World renowned writer, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie bags THISDAY Newspapers’ “Woman of the Decade” editor’s choice award.

To celebrate its 25th anniversary, THISDAY honored personalities and corporate organisations who have shown excellence in their respective fields. Alongside Adichie, Deputy Secretary General of the United Nations; Amina J. Mohammed also received the “Woman of the Decade” nod, due to the People’s Choice.

There were 24 winners in all, two per each of the 12 categories. The board noted that “whereas the editor’s choices were based on the strength of industry knowledge and professional advice, the readers’ votes were mostly based on their perception.”

At the event, legendary Grammy award winning artiste, John Legend serenaded the guests at the event. His stellar performance was followed by iconic Nigerian singer, Asa who thrilled guests at the glamorous event. Her rendition of the classic – “Fire on the mountain” left guests with goosebumps.

Among the list of THISDAY Newspapers’ awards for the decade are Nigeria’s president, Muhammadu Buhari (People’s Choice) and former president of Nigeria, Goodluck Ebele Jonathan (Editor’s choice); Richest man in Africa and CEO of Dangote Industries, Aliko Dangote (People’s Choice) and CEO of Globacom, Mike Adenuga (Editor’s Choice) for Entrepreneur of the Decade; Former Governor of Lagos State, Babatunde Raji Fashola (People’s Choice) and Former Governor of Anambra state, Peter Obi (Editor’s Choice) were also recognized as Governor of the Decade, among others.

Institutions were also awarded in different categories with Zenith Bank (People’s Choice) and Access Bank (Editor’s Choice) winning Bank of the Decade; Globacom Industries (People’s Choice) alongside Guaranty Trust Bank (Editor’s Choice) for Brand of the Decade as well as Central Bank of Nigeria (People’s Choice) and Economic Financial Crimes Commission (Editor’s Choice) recognized as Institution of the Decade.

The awardees were chosen both by the public and THISDAY editors from a large number of corporate organisations and influential personalities in a highly guarded voting process which held for the duration of one week. Earlier in January, Adichie and Amina J. Mohammed were listed by THISDAY as part of 20 Women Who Will Shape Events in Nigeria in 2020. 

See some of the guests who graced the event;