On Sunday, August 10, 2025, a remarkable event took place in Nigeria as the fourth edition of the Golden Prestigious Icons Awards (GPIA) celebrated and recognized outstanding individuals and businesses that have made significant contributions both in the country and beyond.
The ceremony has undoubtedly become one of the biggest events in Africa, honoring 24 distinguished Nigerians who have excelled in their various fields of endeavor, following the assertions of attendees of the event and experts.
According to a statement from the organisers of the event, Ambassador Emmanuel Ossai, Managing Director of Emios Holidays & Logistics Ltd, the Golden Prestigious Icons Awards returned even stronger for its fourth edition, recognizing trailblazers, innovators, and industry leaders from around the world.
Ossai noted that the glamorous event, which was held at the Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, spotlighted exceptional achievements across film, fashion, travel, media, and entrepreneurship, featuring a distinguished lineup of speakers and inspiring award recipients.
Among the notable winners were Mike Uchegbu, who was named Outstanding Actor of the Year, and Baytal Qida International Limited (BQ Travels and Tours), which received the award for Outstanding Travel Agency of the Year. Additionally, Amb. Daniel Ogidi, Amb. Okpako Emmanuel Ufuoma, Amb. Emmanuel Ossai and several other CEOs under the age of 40 were honored during the event.
The keynote speaker was Pharm. Adetutu Afolabi, Managing Director of Wellness HMO, emphasized the importance of prioritizing health and well-being while pursuing fame and success.
Speaking on the topic, “Preventive Healthcare: Strategies for Promoting Healthy Lifestyles and Reducing Chronic Disease,” Afolabi urged the audience to strike a balance between work, career, and healthy living.
“At Wellness Health Management Services, our message is simple yet powerful: Living Well to Stay Well. Health is not just the absence of illness; it’s the presence of balance, vitality, and purpose. As we celebrate icons of excellence, we are reminded that true success is sustained by wellness in mind, body, and spirit,” she advised.
Other speakers at the event included Hope Egbe, Channel Head of Life TV Africa, and Dr. Lanre Salako, a lecturer at the College of Medicine, University of Lagos. They discussed the following topics: “Producing for Ratings, Reach, and Relevance” and “Mental Health in the Digital Age: Navigating the Impact of Social Media.”
Other recipients of the 2025 Golden Prestigious Icons Awards included:
- Etomi Sophia: Content Creator of the Year
- Stanley Orobosa: Production Designer of the Year
- Dash Fashion World International: Outstanding Fashion Designer of the Year
- Naija Blogger: Blogger of the Year
- Prince_Sheddyeffect: Makeup Artist of the Year (Film)
- Maky’s Styles: Costume Designer of the Year
Furthermore, Special Recognition Awards were presented to:
- Kemz Mummy Wa: Comic Queen of the Year
- RealJudy: Outstanding Versatility in Acting
- Lam Chris Chidubem: Supporting Actor of the Year
- Christian Ochiagha: Distinguished Actor of the Year
- Shruti Tandon Dhawan: Excellence in Culinary Video Content
- Kenneth Nwadike: Excellence in Acting Award
- Sele O Sele: Filmmaker of the Year
- M God’s Power Collection: Outstanding Creative Vision in Fashion
- Sonny Mcdon W: Nollywood Iconic Award
- Franq Oliz Fashion: Innovative Fashion Designer of the Year
- Amb. Tolu Juliana Oladeji | 512 Travels Ltd: Outstanding Travel Agency for Family Vacation
- Borderless Priority Tours: Destination Discovery: Prestigious Tourism Operator Company
- Borderless Priority Tours: Excellence in Travel Planning Award
- LetsConnect Tribe: Most Entrepreneur-Friendly Travel Agency Award
- Chartered Institute of Hospitality, Tourism, and Management of America: Outstanding Professional Achievement in Hospitality Education Management
- Details Gadgets: Gadgets Company of the Year Excellence Award
- Onyiriagu Chidimma Maria-Acosta, MD/CEO, Acosta Global Travel & Tours Ltd: Most Business-Oriented Travel Agency Award
- Anufly Travels and Tours: Rising Star Travel Consultant Award
Honorees for the 40 Under 40 Executive CEOs category included:
- Amb. Daniel Ogidi: CEO, Aeroskye School of Aviation
- Amb. Okpako Emmanuel Ufuoma: CEO, Kikinuels Travel and Tours
- Dr. Kolawole Kudirat Titilope: CEO, Baytal Qida International Limited
- Adekunle Adegboro: CEO, LetsConnect Tribe
- Austin C. Eneanya: CEO, Parlypay
- Amb. Emmanuel Ossai: CEO, Emios Holidays & Logistics Ltd
- Nwakaego Jonathan Ojo: Founder/CEO, Royal Symbol Productions.
Academic honors were awarded to Prowess University in Delaware, USA, and to Dr. Kolawole Kudirat Titilope, the CEO of Baytal Qida International Limited.
The event was a testament to the remarkable talent and contributions of Nigerians, celebrated in a grand setting filled with glitz and glamour.
Many followers of previous editions of the Golden Prestigious Icons Awards have recognized the 2025 edition as exceptional. Notably, the event was packaged by Amb. Emmanuel Ossai, Managing Director of Emios Holidays & Logistics Ltd, and received endorsement from the Chartered Institute of Hospitality, Tourism, and Management of America.
The event was hosted by the trio consisting of Mouthophonist, Ego D’ Lioness, and Nah Dr. Amb. Daniel S. Olabintan.
