High Chief Ejiogu-Citygate Homes CEO Shines at Sun Newspapers Awards Night
…Bags Entrepreneur of the Year
During the weekend, Saturday, January 31, 2026, a leading Nigeria’s tabloid, Sun Newspapers Publishing Limited, made yet another big statement in the print media landscape as it honoured 34 distinqushed business captains, industry experts, and political leaders including two financial institutions; in recognition of their contributions in critical sectors of the economy.
The Expo Convention Centre; Eko Hotels and Suites; witnessed an array of dignitaries , special guests, and the awardees who converged at the venue for the 24th Edition of Sun Annual Event.
In the charged atmosphere, Chairman of Citygate Homes, Chief Duru Mike Ejiogu commanded the room, not with words, but with the weight of a legacy quietly built over the years.
That evening, he was formally presented with the Sun Entrepreneur of the Year Award 2025 by the duo of Chairman of New Nigeria Airlines, Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, and the founder of Sun Newspaper, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu; a recognition befitting a career defined by vision, resilience, and transformative leadership.
The red carpet reception at 4pm set the tone for grandeur, but all eyes turned to the man whose work has steadily reshaped Nigeria’s real estate sector and business landscape.
Under the theme “Celebrating Uncommon Achievers,” the award elevated not just his achievements but the standard of excellence for the country’s emerging entrepreneurs.
The ceremony, chaired by Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Air Peace Airlines, Allen Onyema, drew an extraordinary assemblage of national figures.
Present were the representatives of the President of the Nigerian Senate, Sen. Godswill Akpabio, the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Jibrin Barau, and governors, including the Enugu State Governor, His Excellency Dr. Peter Mbah; the Zamfara State Governor, His Excellency, Dauda Lawal; the Kano State Governor, His Excellency, Abba Kabir Yusuf; the Cross River State Governor, His Excellency, Bassey Otu; Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Olayemi Cardoso; and the Ogun State Governor, His Excellency, Gov. Dapo Abiodun. Ministers, diplomats, traditional rulers, and leading industrialists also graced the occasion, affirming the prestige of the awards.
While honourees across governance, enterprise, public service, and the arts were celebrated, it was Ejiogu whose presence anchored the evening.
His recognition reflected a principle often forgotten in public life: that enduring success is rarely loud, it is deliberate, and steadfast.
The live broadcast and online streaming of the ceremony allowed Nigerians everywhere to witness the moment, a reminder that true entrepreneurship blends vision with action and legacy with impact.
As Ejiogu received his award, the applause was more than ceremonial; it was affirmation that consistent excellence commands recognition, and leadership built on integrity leaves an indelible mark.
The colorful event, according to the media consultant, Njoku Macdonald Obinna , was attended by family, friends, community leaders and business associates of High Chief Duru Mike Ejiogu; which included but not limited to: Chairman of G.U. Ebeco Industries Ltd; Chief Goodwill Ebere Uzozie; Dr. Gideon Osi; Chief Obinna Unachukwu; Sir. Kelvin Chukwumobi; Chief Evans Enesim; Chief Frank Nnadi; Chief Okeke Jonas , MON; Prince Joseph Okafor; Chief Christian Madugba; Ikenna Onu, Dr. Aforjama Joachim; Chief Christopher Ndubuisi; Chief Michael Okonkwo; and Chief Obinna Ugozu, among others.
It was a night of glitz in an atmosphere of social conviviality and camadrie as the hall was exquisitely decorated in red and white, reflecting the brand colour of Sun Newspapers.
The Sun touch of hospitality was evident as the various tables had exotic wines served while sumptuous dinner was awaiting the guests.
The 2025 Sun Newspapers Award in Lagos, put High Chief Duru Mike Ejiogu on national spotlight not just as an award recipient, but the embodiment of uncommon achievement, a beacon for the entrepreneurs of tomorrow, and a reminder of what disciplined vision can achieve.
Flood of advertorials from his friends , business associates, and men with the economic power to effect positive developmental change in the country, is a true testament that Ejiogu does not only enjoy natural goodwill from the masses, but also have an appealing strong social capital.
