The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Barrister Mrs. Bianca Ojukwu, has accepted the Daily Times Nigeria @100 Trailblazer Award, describing it as a “great honour” and an acknowledgment of her humble efforts in service to the nation.
In a letter dated Friday, July 31, 2026 addressed to the Minister at Tafawa Balewa House, Abuja, the Board, Management and Organising Committee of the DTN@100 Celebration said Mrs. Ojukwu emerged with the highest number of votes following an extensive nomination and public voting process. Her selection was later confirmed by the Times Heroes Award Council in recognition of her “leadership, public service and contribution to national development.”
The award is part of activities marking Daily Times Nigeria’s centenary and will see recipients immortalised in the 700-page Nigerian Grand Book, a national commemorative volume chronicling the people, institutions and milestones that have shaped Nigeria’s 100-year journey.
The foreword to the book was written by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, a development the organisers said underscores “the national significance of the publication and its role in preserving Nigeria’s achievements, positive contributions and developmental milestones for future generations.”
In her acceptance message sent from Angola, the Foreign Affairs Minister expressed profound gratitude to the Chairman of Folio Media Group, Mr. Fidelis Anosike, and the Times Heroes Award Council for the recognition.
“Thanks very much, Chairman, for this Trailblazer Award, which I consider a great honour, and I am truly grateful to DTN for acknowledging my humble efforts and contribution to National development,” she stated.
Mrs. Ojukwu, who is currently on official assignment in Angola, said she hopes to return to Nigeria before the date of the conferment.
She said, “I am currently in Angola and hope to be back in the country by the date of the event. If I am unable to make it, I will surely delegate someone to represent me.
“Once again, please accept my profound appreciation for this award. My warm regards.”
The public conferment of the DTN@100 Times Heroes Awards is scheduled for Thursday, September 3, 2026 at the ThisDay Dome, Kur Mohammed Avenue, Central Business District, Abuja. The organisers have requested confirmation of attendance to enable protocol arrangements.
Speaking on the significance of the award, the organisers noted that the Nigerian Grand Book was developed over 15 years, drawing upon Daily Times’ 100-year archive. It is designed as “an inclusive historical publication in which the contributions of award recipients will be permanently documented.”
Folio Communications, which emerged as the preferred bidder for Daily Times of Nigeria during the Federal Government’s privatisation exercise in 2004, said the centenary celebration under a theme titled: “Honouring the Past. Shaping the Future.” is aimed at strengthening positive perceptions of the country globally.
Mrs. Ojukwu’s inclusion comes at a time when Nigeria’s foreign policy is focused on economic diplomacy, regional integration, and projecting the country’s image abroad. As Minister of Foreign Affairs, she has been at the forefront of engagements aimed at protecting Nigerians in the diaspora and deepening bilateral relations.
The DTN@100 Trailblazer Award recognises Nigerians whose work has had a direct impact on national development across government, business, civil society and diplomacy.
With her name now set to be entered into the Nigerian Grand Book alongside other outstanding personalities and institutions, the Minister joins a select group being honoured as part of Daily Times’ 100-year legacy.
The Daily Times Nigeria congratulated her on what they called “well-deserved recognition” and said they look forward to celebrating the milestone with her.
