Ezeobi emerges The Sun industrialist of the Year

Chairman of Zobis Cables Limited, Chief John Ezeobi, has emerged The Sun Industrialist of the Year 2025 at an award ceremony held on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at the Expo Convention Centre, Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.

The event attracted prominent Nigerians from the political, business and traditional institutions, who gathered to celebrate individuals recognised for outstanding contributions to national development.

Ezeobi, who was accompanied by his wife, friends and business associates, received the award in recognition of his contributions to Nigeria’s electrical engineering sector and industrial growth through Zobis Cables Limited, a company noted for quality standards, technological innovation and job creation.

The ceremony was chaired by the Chairman of Air Peace Airlines, Chief Barr. Onyema Allen, and anchored by Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, Chairman of New Nigeria Airlines. It was attended by representatives of the President of the Nigerian Senate, Godswill Akpabio, the Deputy Senate President, Senator Jibrin Barau, as well as Governors Peter Mbah of Enugu State, Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State, Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State, Bassey Otu of Cross River State and Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State, alongside ministers, diplomats, traditional rulers and leading industrialists.

While the awards night celebrated achievers across governance, entrepreneurship, public service and culture, Ezeobi’s recognition was highlighted as a testament to industrial vision, innovation and economic impact.

Speaking after receiving the award, Ezeobi described it as a call to greater responsibility, saying, “An award is not merely recognition, it is a responsibility, to lead, to innovate, and to contribute meaningfully to the nation’s progress.”

Other award recipients included High Chief Duru Mike Ejiogu, Chairman of Citygate Group, who received The Sun Entrepreneur of the Year Award for his contributions to real estate development. High Chief Peter Chibuike Orogwu, founder of Chuby-Zion Nigeria Ltd., was also recognised for entrepreneurial excellence.

In public service, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA), Dr. Emeka Agbasi, and Prof. Stella Ifeanyi Smith, Director of Research at the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, received Public Service Personality Awards. In the hospitality sector, Mr. Paul Onwuanibe of Landmark Africa Group and Chief Livinus Anigbogu of AG Lexon Nigeria Limited were honoured with Hospitality Icon Awards.

Actor and public speaker Kenneth Okonkwo was recognised as Nollywood Icon, while Mrs. Onyeka Michael-Ugwu, founder of Hello Perfect, and Mr. Tunde Onakoya, founder of Chess in Slum Africa, received Young Achievers Awards.

Leadership and political awards were also presented to Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State and Senator Solomon Adeola of Ogun West, who were named Men of the Year. Lifetime Achievement Awards went to Oba Rashidi Ladoja, the Olubadan of Ibadanland; Bishop Mike Okonkwo; Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe; Alhaji Buba Galadima; and Chief Simeon Eyisi. The Most Outstanding Royal Father of the Year award was presented to HRH Igwe Kenneth Orizu III, the Igwe of Nnewi Kingdom, while humanitarian honours went to Senator Jibrin Barau and Chief Obioma Success Akagburuonye.

Commenting on the award, Chairman of Mekens Integrated Nigeria Ltd., High Chief Dr. Amb. Anthony Ikenna Obele, said, “the award is well deserved and quite befitting of an industrial giant. To the 7 Star General: John Ezeobi emerged not only as an award-winning industrialist but as a beacon for Nigerian manufacturing, a reminder that vision, perseverance, and innovation remain the bedrock of national progress.”

The ceremony was broadcast live and streamed nationwide.

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