Wike, Others Get LEADERSHIP Awards

The LEADERSHIP Conference and Awards 2024 has unveiled the minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, 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 next year, will celebrate these trailblazers for their outstanding leadership, vision, and commitment to national development.
Barrister Wike will receive the Quinquennial Award for Outstanding Person in Governance and Infrastructure, recognising his transformative leadership in infrastructure development. Under his tenure, major road projects have been completed, and urban renewal has been driven through the creation of modern residential and commercial areas. His visionary approach has reshaped Abuja into a modern, accessible capital, solidifying his status as a standout figure in Nigerian governance and infrastructure.
Aliko Dangote Named Person Of The Year
Alhaji Aliko Mohammad Dangote (GCON), 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 honor at the awards.
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, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, Senator Bala Mohammed, Mallam Umar A. Namadi, and Ademola Nurudeen Jackson Adeleke. 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 honored as Public Service Person of the Year for his exceptional leadership in improving the efficiency of Nigeria’s Customs service.
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.
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 Champions, a group of young leaders recognised for their sustainable development projects. 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.