Vanguard Names Dantata and Ojo Joint Personality of the Year 2025

Vanguard’s Personality of the Year award has recognized Nigerians who shape the nation’s economy, politics or society for over two decades. The 2025 edition proved especially contentious as editors debated nominees amid a year marked by economic strain, security challenges and political turbulence. The board’s deliberations, which usually conclude in November, stretched into December for the first time in recent memory.

The joint honor reflects two distinct contributions. Alhaji Sayyu Idris Dantata, chairman of MRS, was cited for leading efforts to make fuel more affordable and to expand access for ordinary Nigerians across the downstream sector. Interior Minister Olubunmi Ojo received the award for spearheading sustainable passport reforms and driving digitization within the Ministry of Interior, initiatives aimed at improving service delivery and reducing processing times.

Vanguard’s selection sessions extended into December for the first time in years because editors struggled to single out a winner. The prolonged debate underscored the difficulty of balancing competing claims from the private sector, government and civil society in a year where many felt the country faced multiple crises. Ultimately, the board settled on a joint award to acknowledge both energy accessibility and administrative modernization.

What this means is that Vanguard highlights both grassroots economic relief and institutional reform as key pathways for national progress. The dual recognition may encourage other leaders to pursue affordable energy solutions and public‑service innovation. Observers will watch whether Dantata’s affordability measures translate into lower pump prices nationwide and whether Ojo’s passport and digitization reforms lead to faster, more secure travel documents for Nigerians.