By Asuquo Cletus and Eniola Ambosege
The Governor of Cross River State, Bassey Otu, has emerged as the 2025 Silverbird Man of the Year, following a nationwide public vote organised by the Silverbird Group.
The announcement was made by the Chief Creative Officer of Silverbird Group and Chairman of its Editorial Board, Jacob Akinyemi-Johnson, who said the governor secured over 70 per cent of the total votes cast through text messaging and WhatsApp platforms.
Akinyemi-Johnson explained that Governor Otu was officially declared winner on January 1, 2026, after emerging top among nominees, describing the outcome as a reflection of widespread public confidence in his leadership and governance style.
He added that the award ceremony would hold on March 1, 2026, at the Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, as part of activities marking the 20th anniversary of the Silverbird Man of the Year Award, instituted in 2005 by media entrepreneur, Ben Murray-Bruce.
The Silverbird Group noted that the governor’s focus on grassroots healthcare, education reforms, tourism revival and fiscal discipline, despite revenue challenges facing the state, informed his selection for the award.
Reacting to the recognition, Governor Otu described the honour as humbling, saying it belonged to the people of Cross River State and Nigerians who believed in leadership that delivers tangible impact.
“This award belongs to the people of Cross River State and to Nigerians who believe that leadership must translate into real impact,” the governor said.
The Silverbird Man of the Year Award recognises Nigerians whose leadership and contributions have significantly influenced national development across various sectors.
