ABUJA – In a ceremony that celebrated innovation and digital transformation, Mr. Dada Olusegun, the Special Assistant to the President on Social Media, was honoured as the Digital Icon of the Year 2025 at the prestigious 7th Leadership Excellence Awards. The high-profile event, held at the Nigerian Air Force Banquet Hall Abuja and endorsed by the African Union and African Film Institute, recognized Olusegun’s groundbreaking work in reshaping digital governance and political communication in Nigeria.
The 7th LEEX Awards, widely acknowledged as Africa’s most transparent online media awards, brought together an array of distinguished leaders including Minister Nyesom Wike, Governor Mohammed Bago, former Governor Rotimi Amaechi and industrialists Tony Elumelu and Tonye Cole. Among these eminent honorees, Olusegun’s recognition highlighted the growing importance of digital innovation in strengthening democratic engagement and government transparency.
Appointed on July 10, 2023, as the Special Assistant to the President on Social Media, Dada Olusegun – affectionately known as “DO” – has revolutionized how government communicates with the Nigerian people. His innovative approach to digital governance has transformed social media from mere communication channels into dynamic platforms for meaningful civic engagement and transparent governance. Through his strategic leadership, he has built digital bridges that connect the presidency with citizens across all demographics, particularly engaging Nigeria’s vibrant youth population in unprecedented ways.
As Convener of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Media Center (PBATMC), Olusegun has spearheaded a coordinated national effort to combat misinformation and promote factual public discourse. His landmark achievement – organizing the Progressive Digital Media Summit at the State House, Abuja – united Nigeria’s leading digital influencers and content creators to chart new directions for political communication in the digital age. This groundbreaking initiative has set new standards for how government agencies can collaborate with digital creators to foster informed civic education and counter fake news.
Beyond his technical expertise, Olusegun has demonstrated remarkable skill in crafting compelling narratives that resonate with both traditional and digital-native audiences. His journey from grassroots political mobilization to becoming a national figure in digital strategy exemplifies the growing influence of digital literacy in modern governance. His work has not only enhanced government transparency but has also empowered citizens with accurate information necessary for meaningful participation in Nigeria’s democratic processes.
The Digital Icon of the Year award, emerging from a transparent nationwide poll monitored by the News Agency of Nigeria that attracted over 26 million votes, recognizes Olusegun’s success in leveraging digital platforms as tools for national unity and progress. In honoring his achievements, the IgbereTV’s 7th LEEX Awards celebrates the transformative power of digital communication in building a more informed, engaged, and digitally-empowered Nigerian society – a testament to leadership that understands the critical role of technology in shaping the nation’s future.
