Citygate Homes Chairman Duru Mike Ejiogu Wins Sun ‘Entrepreneur of the Year’ Award at Lagos Ceremony

Real estate leader honoured alongside top national figures as Sun Newspapers celebrates “Uncommon Achievers”

High Chief Duru Mike Ejiogu, Chairman of Citygate Homes, has been named Entrepreneur of the Year 2025 at the 24th Sun Newspapers Annual Awards held at the Expo Convention Centre, Eko Hotels and Suites, Lagos.

The award, presented by Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, Chairman of New Nigeria Airlines, and Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, Founder of Sun Newspapers, recognised Ejiogu’s impact on Nigeria’s real estate sector and his reputation for steady, long-term enterprise leadership.

A night of national recognition

The ceremony, themed “Celebrating Uncommon Achievers,” brought together 34 awardees from business, public service, politics and finance, including two financial institutions.

The event was chaired by Air Peace CEO, Barr. Allen Onyema, and attended by a broad mix of political leaders, policymakers, traditional rulers and industrialists. Among those represented or present were Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau, Governors Peter Mbah (Enugu), Dauda Lawal (Zamfara), Abba Kabir Yusuf (Kano), Bassey Otu (Cross River), Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), and the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Olayemi Cardoso.

Recognition for enterprise and sector impact

Organisers said the award highlights Ejiogu’s role in shaping housing development and private-sector growth through Citygate Homes, a company that has expanded its footprint across Nigeria’s property market.

The ceremony was broadcast live and streamed online, allowing a wider audience to follow proceedings as awardees were recognised for contributions across critical sectors of the economy.

Supporters, associates attend

Family members, business associates and community leaders were present to witness the presentation. Guests included several traditional title holders, entrepreneurs and professionals from across the South-East and beyond, reflecting Ejiogu’s network within business and community circles.

The venue décor reflected Sun Newspapers’ red-and-white brand colours, with a formal reception and dinner for guests.

Spotlight on entrepreneurship

By honouring figures such as Ejiogu, Sun Newspapers said the awards aim to spotlight enterprise, leadership and measurable impact, while encouraging a new generation of entrepreneurs.

For Citygate Homes’ chairman, the recognition places him among a select group of business leaders singled out this year for influence, consistency and sector contribution.