Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, has emerged the Silverbird Man of the Year, 2024.
Governor Oyebanji secured the highest number of votes overwhelming beating the other three individuals shortlisted for the prestigious award.
Other nominees were the Governor of Borno State, Babagana Zulum, a renowned industrialist and CEO of Ibeto Group of Companies, Chief Cletus Ibeto as well as an industrialist and philanthropist, Chief Arthur Eze.
This was contained in a statement signed by Mr. Jacob Akinyemi Johnson, Chief Creative Officer/ Chairman of the Editorial board of the Silverbird Man of the Year on Wednesday.
According to the statement, the nominees have demonstrated exceptional leadership, innovation, and contributions to their respective fields.
Mr. Johnson stated that Governor Oyebanji was nominated for his remarkable achievements in infrastructure and tourism development, social intervention for the elderly and inclusive governance.
He listed some of the past winners of the Silverbird Man of the Year Award, include late Professor Dora Akunyili, Sanusi Lamido, Mallam Nasir El- Rufai, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, Adams Oshiomhole, Godswill Akpabio, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Doctor Mike Adenuga, Emmanuel Uduaghan , and Babatunde Fashola .
Others are Peter Obi, Aminu Tambuwal, Nyesom Wike, Ifeanyi Okowa, Willy Obiano, Seyi Makinde and Governor Dapo Abiodun
The Silverbird Man of the Year Award now in its 20th year was instituted in 2005 to recognize individuals who have positively impacted the lives of Nigerians in their chosen careers. Silverbird’s extraordinary personality of the year award has also been won by Asiwajju Bola Tinubu and former President Mohammadu Buhari.