The Founding Chairman and Editor-in-Chief of THISDAY Media Group and ARISE News Channel, Nduka Obaigbena CON, has revealed that he did not participate in the deliberations that led to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike being named Minister of the Year at the prestigious THISDAY Awards 2025.

Obaigbena made this disclosure before announcing the winner of the category during the awards ceremony held on Monday, January 27.

The controversial minister emerged victorious in the category, overcoming stiff competition from Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo, Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy Wale Edun, Health Minister Mohammed Ali-Pate, and Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.

Speaking before unveiling the winner, Obaigbena said: "The next category was the toughest. Minister of the Year— we had to exclude our minister. It was very tough. You had Wale Edun driving reforms, Festus Keyamo fixing aviation, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo addressing immigration and passport issues, Mohammed Ali-Pate tackling healthcare, and Nyesom Wike focusing on infrastructure. After a major debate, which I abstained from, the winner is Nyesom Wike."

Despite being a prominent member of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Wike has gained widespread recognition for his transformative infrastructural projects in Abuja, which have significantly enhanced the capital city.

Land administration has also seen remarkable improvements under his leadership. Land allottees can now obtain their Certificates of Occupancy (C-of-O) within two weeks of payment.

Expressing his delight after receiving the award, Wike said: "Nigerians would have found it partial if I did not win Minister of the Year. I am sure everyone is happy I won."