Jada, Others Get LEADERSHIP Awards

The LEADERSHIP Conference and Awards 2024 has unveiled the managing director and chief executive officer of the Oil and Gas Free Zones Authority (OGFZA) Bamanga Usman Jada, 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.
Under Jada’s leadership, OGFZA has established new oil and gas free zones, notably the Secured Bunkering Anchorage (SBA) in Lagos and the Orashi Special Energy Zone in Imo State. The SBA, initiated in 2023, provides a designated offshore location for safe bunkering, facilitating ship-to-ship transfers and refueling. The Orashi Zone, inaugurated in January 2024, spans over 140,000 hectares rich in gas reserves, positioning it as an international gas hub for downstream investments.
Jada has played a pivotal role in attracting over $30 billion in investments into Nigeria’s oil and gas free zones, with projections indicating the creation of up to 3 million jobs nationwide. Notably, the Brass Oil and Gas Free Zone in Bayelsa secured a $3.6 billion commitment from the Brass Fertilizer and Petrochemical Company for the construction of a gas processing facility and related infrastructure.
The Orashi Special Energy Free Zone is home to the Egbema Power Plant, which generates 112.8 megawatts of electricity and contributes an estimated $1.97 billion annually to government revenue. Additionally, the Onne/Ikpokiri Oil and Gas Free Zone in Rivers State has witnessed significant growth, including the launch of a $200 million Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) storage facility by NESGAS Producing Nigeria Ltd. With a capacity of 50,000 metric tons, the facility is expected to create over a million jobs.
In recognition of his strategic vision and commitment to enhancing Nigeria’s oil and gas infrastructure, Jada has been named CEO of the Year – Public Sector. His leadership has not only attracted significant investments but has also positioned OGFZA as a critical driver of economic growth and industrial development in Nigeria’s energy sector.
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) 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.