The LEADERSHIP Conference and Awards 2024 has unveiled the group managing director/CEO of Zenith Bank Plc , Dr Adaora Umeoji, 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.
With nearly three decades of experience in the financial sector, including over 20 years in executive management at Zenith Bank, Dr. Adaora Umeoji has played a pivotal role in the bank’s remarkable growth and success.
Her tenure at Zenith Bank has been marked by strategic innovation, operational excellence, and a strong commitment to financial inclusion. She has been instrumental in driving the bank’s expansion, enhancing digital banking services, and strengthening its leadership position in Nigeria’s financial industry. Under her leadership, Zenith Bank has continued to achieve impressive financial milestones, reinforcing its reputation as one of Africa’s leading financial institutions.
Dr. Umeoji’s expertise spans risk management, corporate governance, and retail banking, which have significantly contributed to Zenith Bank’s stability and sustained profitability. Her visionary approach has also been key to fostering a corporate culture of integrity, customer-centric services, and technological advancement.
As she leads Zenith Bank into the future, Dr. Adaora Umeoji continues to set the standard for excellence, innovation, and sustainable banking in Africa. She will receive the Banker of the Year award for her role in transforming the banking industry.
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 CEO of NORD Automobiles Ltd, Oluwatobi Ajayi (CEO of the Year-Private Sector) and Bamanga Usman Jada, MD/CEO of the Oil & Gas Free Zone Authority (CEO of the Year – Public Sector), 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.
Between Depleting Workforce And Declining Productivity