Despite funding challenges, the organiser of Lagos’ prestigious recognition platform says the vision is to celebrate true builders of society

Otunba Bestman Nze Jumbo, publisher of Eko Mi, Eko E newspaper and CEO of Image Expression, has shared insights into the recently concluded second edition of the Eko Mi Best 11 Awards, describing it as a powerful celebration of individuals helping to shape Lagos State for the better.

In a sit-down interview, Otunba Bestman explained that the inspiration behind the awards stems from football, a sport that unites Nigerians across backgrounds. “The Best 11 theme draws from our collective love for the game and the spirit of teamwork and excellence it encourages,” he said.

While the event was widely applauded, he admitted that financial support remains a major hurdle. “We haven’t received any funding from the government. But for us, it’s not just about money. It’s about appreciating those who help to grow Lagos,” he said, stressing that the recognition serves as a small token of gratitude for impactful leadership and service.

Otunba Bestman further explained that the selection process is far from arbitrary. An academy of judges handled the shortlisting, followed by a round of local popularity testing. “There’s no one on the final list that anyone can say didn’t deserve to be there,” he said. “You might wish we had more slots, but the format allows only 11 spots—just like a football team.”

With the second edition now behind them, the publisher is already thinking bigger. He revealed plans to evolve the platform into the Naija Best 11, expanding its reach beyond Lagos to honour Nigerians who have contributed meaningfully to national development.

Looking ahead, Otunba Bestman expects future editions to be even more competitive. “More people are rising to the challenge of leadership, and that means our selection process will have to be even more rigorous,” he said.

For now, the Eko Mi Best 11 stands as a vibrant platform of recognition, driven by passion and a deep appreciation for service. As the awards continue to gain popularity, their growing impact signals a broader culture of celebrating unsung heroes across Nigeria.