Jonathan, Olu of Warri to headline Megastar awards

File: Former President Goodluck Jonathan

Former President Goodluck Jonathan, the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III; and his wife, Olori Atuwatse III, are expected to headline the third edition of the Megastar Man of the Decade Awards 2026, scheduled for October 16 in Abuja.

The ceremony, which will hold at Wells Carlton Hotel and Apartments, Abuja, has the theme, “The Road to 2027: Citizens, Stakeholders, and the Democracy We Choose.”

A statement shared with Society Plus said Jonathan would deliver the keynote address.

It added that his address is expected to set the tone for discussions on democratic values, responsible citizenship, peaceful political engagement and the role of stakeholders in strengthening Nigeria’s democratic institutions.

The organisers also stated that the presence of the Olu and his queen as Royal Father and Mother of the Day would underscore the role of traditional institutions in promoting peace, stability, cultural continuity and national cohesion.

The ceremony will also feature a panel discussion involving prominent Nigerians, including former Senate President Bukola Saraki; former Ondo State Governor, Olusegun Mimiko; former Ogun State Governor, Gbenga Daniel; and Senator Ned Nwoko.

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Others expected to participate are former Edo State Governor, Adams Oshiomhole; Edo State Deputy Governor, Dennis Idahosa; and constitutional scholar, Sam Amadi.

Business leaders expected at the event include the Group Managing Director of UTM FLNG, Julius Rone; Franklin Nechi of Optiva Capital Partners; and the founder of Irvin Global and Investment Group, Nwangwa Uzonna.

The panel is expected to examine the responsibilities of citizens, political leaders, traditional institutions, businesses and other stakeholders in shaping the quality and direction of Nigeria’s democracy ahead of the 2027 general elections.

According to the organisers, the theme was chosen to stimulate national reflection on the fact that democracy extends beyond elections and political office, requiring active citizenship, accountable leadership, credible institutions and peaceful participation.

The Executive Producer of the Megastar Man of the Decade Awards, Adeniyi Ifetayo; and the Chairman of the Awards Committee, Seunmanuel Faleye, said the edition would reinforce the platform’s commitment to celebrating excellence, leadership and service while encouraging constructive conversations on issues of national importance.