Duru Mike Ejiogu Wins Sun Entrepreneur of the Year Award

Chairman of Citygate Homes, High Chief Duru Mike Ejiogu, has been named Entrepreneur of the Year by Sun Newspapers Publishing Limited, earning national recognition for his leadership and impact in Nigeria’s real estate sector.

The award was presented during the twenty-fourth edition of the Sun Annual Awards, held at the Expo Convention Centre inside Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos. The event drew a large audience of political leaders, captains of industry, traditional rulers and senior government officials.

Ejiogu received the honor alongside thirty-four other award recipients, including business leaders, industry experts, political figures, and two financial institutions. The recognitions were given to individuals and organisations judged to have made significant contributions to the nation’s economic growth across key sectors.

At the ceremony, the Citygate Homes chairman was presented with his award by Professor Obiora Okonkwo, chairman of New Nigeria Airlines, alongside the founder of Sun Newspapers, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu. The presentation highlighted a career shaped by consistency, resilience and a focus on long-term value creation.

Organizers said this year’s theme, Celebrating Uncommon Achievers, reflected the standard expected of entrepreneurs pushing boundaries within their industries. Ejiogu’s selection, they noted, underscored his role in shaping modern housing development and expanding access to quality real estate projects.

The event was chaired by Chief Allen Onyema, founder and chief executive officer of Air Peace Airlines. It attracted high-level representation from across the country, including delegates of Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau.

Among the governors present were Peter Mbah of Enugu State, Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State, Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State, Bassey Otu of Cross River State and Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State. The governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Olayemi Cardoso, also attended, alongside ministers, diplomats and senior business leaders.

Family members, friends and associates of Ejiogu were also present to witness the moment. Those in attendance included High Chief Goodwill Ebere Uzozie of G U Ebeco Industries, Dr Gideon C Osi, Chief Obinna Unachukwu and Dr Kelvin Chukwumobi.

Others were Chief Evans Enesim, Chief Frank Nnana Nnadi, Chief Okeke Nicky Jonas, Prince Joseph Okafor, High Chief Christian Okechi Madugba, Ikenna Ofala Onu, Chief Aforjama Joachim, High Chief Christopher Ndubuisi, Chief Michael Chris Okonkwo and Chief Obinna Ugozu, among several community leaders and traditional title holders.

Ejiogu’s recognition adds to a growing list of honors earned by business leaders whose work continues to influence Nigeria’s private sector and broader economic landscape.