Legendary soul singer, producer, and philanthropist Gloria Jones, best known for the timeless classic “Tainted Love”, has been announced as the headliner for the 2025 edition of the Nigeria Independence Ball and Dinner Awards (NIBAD).
The announcement was made by the initiator and Chairman of the NIBAD Organising Committee, Barrister Thompson Tabi, in a statement on Wednesday.
Now in its fifth year, the annual event will once again be held in October 2025 in Maryland, United States, in line with Nigeria’s Independence Day celebrations. According to Tabi, Jones’ inclusion as headliner is part of a broader plan to make the upcoming edition the most memorable yet.
“There are several innovative elements being introduced to the 2025 edition,” Tabi said, noting that these updates will be unveiled gradually in the lead-up to the event.
Tabi, who also publishes the US-based diaspora news platform Naija Times USA, said NIBAD was conceived to spotlight and celebrate Nigerians—both at home and in the diaspora—who have excelled transparently in various fields of endeavor.
He decried the disproportionate focus on negative narratives about Nigerians globally, stating that many citizens continue to bring pride to the country through their work, values, and achievements.
“NIBAD seeks to correct that imbalance by honouring those Nigerians who truly deserve recognition,” Tabi said. “The awards presentation is deliberately tied to Nigeria’s independence, to reflect a celebration of national identity and pride.”
The event has over the years gained popularity among the Nigerian diplomatic and business communities across the globe.
