Two of the nation’s leading lights in governance and business will be honoured this evening at this year’s edition of The Sun Man of the Year Award. Governor Mohammed Danjuma Goje of Gombe state and exceptional business mogul Alhaji Aliko Dangote will mount the dais to receive deserved accolades for their outstanding contributions to the society.

Some eight years ago before the advent of the Goje administration in Gombe state, some essentials of life were thought impossible. Governance was at its lowest ebb, and the possibility of providing social amenities by government amounted to wishful thinking. But Goje broke the jinx and made them believing perhaps, that if you can dream it, you can achieve it.

The saying that revolutions ‘are often a contest between yes and no’ is apt in describing the experience of Governor Muhammed Danjuma Goje in administering the 15-year-old state in the last seven and half years. Before his assumption of office in May 2003, water, which is one of the essentials of life, was a very scarce commodity in Gombe state, with a near consensus of opinion that making water available in Gombe and its environs was near impossible, the existence of a dam not withstanding. But Goje said it was possible.

After spending N8.2billion on the project, which included a water treatment plant, the Gombe Regional Water Supply Scheme came alive and was commissioned in 2006. Today water is available virtually everywhere in the state. Next was the state university, which, many in and outside the state believed to be impossible. But a determined Goje believed it was possible. Today the university is not only standing but has become a reference point.

Not done Goje again dreamt of an international Airport. This again was looked upon as impossibility. But today that airport is operational and is even doing more flights than the one in neighbouring Bauchi state, from where Gombe was carved out on October 1, 1996. These three projects daera as they are to the Governor’s heart, are only a tip of the iceberg in enumerating Goje’s giant strides in the state.
He is joining the business mogul Alhaji Aliko Dangote whose business empire is arguably the largest in the African continent. With a three-billion dollar outfit the Dangote group now consist of 14 companies producing Cement, Sugar, Pasta. Flour etc and contributing about N50 billion per annum in taxes to government plant, the Gombe Regional Water Supply Scheme came alive and was commissioned in 2006. Today, water is available virtually everywhere in the state.

Next was the state university, which, many in and outside the state, believed to be impossible. But a determined Goje believed it was possible. Today, the university is not only standing, but has become a reference point. Not done, Goje again dreamt of an international Airport. This, again, was looked upon as impossibility. But today that airport is operational and is even doing more flights than the one in neighbouring Bauchi State, from where Gombe was carved out on October 1, 1996.
These three projects dear as they are to the Governor’s heart, are only a tip of the iceberg in enumerating Goje’s giant strides in the state.

He is joining the business mogul, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, whose business empire is arguably the largest in the African continent. With a three-billion dollar outfit, the Dangote Group now consist of 14 companies producing cement, sugar, pasta. flour etc and contributing about N50 billion per annum in taxes to government. Yet, Dangote began his journey into the slippery arena of business in 1978 with a loan of half a million naira. From a small outpost in Apapa, Lagos, Dangote has grown the brand into a conglomerate with a name easily recognized across the country and far beyond.

Past winners of the annual award include Chairman of Globacom, Dr Mike Adenuga Jnr. He won the maiden edition for his revolutionary exploit in the telecommunication industry, and particularly for putting telephones in the hands of ordinary Nigerians. Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, the then Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), was voted as the 2004 winner for envisioning a new banking order.
In 2005, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, the then Chairman of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), won the award for his uncommon courage, determination and leadership demonstrated in the fight against corruption. The next year was the turn of Mrs Obiageli Ezekwesili, the then Minister of Education for her pragmatic education reforms.

Mr. Peter Obi, Governor of Anambra State and Rotimi Amaechi, Governor of Rivers State, emerged as joint winners of the award in 2007. Obi and Amaechi were named recipients for their staunch belief in the judiciary and rule of law in challenging the patent injustice foisted on them by those who manipulated due process to shut them out of political offices. In 2008, Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State emerged the winner, while Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola (SAN) and Mr Tayo Aderinokun, Managing Director \CEO, GTBank Plc, emerged joint winners for 2009.

A statement from the management of The Sun Publishing Limited said this year’s event has been taken a notch or two higher than what it used to be - in terms of both the entertainment content and general package of the yearly award that seeks to recognise and reward the country’s brightest stars.
Notable entertainment personalities like Paul Play Dairo, Dan Maraya, Shuga Band, Gbenga Adeyinka 1, Sheyi Law and Mallam Spencer would thrill guests to scintillating performances. Two Nollywood celebrities, Bob Manuel-Udokwu and Jennifer Eliogu, would conduct celebs and dignitary interviews on the red carpet.

A very tight security arrangement has also been put in place for the event, which would be attended by the who-is-who in the country.