President of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, has described the Man of the Year 2024 honour bestowed on him by Champion Newspapers as a reflection of his excellence not only in Nigeria but Africa.
The remark was made by group branding lead, Dangote Industries Ltd, Tunde Oladipo, at the 2024 Annual Champion Newspapers’ Awards held in Victoria Island, Lagos.
The founder and president/chief executive of Dangote Industries Ltd, the largest conglomerate in West Africa, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, President, Dangote Group was honoured as the Man of the Year/Global Business Icon.
A dedicated humanist and philanthropist, Dangote who is the chairman of the Aliko Dangote Foundation (ADF) made an initial endowment of $1.25billion to the Foundation in March, 2014, enabling it to scale up its work in health, education and economic empowerment.
However, the Man of the Year, who was represented at the event by Oladipo, noted that, ‘I say a big thanks to the management of Champion Newspapers. This award reflects the awardee’s excellence to Nigeria and Africa.’
41 institutions and notable Nigerians from all walks of life were conferred with various categories of awards for their outstanding contributions to the socio-economic and technological development of Nigeria and humanity.
The awardees, families, friends and prominent Nigerians including captains of industries, politicians among others converged in Lagos to be part the colourful and well attended event.
Banks such as Zenith, UBA, Keystone, insurance companies, entrepreneurs, philanthropists, manufacturing outfits, celebrities, state actors, among others, converged in Lagos in demonstration of their commitment and advancement of Nigeria’s socio-economic development.
Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, Deputy Governor of Lagos state who was honoured as the Most Outstanding Deputy Governor of the Year, was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Strategy, Mr Olumide Sogunle.
The awardees also included: Zenith Bank Plc, Bank of the Year while Mr. Oliver Alawuba, Group Managing Director/CEO of United Bank for Africa Plc bagged the Banker of the Year Award, Mr. Olufemi Soneye. Chief Corporate Communications Officer of NNPC Ltd as Media Manager of the Year.
Earlier, in his opening remark, the chairman of the occasion who is also the founder of Zinox Technologies, Dr. Leo Stan Ekeh, commended Champion Newspapers for organising one of the best awards in the country.
Applauded by professionals as a man whose vision and performance shores up credibility for the indigenous capacities in the ICT sector, Ekeh disclosed that, “We have transformed several media houses including The Champion from analogue to digital platforms. We are on the mandate of giving a vibrant economy and enablement for transformation not only in Nigeria but Africa.”
He acknowledged that, “We transited Champion seriously.” While highlighting several media houses, the company has transformed, he noted, “In ten years, they all moved from paper to digital platforms and that transition is ongoing. In the next five years, there will be no hardcopy.”
He expressed satisfaction with the array of eminent personalities that were honoured, adding that, :I must commend Champion Newspapers, this is one of the best organised awards. Champion must be appreciated for this great awards.’
