Neya Kalu, Chairman of The Sun Publishing Ltd and Sun Heaven Hotels and Resorts, has been named the 2026 Emerging Next Gen Family Business Leader by My Family My Business, in partnership with BusinessDay Newspapers and PwC Nigeria.
Kalu was recognised for her role in expanding and sustaining her family’s business interests, with PwC Nigeria conducting an independent review as part of the selection process.
Her business portfolio spans several sectors, including publishing, hospitality, renewable energy, travel, transport, gaming and real estate.
Beyond her responsibilities within the family business, Kalu also runs Base Coat, a nail salon business in Nigeria.
The organisers said the award recognises Kalu’s work building on the entrepreneurial foundation established by her father, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, while taking on leadership responsibilities across the family’s business portfolio.
Kalu has also been involved in women and community empowerment initiatives through the Neya Kalu Foundation and the OUK Foundation.
Her recognition comes as family-owned businesses increasingly navigate succession and the challenge of maintaining established businesses while creating room for the next generation to introduce new ventures and expand into other sectors.
Kalu’s involvement across multiple industries reflects this approach, combining leadership within an established family business with independent business interests of her own.
She will formally receive the Emerging Next Gen Family Business Leader Award at the Family Business Leadership Awards Gala Dinner in Lagos on October 15, 2026.
