MTN Nigeria Chairman Ernest Ndukwe has received the Telecommunications Changemaker Award at Daily Times @100 for his role in transforming Nigeria’s telecoms industry
Ernest Ndukwe Wins Daily Times @100 Telecommunications Award
By Lukman OMIKUNLE
The Chairman of MTN Nigeria, Dr Ernest Ndukwe, has been honoured for his contributions to the development of Nigeria’s telecommunications industry at the Daily Times Nigeria Centenary Awards, held in Lagos.
Ndukwe received the Changemaker in Telecommunications and Digital Development award at the DTN@100 Times Heroes Awards ceremony, which took place at Harbour Point, Victoria Island, on Tuesday, November 3, 2026.
The event, organised to mark the newspaper’s 100th anniversary, celebrated individuals and institutions whose contributions have shaped Nigeria’s history and continue to influence its development.
Held under the theme, “Honouring the Past, Shaping the Future,” the ceremony featured the Shaping the Future Town Hall and the Honouring the Past Exhibition, recognising achievements across the media, banking, energy, manufacturing, public service, technology and other sectors.
Ndukwe was recognised for his pioneering role in transforming Nigeria’s telecommunications landscape, particularly during his tenure as Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) from 2000 to 2010.
His leadership coincided with the liberalisation of the telecommunications sector and the introduction of Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) services, developments that revolutionised communication, expanded business opportunities and connected millions of Nigerians.
Accepting the award, Ndukwe congratulated Daily Times Nigeria and its board on reaching the historic milestone, describing the centenary celebration as a remarkable achievement.
“A wonderful event, Daily Times at 100 is something special,” he said.
“I am sure it will move, many times over, to the next level. I thank everyone who is here today for making time to celebrate with all of us on this landmark.”
Speaking on the significance of the newspaper’s centenary, the Chairman of Folio Media Group, owners of Daily Times Nigeria, Mr Fidelis Anosike, said the publication’s history was closely linked to Nigeria’s national development.
“Nigeria is not Nigeria today if there was no Daily Times. They laboured to create the country that we see today, and we are here to continue in their legacy of trying to build, one million times,” Anosike said.
Presenting the award, the organisers acknowledged Ndukwe’s lasting influence on the telecommunications industry, noting that his work “helped shape the foundation on which Nigeria’s digital advancement continues.”
They added, “In recognition of his pioneering contribution to telecommunications and his enduring commitment to national progress, we honour Dr. Ernest Ndukwe, OFR, as a Changemaker in Telecommunications and Digital Development.”
Other prominent recipients at the centenary awards included the founder of Zenith Bank, Mr Jim Ovia, who received the Changemaker of the Century Award, and the President and Chief Executive of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, who received the Centenary Excellence Award.
The Chairman of Troyka Group and Insight Publicis, Dr Biodun Shobanjo, was also recognised as a Changemaker of the Century, while BUA Group was named Conglomerate of the Decade.
Founded in 1926, Daily Times Nigeria is widely regarded as the country’s oldest surviving newspaper. Its centenary celebration brought together business leaders, media veterans, technocrats and political figures in Lagos to reflect on the newspaper’s contribution to national development and its role in shaping the country’s future.
