The LEADERSHIP Conference and Awards 2024 has unveiled the founder and chief executive officer of AITEO Group, Mr Benedict Peters,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 his leadership, AITEO Group has grown into a major player in the oil and gas sector, with significant investments in exploration, production, and energy infrastructure.
Peters has been instrumental in driving Nigeria’s energy transformation, pioneering local participation in the industry and expanding AITEO’s influence across Africa. His strategic vision led to the acquisition of Oil Mining Lease (OML) 29, one of Nigeria’s most productive oil blocks, further solidifying AITEO’s position in the sector.
Beyond business, Peters is recognised for his commitment to corporate social responsibility. Through AITEO, he has championed initiatives in sports development, education, and community empowerment, notably sponsoring the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) and the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Awards.
His contributions to the energy industry and economic development have earned him multiple accolades, including recognition as one of Africa’s most influential business leaders.
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, and Dame (Dr) Adaora Umeoji, GMD/CEO of Zenith Bank Plc, will receive the Banker of the Year award for her role in transforming the banking industry.
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.
