The 10 most fascinating, intriguing and interesting Nigerians of 2015, as compiled by media personality, Ebuka Obi-Uchendu

10. BUKOLA SARAKI

The Senate President pulled one of the deftest political moves in our recent democratic history when he went against all odds, especially his party’s wishes and won his position as the 3^rd man in Nigeria’s political hierarchy. Coming from a family with a deep political history, even his father would have been proud of how he dined with the APC pre-election, then dined with the PDP post election and now wants to be loved equally by both. Many Nigerians want to be him.

9. THE SUNRISE DAILY TEAM

The Channels TV team consisting of Chamberlain Usoh, Maupe Ogun, Sulaiman Aledeh and Nneota Egbe, have been a part of our national consciousness for a couple of years now leading up to the 2015 elections. But what that team was able to achieve between February and April 2015 while covering the general elections, was phenomenal. Helped by a number of other presenters and crew of course, they recorded the longest ever running live program in Nigeria’s history and every single one of us was watching. They’ve definitely come a long way since their ‘Oga at the top’ interview.

8. FRANCIS ODEGA

We all have that one uncle who lives in America and forces an American accent. That was one of the reasons why Francis Odega’s viral video with the phrase ‘Gerrarahere’ was so relatable. For someone who has been in Nollywood for so many years, it was very interesting how a 15 second clip shot him to international fame. Combining the power of social media and his undeniable talent, he dropped some of the most popular catch phrases of the year for Nigerians and the world. And he capitalized on it big time with the endorsements that followed. Hopefully his 15 minutes, will roll into 2016. “Hala!”

7. BOLA TINUBU

In 2015, ‘The Jagaban of Nigeria’ finally got some of the federal power he so badly sought for so many years. As the head of one part of the machinery that brought the APC to life, he stayed at the top and negotiated some of the most powerful deals when it became obvious his dream of becoming president or vice wouldn’t materialize. He currently has Nigeria’s vice presidency, tax body, many ‘powerful’ ministries and the all all-important Lagos State all under his belt. Yet, many of us are not sure how he does it. Fascinating stuff!

6. SAMBO DASUKI

The former National Security Adviser made a last minute entry to this list, thereby displacing Godsday Orubebe. With what has become probably the biggest corruption allegation in recent Nigerian history, Dasuki-Gate has fascinated and enraged Nigerians across party and religious lines. Many are hoping that the former NSA in 2016, will give up more names which should lead to proper prosecution and convictions. But until then, the soap opera continues to unfold and we are all enthralled.

5. YEMI ALADE

Her journey to international stardom started in 2014 but went into full gear in 2015. Her smash hit ‘Johnny’ is the most viewed video of any female artiste on the continent on YouTube and got her nominations on some of the biggest platforms in the world. The most fascinating thing about her is how she’s continues to stay true to her African roots while at it. In an industry that is male dominated, it has been refreshing to see a woman steal most of the headlines this year.

4. MUHAMMADU BUHARI

After becoming Nigerian President in one of the most shocking election results the continent has witnessed, President Buhari has gone on to make every list possible this year, from TIME’s 100 most influential to topping several lists of Africa’s most influential. He has definitely lost some steam as the year closes out which leads many to believe that 2016 will be the ultimate test for him with Nigerians. It’s hard to say how well he’ll do in the coming year, but there’s no doubt that 2015’s story can never be complete without him.

3. LINDA IKEJI

She’s the only person who made my fascinating list of 2014 and 2015. Speaks volumes of how influential and powerful Nigeria’s most popular blogger is. With a strong following that cuts across my teenage niece and septuagenarian father, Nigerians were further awakened to how thick her pocket now is, when she bought a house she claimed to be worth over half a billion naira. Many debates have been held as to how much she really earns and many claim to know what’s in her bank account. Whatever the case is, one thing is clear; many go to her blog first to get the news before thinking of any mainstream media. That’s power.

2. ATTAHIRU JEGA

The head of Nigeria’s electoral commission became a super hero not necessarily for how great the elections were but for how calm he stayed through the release of the results. The highlight came in the moment when a PDP agent caused a stir and accused Jega of corruption, tribalism and nepotism saying clearly that his party would not accept the results. His calm reply seemed too rehearsed and unreal to be true for millions who were watching. He held Nigerians spellbound for 3 days and ended up becoming the first electoral commission head to conduct an undisputed presidential election in the 4^th republic.

 

1. DIEZANI ALISON-MADUEKE

It’s hard to think of anyone who’s been more discussed in social, political and religious circles this year than our former petroleum minister. She was super powerful at the beginning of the year, controlling our economy. Then she left Nigeria just 2 days to the handover of government from Jonathan to Buhari and has not returned since. Then came the stories of a cancer diagnosis and treatment, which many thought, was a gimmick even after certain pictures to that effect emerged. But her alleged arrest on corruption charges by British authorities got Nigerians talking the most. Many figures have been bandies about with many talking about her boss not even knowing that a lot of those allegations were happening under his watch. Without a doubt, she’ll be remembered for sure as one of the most powerful ministers in Nigeria’s history and easily the most fascinating Nigerian for me in 2015. She will continue to be talked about in 2016 both for her personal health and possible prosecution whether in Nigeria or the UK. This story has only just begun.