Oil and gas entrepreneur Dr Julius Dediare Rone, OFR, emerged the highest honouree at the third edition of the Megastar Man of the Decade Awards, held on Friday at Wells Carlton, Abuja.
Rone received the Megastar Man of the Decade Award 2026 for his contributions to Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, especially gas development, and for promoting indigenous participation in the energy sector through UTM Offshore Limited. He was earlier named Sustainable Energy Development Personality of the Decade.
The 2026 edition, themed “The Road to 2027: Citizens, Stakeholders, and the Democracy We Choose,” recognised individuals and organisations in technology, finance and enterprise; energy, industry and engineering; governance and leadership; humanitarian services; and culture, media and sports.
Keynote speakers were Senator Gbenga Daniel (Ogun East) and Nasarawa State Governor, Engr. Abdullahi Sule, who was represented by Mohammed Yakubu Lamai, Director-General of Strategic Communication and Events Management. Both urged Nigerians to look beyond political slogans and partisan interests and demand accountability, credible leadership and measurable results as the country heads into another election cycle.
Daniel: Move from promises to performance
Daniel said the 2027 elections should push Nigerians to consider the kind of democracy they want and the responsibilities they must accept as citizens.
“As Nigeria approaches 2027, what kind of democracy do we want? What kind of leadership do we deserve, and what responsibilities are we prepared to accept as citizens?” he asked.
He said the questions go beyond politics to the economy, security, national unity and the future of young Nigerians. According to him, democracy must deliver tangible benefits and extend beyond voting every four years to include accountability, freedom of expression, protection of fundamental rights, and public officials who serve the people.
The lawmaker urged political actors to abandon campaign promises in favour of practical solutions to rising living costs, unemployment, insecurity, and problems in education, healthcare, electricity and infrastructure.
“The time has come to move from the politics of promises to the politics of performance, and from the celebration of personalities to the measurement of public value,” he said.
Daniel also charged citizens to take responsibility for the quality of leaders they elect, cautioning against letting ethnic, religious and partisan sentiments drive their choices.
“We cannot build a united nation with a divided conscience, and we cannot demand responsible government while rewarding irresponsibility at the ballot box,” he said.
He called on political leaders to present credible programmes and show integrity, and urged electoral bodies to act transparently and impartially, security agencies to protect citizens without political bias, and the judiciary to uphold the rule of law. Describing young Nigerians as stakeholders in the country’s present and future, he said the 2027 elections should strengthen public confidence in democratic institutions.
Sule: Leaders must set the example
Speaking through Lamai, Governor Sule said Nigeria’s experience since the return to civilian rule had raised serious questions about leadership, national unity and the quality of democracy.
Citing Chinua Achebe’s 1983 book, The Trouble with Nigeria, he recalled the author’s argument that the country’s central problem was its leaders’ failure to set the right example.
Sule questioned the continued use of ethnic, religious and other identity-based sentiments for political mobilisation, asking whether that was the legacy Nigerians wanted to leave future generations. He said citizens could not be expected to show unquestioning faith in the country when leaders fail to inspire confidence through their conduct.
He said the awards’ theme challenges Nigerians to examine the character and values of those they elect, and to decide between leaders who promote division and those committed to unity and progress.
“Nigeria won’t be ruled by aliens or robots or AI. Nigeria will be governed by Nigerians,” he said, adding that the moral character of the leaders citizens choose will determine the country’s direction. He urged Nigerians to take ownership of the democratic process, since political power ultimately rests with the people.
Organiser: Move from complaints to participation
The Executive Producer of the awards, Dr Adeniyi Ifetayo, said the platform was created to celebrate Nigerians who have contributed to nation-building through leadership, enterprise, service and sacrifice.
Quoting former US President John F. Kennedy, he said: “Ask not what your country can do for you — ask what you can do for your country.”
Ifetayo said the theme was meant to encourage citizens and stakeholders to move from complaints to participation, and from apathy to action, as the 2027 elections approach.
“Democracy is not something that happens to us. It is something we decide every day, and not only on election day, by what we tolerate, what we demand and what we build,” he said.
He urged Nigerians to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards, question political leaders critically and resist attempts to use them to promote division. He also called on stakeholders in government, business, the media and civil society to lead with integrity and protect democratic processes.
Olu of Warri commends organiser
The Olu of Warri, His Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse III, who was royal father of the event, commended Ifetayo for creating a platform that celebrates others. In a goodwill message, he noted that while many seek the spotlight for themselves, Ifetayo chose to put deserving Nigerians in it, calling this an example of leadership that creates opportunities for others to shine. Olori Atuwatse III was royal mother of the event.
Other recipients
Other honourees included the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation; Kola Aina; Mitchell Elegbe; Optiva Capital Partners; Dotun Daniel; Niger Delta Restaurant, popularly known as Mama Banga’s Place; Jubril Adewale “Wale” Tinubu, CON; Reuben Abati; Nwangwa Uzonna and Irvin Global and Investment Group; Emmanuel Idiagbon Paddy Iyamu; Asisat Lamina Oshoala, OON; Leemon Agbonjagwe Ikpea, CON, JP, FNSE; Cynthia Ikponmwosa and LAPO Microfinance Bank; Senator Ahmed Wadada Aliyu; Ibrahim Shehu Shema; Abubakar Bukola Saraki, CON; Olusegun Mimiko; Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso; Efosa Emmanuel Iyamu, popularly known as Sir EFEX; Eferebo I. Sylvanus and Somatrix Marine Ltd; George O.K. Onafowokan and Coleman Wires and Cables; Nuhu Fulani Kwajafa, MFR; Osahon Okunbo and Vetrinox Capital; Mount Zion Faith Ministries International, led by Pastor Mike Bamiloye; Habeeb Olalekan Okunola, MON, OFR; Afolashade Shona-Aluko; and Ayoolanrewaju Kuyebi and GodMade Homes Limited.
They were recognised for contributions to business, public service, governance, entrepreneurship, humanitarian work, entertainment, sports and other fields.
The organisers said the awards aim not only to celebrate individual achievement but also to encourage civic responsibility and constructive engagement on the future of Nigeria’s democracy.
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