founder of NairaBET
- Tosin Eni Olorunda – Tech executive
- Oba Saheed Elegushi – Monarch of Ikate Kingdom
The list also includes community leaders, media professionals, tech innovators, and royal fathers who continue to make Lagos proud.
Only 11 will make the final cut
Despite the impressive lineup, only 11 individuals will be selected to receive the Best Eko 11 award at the event. The organisers note that the selection process is not just about fame, but impact, innovation, and service to society.
As excitement builds ahead of the big day, many in Lagos and across Nigeria are watching closely to see who will make the final cut.
Lagos prepares for a night of glamour
The ceremony will draw top dignitaries, celebrities, media personalities, and stakeholders from various industries. It is expected to be one of the standout events of the year in Lagos, known for its rich culture and love for celebration.
The Eko Mi Awards began as a platform to honour excellence and spotlight individuals shaping the heartbeat of Africa’s largest city. With this second edition, the organisers hope to set an even higher standard.
As the countdown continues, Lagosians are ready to celebrate those who continue to push boundaries and make the city proud.
Ushi,, Ibukun Awosika, Mai Atafo, Oba Gbolaha Lawal, Tokunbo Abiru, Leo Stan Ekeh, Olabode Agoro, Toyin Lawani, Femi Aderibigbe and Yomi Casual amongst several others.
Only 11 will make the Best Eko 11 at the event, which is gaining momentum across the Lagos metropolis.
