The LEADERSHIP Conference and Awards 2024 has unveiled the chief executive officer of NORD Automobiles Limited, Oluwatobi Ajayi, and 25 other individuals and organisations who have made exceptional contributions to governance, business, social impact, and public service in Nigeria. The award ceremony, set to take place this year, will celebrate these trailblazers for their outstanding leadership, vision, and commitment to national development.
Ajayi is a trailblazer in Nigeria’s automotive industry, known for his remarkable contributions to the development of a homegrown automobile brand
In 2015, he co-founded Jetvan Automobiles Limited, an authorised dealer of Mercedes-Benz vehicles in Nigeria. As the CEO, he was instrumental in driving the company’s growth and expanding its market presence. However, his vision extended beyond distributing foreign brands—he sought to establish a Nigerian automobile company that could manufacture and assemble high-quality vehicles tailored to local needs.
In 2018, he founded NORD Automobiles Limited, an indigenous car manufacturing and assembly company. Under his leadership, Nord has grown into a multi-billion-naira enterprise, positioning itself as a key player in Nigeria’s automotive sector. The company focuses on producing durable, reliable, and cost-effective vehicles, designed to withstand the country’s road conditions while remaining affordable for consumers. His innovative approach to vehicle assembly has helped reduce Nigeria’s reliance on imported cars and contributed to job creation within the local automotive industry.
His efforts have earned him widespread recognition, including being named one of Africa’s most promising young entrepreneurs by Forbes in 2018. Through NORD Automobiles, Ajayi continues to champion industrialisation, local manufacturing, and economic growth, proving that Nigeria can compete in the global automotive space.
He is being honoured as the CEO of the Year in the Private Sector by LEADERSHIP, further solidifying his status as a pioneer in the Nigerian automotive industry. Through his visionary leadership at NORD Automobiles Limited, he has redefined local vehicle manufacturing, championing industrialisation and economic growth. His contributions continue to position Nigeria as a key player in the global automotive space.
Aliko Dangote Named Person Of The Year
Alhaji Aliko Mohammad Dangote, Nigeria’s foremost industrialist and philanthropist, is set to receive the coveted Person of the Year award. His immense contributions to the nation’s economy and his philanthropic efforts make him a deserving recipient of this highest honour at the awards.
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Barrister Nyesom Wike, will receive the Quinquennial Award for Outstanding Person in Governance and Infrastructure, recognising his transformative leadership in infrastructure development.
Governors And Politicians Recognised For Leadership
In the Governor of the Year category, multiple winners will be celebrated for their transformative leadership, including Pastor Umo Bassey Eno (Akwa Ibom); Dr Peter Ndubuisi Mbah (Enugu);Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf (Kano); Senator Bala Mohammed (Bauchi); Mallam Umar A. Namadi (Jigawa), Dr Peter Ndubuisi Mbah. and Ademola Nurudeen Jackson Adeleke (Osun) . These leaders are recognised for driving sustainable growth, infrastructural development, and policy innovations that benefit their communities.
The Politician of the Year award will go to Adams Oshiomhole (CON), former Governor of Edo State, for his ongoing influence in Nigerian politics and his advocacy for democratic growth.
Alhaji Bashir Adewale Adeniyi (MFR), Comptroller-General of Customs, will be honoured as Public Service Person of the Year for his exceptional leadership in improving the efficiency of Nigeria’s Customs Service (NCS)
In business, Benedict Peters, Founder and CEO of AITEO, will be recognised as Business Person of the Year.
Other remarkable business leaders, including the managing director and chief executive officer of the Oil and Gas Free Zones Authority (OGFZA) Bamanga Usman Jada, will also be honoured for their leadership in their respective industries.
AVSATEL Communications Limited is the Company of the Year, while ARCO Enginering Limited is the Oil & Gas Local Content Champion of the Year.
The Social Impact Person of the Year award will be presented to Olori Ivie Atuwatse III for her tireless efforts in championing education and healthcare initiatives. OPAY will be named Fintech Company of the Year for promoting financial inclusion in Nigeria, while Alternative Bank will receive the Most Innovative Bank of the Year award for its pioneering work in digital banking.
The Outstanding Young Person of the Year 2024 award will go to ENACTUS team from Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi. They are ecognised for championing innovation and sustainability. Terra Cube will receive the Product of the Year award for its innovative solutions in sustainable living.
Minister of environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal, will be honoured as Environmental Impact Person of the Year for his leadership in advancing environmental policies and addressing climate change.
