Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, on Friday publicly acknowledged the pivotal role played by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, in his political journey, declaring that he “would not have emerged governor without Wike’s backing.”

Fubara made the revelation while receiving the New Telegraph Man of the Year Award, reflecting on the path that led him to the Brick House.

According to the governor, Wike not only identified him but also provided the platform that propelled him into the governorship race. He described it as Wike’s “discovery” that amplified his voice in the political space and ultimately shaped his emergence as governor.

Speaking at the ceremony, Fubara said, “I do not care how you interpret it or misinterpret it. I also dedicate this award to somebody who also discovered me not minding the situation, the Honorable Minister of the FCT, my oga, Nyesom Wike.

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“Without him, I wouldn’t be standing here as governor. He discovered me and it’s a discovery that gave me this loudness. Thank you for everything.

“I also dedicate this award to the people of Rivers State that have shown support, quietness and maturity that has brought us this far.”

Fubara described the recognition as both a personal milestone and a symbolic honour for individuals who stood by him during challenging periods in his public life.

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“I want to thank the management for recognising me as one of your personalities. Through your search, you discovered a few of us, and tonight you are calling us for special recognition,” he said.

The governor reflected on the difficulties he and his supporters have faced, describing them as “special pain” interpreted by some as weakness and by others as strength. He explained that he deliberately chose what critics call weakness in pursuit of peace and stability.

“Weak because I want peace. Weak because we need to survive. Weak because I need to protect those things that are dear, not just to me, but to our dear nation,” he stated.

Also honoured at the ceremony was Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who received the Governor of the Year Award on innovation. Represented by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, Sanwo-Olu thanked the New Telegraph for recognizing Lagos State’s achievements in innovation.

The publisher of New Telegraph, Dr. Uzor Kalu, expressed gratitude to the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu government for stabilizing the economy and leading Nigeria effectively.

Other awardees included Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, who won Governor of the Year; Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, received the Distinguished Leadership Award; Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, Governor of the Year (Education); Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, Governor of the Year (Digital Economy and Skill Development); and Sokoto State Governor, Ahmad Aliyu, Governor of the Year (Human Capital Development).

Additional honourees were Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, Governor of the Year (Projects); Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, Governor of the Year (Infrastructure); and Niger State Governor, Mohammed Bago, Governor of the Year (Agriculture). The 2023 presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, received the Lifetime Achievement Award.

Other recipients included Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, Visionary Leadership and Innovation Award; Zenith Bank Managing Director, Dr. Adaora Umeoji, Banker of the Year 2025; Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, Public Servant of the Year 2025; Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of NASENI, Khalil Suleiman Halilu, Outstanding Service in Innovation and Reform Award; High Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo (Tompolo), Personality of the Year (Security); and CEO of UTM Offshore Limited, Dr. Julius Rone, Personality of the Year (Oil and Gas).