By: Joe Ephraim,Calabar
Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State has emerged winner of the prestigious Silverbird Man of the Year 2025.
This was as result of a nationwide public vote that placed him ahead of other nominees with over 70 per cent of total votes cast.
The award will be formally presented on Sunday, March 1, 2026, at the Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, during the 2025 Silverbird Man of the Year and Special Awards ceremony, scheduled to commence at 6:00 p.m.
Otu was officially declared winner on January 1, 2026, after Nigerians voted via WhatsApp and text messaging platforms, a process that combined editorial nomination by the Silverbird Group with broad-based public participation.
The 2025 edition marks the 20th anniversary of the Silverbird Man of the Year Award, established in 2005 by media entrepreneur and former senator, Ben Murray-Bruce, to recognise Nigerians whose leadership and accomplishments have significantly shaped national development.
Over the years, recipients of the award have included Prof. Dora Akunyili, Nuhu Ribadu, Adams Oshiomhole, Mike Adenuga Jr., Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Aliko Dangote, Godswill Akpabio, Bola Ahmed Tinubu (Extraordinary Personality), Nyesom Wike, Seyi Makinde, Dapo Abiodun and Biodun Oyebanji.
Reacting to the recognition, Governor Otu described the award as a collective honour for the people of Cross River State and Nigerians who believe in leadership anchored on service.
He said the endorsement was both encouraging and a call to greater responsibility, stressing that governance must translate into tangible impact in the lives of citizens.
Since assuming office, Governor Otu’s administration has prioritised primary healthcare revitalisation, education infrastructure renewal, and the revival of tourism assets, particularly the Tinapa Business and Leisure Resort, which the government is repositioning as a hub for tourism, commerce and job creation.
The administration has also pursued fiscal discipline and revenue reforms amid financial constraints arising from the loss of oil wells following boundary adjustments with Akwa Ibom State.
According to the Silverbird Group, the nomination process was overseen by its Editorial Board, chaired by Mr. Jacob Akinyemi-Johnson, Chief Creative Officer of the organisation, before being subjected to a nationwide vote.
Governor Otu’s selection places him among a distinguished league of Nigerian leaders whose influence, according to organisers, extends beyond public office to enduring national relevance.
