Archbishop Dr. NZEKWESI ONYEKA JOSEPH flanked by family and friends after receiving his award in Lagos
From John Silas
A cross-section of Nigeria’s political, business and social elite converged on Eko Hotels and Suites as the 2025 Champion Newspapers Awards celebrated individuals whose contributions have shaped national development.
At the well-attended ceremony, Anambra-born cleric and entrepreneur, Onyekachukwu Nzekwesi, was honoured with the Most Outstanding Real Estate Personality of the Year Award, in recognition of his impact in housing development and economic empowerment.
The award was presented by former Ogun State governor, Gbenga Daniel, before an audience of dignitaries, captains of industry and associates who mounted the stage in celebration of the awardee.
The award was witnessed by business moguls, alongside family members and close associates.
In his acceptance remarks, Nzekwesi described the recognition as a “wonderful honour,” attributing the achievement to the collective efforts of his team. He noted that the award would spur him to deepen his contributions to national development and humanitarian service.
He also unveiled plans for a housing scheme targeted at civil servants in Anambra State, disclosing that about 100 housing units would be made available under an owner-occupier arrangement, with a repayment structure spread over 20 years.
The initiative, he said, is designed to ease access to home ownership and improve welfare for workers.
Daniel, in his remarks, described the awardees as exemplars of excellence, integrity and service, stressing that their accomplishments reinforce the enduring values required for national progress.
Earlier, the Group Managing Director of Champion Newspapers Limited, Nwadiuto Iheakanwa, said the awards were conceived to celebrate individuals and institutions driving innovation, strengthening democratic ideals and inspiring hope across the country.
She noted that beyond recognition, the honour places a responsibility on recipients to continue to lead with vision, courage and integrity.
Nzekwesi, the General Overseer of Jesus Is Alive Church, has built a reputation as a spiritual leader and entrepreneur committed to human development.
As Chief Executive Officer of Pineleaf Estate and Properties Limited, he has spent over two decades promoting property investment and sustainable community development.
A graduate of Lagos State University, with additional qualifications from the Institute of Management and Technology Enugu, his work continues to span ministry, business and philanthropy, with a focus on wealth creation, youth development and social impact.
