The Daily Times, Nigeria’s oldest surviving newspaper, has officially opened nominations for its “Person of the Year 2025”, inviting Nigerians both at home and abroad to nominate individuals who embodied resilience, courage, and impactful leadership throughout a challenging year.
This annual recognition seeks to highlight a Nigerian whose actions and spirit stood out in 2025, particularly someone who pushed through adversity, made meaningful contributions to their community or the nation, and refused to be defined by hardship.
In announcing the nominations, Daily Times Managing Editor Lolade Nwanze underscored the tough realities that shaped the year. She noted that Nigeria has faced a difficult period marked by widespread insecurity, high inflation, rising food insecurity, and expanding poverty, factors that have challenged communities across the country. Despite signs of economic recovery, these improvements have not yet translated into tangible change for most Nigerians.
According to Nwanze, the Person of the Year award was created to honour individuals who not only persevered amidst these obstacles but also stood tall in service of others, those who spoke up, led with courage, and helped uplift those around them. This focus places a spotlight on everyday heroes and change-makers, rather than solely on the famous or politically powerful.
The call for nominations is open to the general public, and aspiring nominators are asked to submit 100‑word endorsements via email that clearly articulate why their chosen candidate deserves recognition. The nomination window will close at 11:59 pm on December 29, 2025, and the winner is set to be revealed on December 31, 2025, providing a reflective capstone to a year of endurance and resolve.
Over the years, the Daily Times “Person of the Year” has served as both a mirror and marker of Nigeria’s evolving journey, drawing attention to figures whose stories capture the spirit and struggles of their times. By opening the nomination process to the public, the newspaper aims to broaden the conversation around leadership and highlight individuals from all walks of life who have made significant contributions.
In 2025, Nigeria’s economy showed tentative signs of recovery, but everyday Nigerians continued to grapple with stubborn inflation and food insecurity while GDP growth remained modest. The Person of the Year award highlights individuals whose resilience and innovation helped communities withstand economic pressures and contributed to grassroots solutions amid broader structural challenges.
