The Top10 Magazine Man of the Year and Excellence Awards 2024

…the winners and their winning strides

Another year – 2024 – has rolled by. And here we are, again, in a warm embrace of our cherished tradition, the tradition of celebrating the best of the best every calendar year, a tradition that dates back to the inception of our magazine, The Top10, nine years ago.

It all began with the introduction of the Man of the Year Award in the first calendar year of the magazine. The award was a nominal selection and recognition of one outstanding individual who distinguished himself or herself by impacting greatly on society in the year under review. The recognition and celebration of the awardee consisted only of a well-packaged write-up in the magazine highlighting the antecedents and outstanding accomplishments that distinguished him from the rest. That was until 2021 when the publication introduced an annual award called, The Top10 Magazine Excellence Awards, conceived to be an annual event to celebrate and honour outstanding personalities and organizations that have made the difference in various endeavours in Nigeria and beyond. The objective is to celebrate and reward excellence in line with the core value of the magazine which is to celebrate individuals and organizations that represent excellence in the various sectors of the Nigerian society.

The Annual Excellence Awards added weight to the previous paper celebrations with the introduction of a physical award ceremony where honourees were presented with something tangible – plaques to cherish and display for the rest of the world and posterity to behold as a physical testimony to excellence and distinction. In the upgraded celebration format, the Man of the Year Award, of course, has continued to remain the high point of the annual event.

We are into the fourth edition of the Top10 Annual Excellence Awards. The maiden edition, in 2021, took place in Lagos in February 2022, two months into the New Year, due largely to the residual side effects of COVID-19 pandemic which had dislocated virtually every activity in the previous two years. Yet, it was a huge success. The second and third editions (2022 and 2023) took place within the year of assessment. This year’s event has, however, oscillated back to February due to circumstances outside our control. In spite of the delay, you are assured of a swell time.

In line with our tradition of thoroughness, the winners of the Awards this year emerged after a rigorous process of selection from among many other equally prominent and outstanding nominees across the various categories. The exercise, as usual, involved various stages of screening. Also, like in the previous years, apart from the Man of Year, the award categories did not remain static: 2024 brought up new and different categories from different areas of endeavour where we found excellence worthy of celebration.

With respect to the Top10 Annual Excellence Awards 2024 could be described as the year of women, considering the large number of women recipients. There are eight of them out of 19 – almost half of the total number, drawn from both government and non-governmental settings. The bigger news is that they are not here through quota or affirmative action, but on merit, through acts of distinction. Surely, the women are coming!

There is also a resurgence in the number of award recipients from the public sector. From the dip of the last two years when there was just a sprinkling, we now have seven. Even so, the public sector’s standing in the mix is still a far cry from what it was at the inception in 2021 and when compared to the total number this year. The good news from the public sector this year, however, is that it produced, like in 2023, the biggest fish – the Man of the Year.

Senator George Akume, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) became the standout flagship of this edition of the Top10 Annual Excellence Awards on account of the stability he brought to the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The retired Permanent Secretary, former Governor, former Minister, and three-term Senator has brought his administrative experience, political dexterity, and crisis management acumen to bear in tackling the policy-induced challenges of the new administration and laid a solid foundation for it. With the support of the SGF, the Tinubu administration has implemented significant economic reforms aimed at stabilizing the economy and fostering sustainable growth.

Joining Senator Akume from the public sector to receive this year’s excellence awards are: Hon. Hanatu Musawa, Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism & Creative Economy (Female Public Service Game Changer of the Year); Bamanga Jada, Chief Executive Officer, OGFZA, (Young Public Official of the Year); Dr. Vincent Isegbe, Chief Executive Officer (Public Official of the Year); Barrister Mrs. Veronica Ndanusa, ED/CEO, Lagos International Trade Fair Complex Mgt. Board (Female Transformative Leader of the Year);  Akutah Pius Ukeyima, Executive Secretary/CEO, Nigerian Shippers’ Council (Regulator of the Year); Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, Chairman, Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, (Anti-Corruption Champion of the Year); and Mrs. Olubunmi Oluwaseun Kuku, Chief Executive Officer, Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (Female Public Official of the Year).

From the private sector come Dr. Sampson Uche Ogah, Founder, Masters Energy Group, (Business Person of the Year); Dr. Mrs. Temitope Mayegun, Chief Executive Officer, Avila Naturalle, (Female Industrial Leader of the Year); HRH (Dr.) Halimat Adenike Tejuosho, Founder, QAT Foundation, (Female Humanitarian Service Icon of the Year); Ehi Ogbebor, Chief Executive Officer, Sayaveth Interiors & Hotels (Female Business Executive of the Year); Dr. Adaobi Nwakuche, Managing Director/CEO of Veritas Kapital Assurance plc (Financial Services Female Executive of the Year); Lola Andy, Founder /CEO, Dee Utensils, (Abuja Female Entrepreneur of the Year); and Nfor Bright Bungansa, CEO, Bright Grillzz Global, (Celebrity Chef of the Year).

The international community contributed Amadiebube Mbama, President, Mbama & Associates LLC, (Lifetime Achievement Award: Nigerian Diaspora Professional Icon of the Year); Amb. Hussaini Coomassie, International Peace Commission, (Lifetime Achievement Award: Beacon of Peace and Global Harmony); and Mr. Adetokunbo Ajibola, Chief Executive Officer, Berkeley Data Strategists, (Diaspora Nigerian Business Icon of the Year).

The solitary recipient from the partisan political arena is the young leadership prodigy turned politician, Dr. Dayo Israel, APC National Youth Leader, who was voted as the Political Mobilizer of the Year.

If you cherish life of excellence and distinction and you want to know how others achieved that you’d have no choice than to turn over the following pages to read the profiles of the recipients of our Annual Excellence Awards 2024.

Sen. George Akume CON, Secretary to the Government of the Federation
TOP10 MAGAZINE MAN OF THE YEAR

For a leader who has the stomach for taking tough but inevitable decisions, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu could not have made a better pick than Senator George Akume as the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF).

When Senator Akume assumed duties about a week after the presidential inauguration, a seamingly herculian task was already waiting on his table. His principal, President Tinubu, had taken what, perhaps, could turn out as the toughest and defining, albeit most necessary, decision of his presidency, on his inauguration day: the removal of petrol subsidy, hitherto described in many expert circles as notorious for fostering corruption, inefficiency and imposing significant fiscal strain on the government annually, and primarily benefitting the affluent and smugglers, rather than effectively aiding the general populace, among others. Preceding administrations would not touch it with a long pole because of its sensitivity, the powerful interests involved, and the possible negative political and economic consequences of removing it.

The no-petrol-subsidy policy was, shortly after, joined by another inevitably tough one – the floatation of the Naira exchange rate. Though designed to correct structural imbalances in the economy, save the system from imminent collapse and improve the well-being of Nigerians, the immediate, though unintended, effects of the twin policies were sharp increases in the prices of goods and services across board, economic hardship and tension among citizens. It was the primary responsibility of the OSGF, described variously as the powerhouse, the clearing house, the heartbeat, policy hub, the secretariat, etc, of the Federal Government, to monitor, coordinate and explain the implementation of these and many other critical policies of the Tinubu administration to ensure the achievement of set objectives and the mitigation of unintended or unforeseen backlashes. Invariably, the stability, success, or failure of the government rest squarely on the shoulders of the SGF.

A faint-hearted misfit would have been intimidated by the daunting tasks and challenges of the office. But, so far, in the first one-and-half years of the Tinubu Presidency, Senator Akume has adequately justified his appointment as the SGF. The retired Permanent Secretary, former Governor, former Minister, and three-term Senator has deployed his administrative experience, political dexterity, and crisis management acumen to tackle the challenges and pull the task through. With the support of the Akume-led OSGF, the Tinubu administration has implemented significant economic reforms aimed at stabilizing the economy and fostering sustainable growth.

The administration has laid the foundation for sustainable progress and prosperity for all Nigerians through its focus on infrastructure development, job creation, and economic diversification. Furthermore, through its commitment to good governance and the rule of law, the government has strengthened Nigeria’s democratic institutions and enhanced transparency and accountability in governance. The administration’s unwavering resolve to combat corruption and promote ethical leadership has earned the admiration and support of the Nigerian people.

The government has also completed the execution of numerous on-going projects, notable among which are the extensive road networks, improved rail systems, and the modernization of the country’s ports, which are vital for boosting trade and connectivity.

In the same vein, the administration has made substantial investments in healthcare and education. The government also launched new healthcare facilities and upgraded existing ones, along with reforms in the educational system.

The government has also ensured the safety and security of Nigerians by strengthening the security apparatus, enhancing intelligence gathering, and fostering greater collaboration among security agencies to address the multifaceted challenges of security across the country.

Akume’s contributions to these and many other achievements began in earnest upon assumption of office. He ensured that the new administration officials, including the President and Vice- President, settled down to business speedily and seamlessly. He superintended over the processing of the appointment of ministers, other political appointees, and heads of statutory bodies, commissions, and agencies. Senator Akume also ensured the provision of office accommodation and support services for political office holders.

One of the major tasks he carried out in the first 100 days of the administration was serving as the chairman of the 2023 Inter-Ministerial committee on Democracy Day which held on June 12.  He also consolidated the federal government’s fight against the triple scourge of AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria by enhancing collaboration with the Global Fund when he received in audience a delegation from the Global Fund which approved about $1 billion for Nigeria as part of its grant to assist the country in the fight against tuberculosis (TB), malaria, and HIV/AIDS for the next three years.

The SGF reached for his administrative and crisis management skills in the resolution of potentially explosive protests against some alleged adverse government actions, inactions and policies. These included the nationwide strike action by organized labour about four months into the life of the new administration, the #endbadgovernance protest and #fearlessoctober, as well as other threats of industrial action. Applying the carrot-and-stick approach when and where necessary, Senator Akume was able to deploy a combination of threat of prosecution, persuation and empathy to douse tension and avert major or sustained dislocations to the economy, breakdown of law and order, and loss of lives and destruction of property.

The SGF’s handling of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC)-organised workers’ strike is a typical example. When the striking electricity workers plunged the entire country into darkness by disabling the national power grid, Akume accused them of committing treason, citing relevant provisions of the law. In spite of the flak, he received from labour and civil society leaders over the accusation, the SGF mellowed down and invited them for continuation of negotiation of the minimum wage. Through honest negotiations between government and labour, a mutually acceptable minimum wage of N70,000 was amicably agreed upon, which is now being implemented by all tiers of government and the private sector.

Akume applied persuation and empathy in handling the buildup to the nationwide protests in September 2023 occasioned by policy-induced economic hardship. He said in a statement that efforts were being made to cushion the immediate impact and to create new opportunities in the short, medium and long-term basis. “These policies and programmes are being implemented for long-term solutions to these problems and I assure us all that in no distant time, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the trajectory of our socio-economic development will soar higher in the positive territory.”

The SGF said the President approved a low-key celebration of the country’s 64th Independence anniversary “in alignment with the mood of the nation.”

Aided by his over two decades of experience at the highest levels of the executive and legislative branches of government, Senator Akume, as SGF, has been able to guide the Tinubu administration to achieve a very cordial relationship between the Presidency and the National Assembly. Evidence of this can be found in the non-interference by the President and rancour-free election of Principal Officers of the National Assembly; speedy confirmation of the President’s ministerial nominees and other appointees as well as the smooth passage of executive bills by the Federal legislature. The recent complaint by the House of Representatives over the discrepancy in the category of the National Honours awarded the Senate President and the Speaker, which threatened to torpedo the existing chummy relationship between the executive and legislative branches, was impressively nipped in the bud. The President quickly corrected the discrepancy and cordiality returned.

There is even an element of personal touch of the SGF in the peaceful ties between the presidency and the leadership of the National Assembly. Amidst the uproar generated by Senator Akume’s allegation of treason against labour for shutting down the national power grid during the strike action over minimum wage, the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio promptly aligned himself with the Presidency, by publicly concurring with the SGF that labour had, indeed, committed treason.

Senator Akume’s long sojourn in the upper echelons of power has helped him in guiding the Tinubu administration to build not only strong intergovernmental relations but also political stability. His years as a PDP Governor, and ACN/APC Senator, state party leader and minister earned him a vast network of political leaders across party lines. The SGF has used this network to weld various partisan and intra-party tendencies together to achieve stability in what could have otherwise been a rancorous polity. This includes his level-headed management of the no-love-lost relationship with Rev.  Fr. Hyacinth Alia, his state governor and his supporters. As an icing on the cake, Senator Akume has been leveraging his position as the apparent political leader of the North Central geopolitical zone and northern Christian leader to hold the North together for his principal. Of course, the Tinubu administration is the major beneficiary of Senator Akume’s political craftsmanship.

The SGF’s silent, largely behind-the- scenes, contributions to the success of the Tinubu Presidency thus far have not gone unnoticed by Nigerians. “The assumption of Senator George Akume, two-time Governor of Benue state, Senator and Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) has helped to bring so much stability to the current administration with so much successes recorded without the controversies that hitherto characterised the OSGF,” Ambassador Solomon Adodo and Otunba Michael Msuaan, leaders of Rising-Up for a United Nigeria (RUN), an umbrella Civil Society Organisation (CSO) for the youth and middle-age citizens in Nigeria, said at an emergency roundtable meeting organised to review Senator George Akume’s one year in office as the SGF.

Similarly, the Benue State National Assembly and Federal Appointees Caucus has hailed Senator Akume for his outstanding performance and dedication to serving Nigeria. In a statement immediately after the recent cabinet reshuffle, Hon. Philip Agbese, Spokesperson for the caucus, said the OSGF under Senator Akume has undergone significant reforms, streamlining processes, and reducing bureaucratic bottlenecks to enhance service delivery. He said that Senator Akume’s strategic vision has ensured effective implementation of the President’s policies and programmes.

“Under his guidance, the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation has witnessed significant reforms, facilitating seamless coordination among ministries, departments, and agencies.

“Senator Akume’s strategic vision has ensured the effective implementation of the President’s policies and programmes, fostering interagency collaboration and promoting synergy while resolving interministerial conflicts. He has also enhanced transparency and accountability in government procurement and financial management.”

It is in consideration of all these outstanding accomplishments, which are a clear demonstration of Senator George Akume’s ranking as a leader of excellence worthy of commendation, that the management of this publication decided to accord him this special recognition as The Top10 Magazine Man of the Year 2024.

PROFILE

Senator Akume, 70, hails from Tarka Local Government Area of Benue State.  He worked as a civil servant, rising to the top of his career as Permanent secretary before retiring into politics.

He was elected Governor of Benue State in 1999 on the platform of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP), where he was a foundation member. He was re-elected in 2003 on the same party’s ticket. At the end of his second and statutory final tenure in 2007, he facilitated the emergence of his successor, Hon Gabriel Suswam, who was then a member of the House of Representatives and, on his part, got elected to the Senate to represent Benue Northwest, on the platform of the PDP. But due to a clash of interests, a common feature of Nigerian politics, Akume’s relationship with his “godson,” Suswam, hit the rocks and he allied himself with the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), a political creation of President Bola Tinubu.

This critical intersection with Asiwaju Tinubu at that point was what eventually cemented his relationship with the President, both being members of Class 1999 of State Governors, though of different political parties at the time.

Against the run of play, Akume found his way back to the Senate in 2011 on the platform of the ACN. He also served as the minority leader of the 7th Senate.

By 2013, the political atmospherics had changed significantly with some opposition parties teaming up to form the All Progressives Congress (APC), which challenged for power at the federal level and won in the 2015 presidential election, ousting the then President Goodluck Jonathan.

Being the leader of the ACN in the state, naturally made Akume transmute into the leader of the APC in the state. He was re-elected to the Senate in 2015 for a third term on the platform of a third different political party, the APC. According to key stakeholders in the state, Senator Akume offered the party’s gubernatorial ticket to Samuel Ortom, who triumphed to become a two-term Governor of the state – defecting from APC to PDP midway into his first term, taking the APC gubernatorial mandate along with him.

Akume failed in his bid to return to the Senate in 2019 but was appointed Minister of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs by President Muhammadu Buhari. He, however, regained the political control of Benue State in the 2023 general elections. Though not on the ballot, he is credited with being the driver of how APC bounced back as the ruling party in the state, demolishing the PDP in almost all the elections – from the House of Assembly to the House of Representatives and Senate to the governorship seat.

Senator Akume was one of the first key appointees of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as he assumed office as the SGF on June 7, 2023.

Dr. Mujidat Folasade Tinubu-Ojo, Iyaloja-General of Nigeria
TOP10 MAGAZINE WOMAN OF THE YEAR

That Chief (Mrs) Dr. Mujidat Folasade Tinubu-Ojo is the first daughter of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is no longer news to Nigerians. What many don’t know, however, is that she has moved out of the shadows of her father to carve a distinct identity and role for herself as a front-line promoter and supporter of the causes of the less privileged, the disadvantaged, people with special needs, market women and the downtrodden.

The vehicles through which she plays this role are her position as the Iyaloja-General of Lagos and Nigeria and her Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) called the ‘Friends of Iyaloja Initiative.’ As the Iyaloja-General, Dr. Tinubu-Ojo is the leader of all market women, a position that exposes her to the knowledge of the challenges and special needs of market women. Since assuming that role in 2013, she has made notable contributions to the market community. She inaugurated a security outfit, Olopa Oja, to ensure adequate security of lives and property across all markets in Lagos State. She has demonstrated her capacity to do everything humanly possible to help the needy and the destitute.

She provided basic amenities across all the markets in Lagos and singlehandedly built recreation centres, primary health care and computer training centres, among others. She empowered market women and men by providing loans that would make their businesses to grow and flourish.

Dr. Tinubu-Ojo founded the NGO, Friends of Iyaloja Initiative (FoI) following the inauguration of her father as Nigeria’s President in 2023 to focus on youth and women empowerment, supporting individuals with special needs, and assisting the vulnerable population. She said of the organization which was launched in Abuja: “I have decided to use my little wealth of experience, connections and human resources available to me to support my dad’s administration.

“FoI shall be focusing on youth and women empowerment. Empowering people with special needs. Empowering the vulnerable and several other programmes aimed at affecting the lives of Nigerians, especially, those in the grassroots…I will fight for this cause and I believe that God Almighty shall crown our efforts with unprecedented success,” she wrote on her Twitter.

Chief Tinubu-Ojo has lived up to her promise. Through collaborations with other NGOs and governmental agencies, she is spositively impacting the lives of Nigerians, particularly those at the grassroots. Her commitment to improving the lives of others and her extensive contributions as Iyaloja of Nigeria demonstrates her dedication to the community’s welfare. She continues to significantly impact various sectors through her initiatives and leadership. She has become a strong advocate for women’s rights, actively raising awareness about gender inequality and domestic violence. Through collaborations with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and community leaders, she offers support and resources to women in need.

Dr. Tinubu-Ojo’s support for the vulnerable in the society has been widely noticed and acknowledged by a number of organizations. For instance, she was appointed Ambassador for the National Commission for Almajiri and Out-of-School Children’s Education. The appointment, according to the Commission’s Executive Secretary, Muhammad Sani Idris, was on account of her passion for supporting disadvantaged communities, particularly Almajiri and out-of-school children, promoting trade and commerce and advocating for resources and opportunities for market women.

Similarly, she was inducted as an Associate Member of the Professional Statisticians’ Society of Nigeria (PSSN), for her contributions to promoting the adoption and use of statistical data for national growth and development. At the induction ceremony which took place during the 8th International Conference of PSSN at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi on Friday, the President, Professor Waheed Yahya said: “Mujidat Folasade Tinubu-Ojo advocated and championed the interests and well-being of women marketers in the country which brought unquantifiable happiness to hardworking entrepreneurial women…Her love for humanity and support for the vulnerable, recently propelled her to enrol over 10,000 children of common traders and less privileged Nigerians into different tertiary institutions across the country on scholarship to eliminate disparity among the children of the rich and the downtrodden.”

She was born in Lagos, Nigeria, and began her educational journey at the Federal College of Education (Special) Oyo, where she studied Home Economics. She proceeded for further studies at Middlesex University in England, earning a Bachelor of Arts (B.A Double Honour) degree in Business Studies and Management and obtained a Master’s of Business Administration (MBA) from the American Intercontinental University in London. As a Chartered Marketer, she possesses extensive knowledge in business administration, economics, and hotel management.

Chief Tinubu-Ojo’s professional career is marked by significant contributions across various sectors. After completing her N.C.E programme, she gained industrial experience at Premier Hotel in Ibadan, Nigeria, and later worked as an Administrative Officer at Fast Links Limited and Parcel Force in the United Kingdom. Upon returning to Nigeria in 2006, she became actively involved in industrial farming, estate management, and non-governmental organization programmes.

She holds the esteemed titles of Iyaloja General of Nigeria, Chairman of the National Market Council of Nigeria (NAMCOM), President General of the Association of Commodity Market Women and Men of Nigeria (ACMWMN), and Chairman of the Lagos State Market Advisory Council.

Dr. Mujidat Tinubu-Ojo has received about a dozen awards in Nigeria and beyond in recognition of her outstanding contributions, including, ECOWAS Youth Council – Award of Distinguished Female Personality of the Year, Common Wealth Business Women – Award of Excellence 2019, etc

She also holds over 20 chieftaincy titles in different states across Nigeria and beyond, including the Iya Oba of Aworiland, Yeye Oba of Ogudu, the Timi of Ede, Yeye Oba of Igbogbo Land, Apesinola of Ayede Ekiti Kingdom, Yeye Oba of Igbobi Sabe, etc.

Chief (Mrs) Dr. Mujidat Folasade Tinubu-Ojo has been selected as the Top10 Magazine’s Woman of the Year in recognition of her inspirational leadership and numerous accomplishments as the Iyaloja-General of Nigeria, coupled with her support and services which have impacted on the lives of many Nigerians.

Dr. Sampson Uche Ogah, Founder/President, Masters Energy Group
THE TOP10 MAGAZINE BUSINESS MAN OF THE YEAR

Dr. Sampson Uche Ogah, Chairman of Masters Energy Group, is a typical hard-nosed businessman. He spots opportunities in the midst of adversity. It’s trite to state that the Nigeria business environment has been experiencing severe dislocations since the withdrawal of subsidy on petrol mid-2023. The inclement business environment created by that policy has forced so many businesses to cut back their operations, shelve business plans or shut down completely.

But it was in that hostile business environment that Dr. Ogah chose to make major investment and expansionist moves. “Masters Energy Group is positioning to expand its business, increase presence in the Nigerian market and ultimately achieve an exponential revenue growth through massive investment, partnerships, and new products,” Ogah told reporters early this year at the end of the Masters Energy Group 2024 Senior Leadership Strategy Retreat, held in Lagos early this year.

For Masters Energy Group, that new positioning has begun to bear fruits. It has given birth to new and, enhanced operations as well as new products and services. One of them is the Joint User Hydrant Installation 2 (JUHI-2), Nigeria’s largest aviation fuel depot with a storage capacity of 15 million litres of Jet A1 fuel, which was commissioned this October. The state-of-the-art depot is a partnership between Masters Energy Oil & Gas Ltd, Eterna Plc, Techno Oil, Quest Oil, Rahamaniyya, Ibafon Oil, and First Deep Water Limited. The facility which spans 46,000 square meters is set to revolutionize aviation fuel logistics, offering unparalleled efficiency, safety, and cutting-edge technology.

Masters Energy’s new services in the aviation sector are not limited to airline operators. The company has also extended personalized airport protocol services and exceptional hotel reservations and tour packages to passengers and tourists through its Cardinal Points business arm. It is also offering energy independence to consumers via Masters Energy solar panels. The solar energy services it provides include expert solar installations, supply of premium solar panels and inverters.

Masters Energy Group has also expanded its business into logistics and interstate travel services with the launch of Alsa Logistics Limited, marking a significant milestone in its commitment to delivering comprehensive and reliable services across the country.

In the area of manufacturing, the conglomerate is also looking to introduce new product lines like household products, with a projection that, by the end of this year, Masters Energy products would be in every household in Nigeria. The company is also considering exploring opportunities in the export business to enable them overcome challenges associated with high exchange rate. Similarly, the Group is expanding its footprint in the Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) business. In 2023, it performed the flag-off of the Masters Energy 40,000 metric tonnes LPG storage facility in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. It hopes to complete it before the end of next year.

The company is planning to take the oil and gas downstream market by storm with its massive investment, new products, and innovation. Masters Energy presently has about 300 retail outlets across major cities in Nigeria with not less than 50 more outlets scheduled to come on stream before end of this year.

Dr. Ogah is not only focused on growing the company but is also developing its management capacity and capabilities. Only recently, he completed a prestigious leadership programme at University of Oxford with Honours. The remarkable achievement demonstrates his dedication to personal and professional growth and earned him invaluable insights and advanced skills that will by extension greatly benefit the company as it strives for innovation, growth, and success.

Dr. Ogah, a holder of Bachelors of Science degree in Banking and Finance and an MBA, began his working career at the defunct NAL Merchant Bank where he did his national youth service, before joining the defunct All States Trust Bank and Zenith Bank. He resigned from Zenith Bank as an Assistant General Manager, to establish Masters Energy Oil and Gas Limited, incorporated in Nigeria in 2005. Beginning business in the oil and gas sector, Masters Energy Oil & Gas Limited has evolved into a diversified Group, providing services not only in the Oil and Gas sector, but also in other strategic sectors of the economy such as Manufacturing of Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG), Aviation, Shipping and Marine, Real Estate, etc. The members of the Masters Energy Group include Energy Oil and Gas; Masters Energy Plastic Industries; Masters Noodles and Food Processing; Masters Energy Commodities and Trading; and Masters Renewable Energy.

Others are: Alsa Petrochemicals Limited; Alsa Logistics; Masters Properties Development & Investment Limited; Masters Bureau de change; and Modern Standard Insurance. The rest include Amicable Oil and Gas; Olive Microfinance Bank; Olive Payment Solution; Destiny Marine; and Masters Dredging and Shore.

Dr. Sampson Uche Ogah’s selection as the Top 10 Magazine’s Business Man of the Year is in recognition of his many accomplishments in expanding the frontiers of the Masters Energy Group as a formidable force with tentacles in strategic sectors of the Nigerian economy.

Mr. Akutah Pius Ukeyima, Executive Secretary/CEO, Nigerian Shippers Council
THE TOP10 MAGAZINE REGULATOR OF THE YEAR

Mr. Pius Ukeyima Akutah deployed his legal expertise to successfully handle many extradition cases when he served in the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice. He taught International Cooperation in Criminal Matters in many countries under the auspices of the United Nations and the Commonwealth office in London and developed that aspect of law in Nigeria to what it is today.

That background became very handy when Mr. Akutah was appointed as the Executive Secretary/CEO of Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) in 2023. He has used it to great effect in the execution of NSC’s mandate as the regulatory agency of the Nigerian shipping industry. In just over 12 months, the Council, under Akutah’s leadership, has recorded many remarkable milestone achievements.

One of them is the signing of the Agreement on the Minimum Standards of Conditions of Service for Workers in the Shipping Industry. NSC, under the supervision of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy (FMM&BE) facilitated the signing of the agreement which establishes standard minimum conditions of service in the shipping industry. The agreement was reached between the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) and the Shipping Agencies, Clearing and Forwarding Employers Association (SACFEA) on 26th August 2024 at Eko Hotel, Lagos.

Another one is the launching of Operational Manuals for Inland Dry Ports (IDPs) at various locations across the country, including Kano, Lagos and Port Harcourt. The manual which was presented to stakeholders captures the step-by-step procedures for receiving, storing, handling and delivery of cargoes. It also highlights the operational processes, the responsibilities of various agencies and timelines for discharging their duties.

The Nigerian Shippers Council also launched an online portal for registration of regulated port service providers and users at various locations across the country, including Rivers and Cross River states.

The initiative aims to eradicate faceless shippers operating at the port and ensure a seamless business platform for all stakeholders.

The Council under Mr. Akutah has also automated NSC registration by developing and implementating an online portal for the registration of regulated port service providers and users. It enabled the Council to replace the manual registration exercise which was inefficient with very low compliance level with a 100% fully automated system. After launching the online portal in January 2024, the compliance level increased dramatically as service providers and users now apply to register, upload required documents, pay applicable fees and receive their certificates from the comfort of their offices, without any physical interface with staff of the Council.

The Council initiated and developed a Stakeholders Mobile App which is a one-stop shop for shipping and ports information to assist exporters and importers as well as other stakeholders with information and guidance with respect to their shipping activities.

Under Akutah’s leadership, NSC has accelerated the promotion of Inland Dry Ports (IDPs) in the country. For instance, the Funtua Inland Dry Port was commissioned on 9th May, 2024, by the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, an event that was attended by the Secretary to the Federal Government of the Federation, Senator Dr. George Akume; Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal; and other dignateries. The impact of tariff negotiations and savings from incessant cargo stoppage and promotion of IDPs projects on the conomy is valued at N167 billion

Also, under Mr. Akutah, the Council successfully hosted the 17th International Maritime Seminar for Judges in July 2024 in Abuja, an event which provided a veritable platform for discussions and sharing of knowledge on recent legal developments in shipping and admiralty law by judicial officers and international resource persons from within and outside the continent.

Mr. Akutah was born on June 7, 1970 in Ushongo Local Government area of Benue State. He holds a Masters degree in Public International Law from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, and a Bachelor of Law degree (LLB) from the University of Abuja, Gwagwalada.

Before his appointment as the ES/CEO of Nigerian Shippers Council on October 25, 2023, Mr. Akutah was the Head of Central Authority Unit, International Cooperation Department, in the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice.

He has written highly regarded legal opinions on the use of United Nations Treaties, and handled the preparation, vetting, and negotiation of Bilateral Agreements between Nigeria and other countries on Mutual Legal Assistance and Extradition.

Mr. Akutah has received several awards, including the National Honours Award, Member of the Order of the Niger (MON), in 2023. He also received the Presidential Civil Service Merit Award (PCSMA) from President Muhammadu Buhari in 2017. President Faure Gnassingbe of Togo, presented him with the Presidential Merit Award of Excellent Service for contributions in the drafting and presentation of the African Charter for Maritime Safety and Security.

He is an Alumnus of the United States Department of State’s International Visitor Leadership Programme (IVLP), a chartered Mobile and Computer Forensics Examiner and United States International Law Enforcement Academy (ILEA). He is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in International Cooperation in Criminal Matters at the Nassarawa State University, Keffi.

Mr. Pius Ukeyima Akutah has been selected as the Top 10 Magazine’s Regulator of the Year 2024 in recognition of his transformative leadership as exemplified in his milestone achievements within the short time of his assumption of office as the Executive Secretary/CEO of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council.

Bamanga Jada, (MD/CEO, OGFZA)
THE TOP10 MAGAZINE YOUNG PUBLIC OFFICIAL OF THE YEAR

Bamanga Usman Jada is one of the outstanding technocrats holding aloft the flag of Nigerian youths in the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration. At just 41, Jada has emerged as a beacon of hope and a harbinger of change in Nigeria’s dynamic oil and gas industry. His appointment as the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Oil and Gas Free Zones Authority (OGFZA) in October 2023, has heralded a new era of innovation, sustainability, and inclusive growth.

On assumption of office, Jada immediately hit the ground running. He rolled out a 7-point agenda with which to administer the Authority, drawing from his wealth of knowledge in civil service administration, financial procedures, international financial reporting standards (IFR) and public sector accounting with determination to fulfil the mandate of the Authority. The 7-point agenda was designed to foster economic growth and development as well as job creation, focusing on Efficiency and Trust, Infrastructure Excellence, Regulatory Modernization, Local Content Empowerment, Sustainability and Resilience, Investor-focus and Welfare. This agenda aims to propel OGFZA and Nigeria at large into a new era of prosperity and opportunities. Within his first year of steering the ship of OGFZA, Jada has exhibited exemplary foresight that is capable of rapidly bringing into reality the revitalization of the nation’s economy, thus fast-tracking the achievement of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu.

Under Jada’s leadership, the Oil and Gas Free Zones Authority has witnessed notable achievements such as the establishment of new oil and gas Free Zones and attraction of investments. One of the new Free Zones is the Secured Bunkering Anchorage (SBA), Lagos. Established in 2023, SBA is the OGFZA initiative involving the declaration of a specific offshore location as an Oil and Gas Free Zone Safe Bunkering Anchorage (SBA) where ships of various sizes that transport crude, refined petroleum products, drilling and ancillary equipment/tools from various offshore project locations within the Gulf of Guinea and sub-Sahara Africa sub- region, can berth to replenish their fuel stock and carry out other STS transfer activities under Free Zone regulatory framework.

Another new free zone established by OGFZA under Jada’s leadership is the Orasi Special Energy Zone in Oguta Local Govt Area of Imo State. It was declared open by President Tinubu in January 2024. It is the largest Oil and Gas Free Zone sitting on a parcel of land measuring over 140,000 hectares with a huge gas which cuts across Ohaji/Egbema and Oguta areas of Imo state. The Zone will operate as international gas centre for downstream investment in gas-based manufacturing and power sub-sectors of the Nigerian economy. It brings to eight the number of free zones under OGFZA regulation.

Under Jada’s leadership, OGFZA has attracted investment value of over $30bn and capable of securing 3 million jobs into the country through the Special Economic Zones.

The Brass Oil and Gas Free Zone in Bayelsa, has secured a $3.6bn investment commitment through the Brass Fertilizer and Petrochemical Company. The proposed project, will include building a dedicated gas processing facility with a capacity to produce 340 million scuffs per day, 36km of 28 inches pipeline, a methanol plant, an SBA export jetty, a construction jetty, and a residential area. Between the commencement and completion of the project, over 20,000 jobs will be generated.

OGFZA’s newest Zone ORASHI Special Energy Free Zone in Imo State, houses the Egbema Power plant with the capacity to generate 112.8mw of electricity. This power hub is expected to generate $1,97billion annually in revenue for the Nigerian Government. Orashi Special Energy Free Zone has potential of attracting investment worth $8bn Foreign Direct Investment.

Recently, NESGAS Producing Nigeria Ltd, a gas producing company, launched a 50,000mt LPG storage facility worth $200m at the Onne/Ikpokiri Oil and Gas Free Zone in Rivers State. The LPG depot project has the capacity to generate over a million jobs.

APM Terminals, Nigeria’s largest container terminal, has recently completed a state-of-the art project in Onne worth over $100m, which has the capacity of creating over 300,000 direct jobs.

The Alternative Petroleum and Power Limited (APPL) is a green company which is bringing green/alternative fuel to mitigate carbon emission with an investment value of over €8bn.

Additionally, APPL is expected to export 520,000 MT/Y of Blue and Green Methanol; and 1,120,000 MT/Y of Green Ammonia in a span of 4 years. This investment will generate about 300,000 jobs directly and indirectly. Aligning with global trends towards sustainable energy solutions, this programme taps into Nigeria’s enormous natural gas reserves.

It is interesting to note that the Oil and Gas Free Zones (OGFZs) have attracted all major International Oil Companies (IOCs) which use the Free Zones as hubs for their business transactions covering the entire Gulf of Guinea up to Angola and South Africa.

The coming of these investments has also led to the transfer of skills and technology to the nation through manpower training and value-added technical processes, positioning Nigeria as the preferred investment destination in Africa.

A native of Adamawa State, Jada attended Jada 1 Primary School and General Murtala Mohammed College, Yola, for his primary and secondary education, respectively, obtaining his SSCE Certificate in 1999.

He pursued his university education at the prestigious Federal University of Technology Yola, where his exceptional academic performance garnered him recognition and numerous accolades. Here, he obtained a Diploma in Business Administration (2004) and subsequently a Bachelor’s Degree (B.Sc) in Economics (2008).

He proceeded to the University of Central Lancanshire, Preston United Kingdom, where he acquired a Master’s Degree (M.Sc) in Oil and Gas Operations Management (2013) as well as an MBA in Marketing, solidifying his expertise in the intricate economic dynamics of the energy sector.

With an impressive educational background, Jada embarked on a professional journey that propelled him to the forefront of the Nigerian oil and gas industry. He began his career with Ecobank PLC in 2009 where he developed acute corporate financial management skills. These attributes were of great benefit to the Energy Commission of Nigeria, where he served in the Finance, Projects and Procurement Departments, respectively, from 2010 to 2023.

As a result of his dedication to service, meticulous nature, problem-solving ability and versatility, Jada was sought after to take on another role as the Personal Assistant to the Director General/CEO of the Commission. He has also served as Personal Assistant to the Chairman of the Board of Directors at Kano Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO); roles that further equipped him with hands on administrative know-how and leadership experience.

Jada is an affiliate of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport, United Kingdom and a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Diplomacy and Management, Nigeria.

With his exceptional leadership acumen, extensive industry knowledge, and unwavering commitment to innovation, Jada is poised to drive substantial advancements that not only elevate the sector’s global competitiveness but also contribute to the socioeconomic development of Nigeria. His vision for a more diversified, environmentally conscious, and technologically adept energy landscape is set to pave the way for a thriving and sustainable future for Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, ensuring a more robust and interconnected landscape that is better equipped to navigate the complexities of the global energy market.

As Nigeria embraces this new dawn in its oil and gas sector, Jada’s transformative leadership stands as a testament to the country’s unwavering commitment to sustainable development, technological advancement, and global competitiveness. With his visionary leadership and unwavering dedication to excellence, Jada continues to inspire a sense of purpose and optimism, setting the stage for a more prosperous and resilient future for Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.

The selection of Bamanga Usman Jada as the Young Public Official of the Year is in recognition of his transformative leadership as exemplified by his remarkable record of accomplishments since his appointment as MD/CEO of OGFZA.

Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, Chairman, Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC)
THE TOP10 MAGAZINE ANTI-CORRUPTION CHAMPION OF THE YEAR

Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN, is like the goldfish: he has no hiding place. His performance as a legal expert and public officer always stands him out among the rest. This fact came out clearly when he served as the Attorney-General and Commissioner of Justice of Jigawa state between 2019 and 2023. He spearheaded transformative reforms in the justice sector that distinguished his tenure through the introduction of initiatives that promoted the rights of women and children. Dr. Aliyu established the Jigawa State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission, which set the benchmark in transparency and accountability in governance. In that role, also, he collaborated closely with international agencies and organizations like the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) to enhance governance systems.

These initiatives did not go unnoticed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu who appointed him as the Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Nigeria’s foremost anti-corruption agency, in October 2023. Now, as the fifth Chairman of ICPC, Dr. Aliyu is replicating his usual sterling performance and distinguishing himself as Nigeria’s anti-corruption czar. His first year at the helm has already elevated the Commission to new heights, positioning it as a beacon of honour and integrity. His adherence to the rule of law and international best practices has attracted respect, admiration and strategic partnerships with key stakeholders across Nigeria.

Dr. Aliyu’s anti-corruption agenda and policy thrust as encapsulated in the theme: Care, Accountability, Responsibility, and Efficiency (CARE), have motivated the Commission to enhance its tools, approaches, and engagements. It prioritizes proactive measures for corruption prevention without neglecting enforcement. His leadership emphasizes integrity, innovation, and strategic use of modern technology to enhance ICPC’s operations.

The result has been the bundle of achievements the Commission has recorded in just the first year of Dr. Aliyu’s leadership, including significant financial recoveries. The Commission made cash recoveries totaling ₦29.7 billion, which are domiciled in ICPC recovery accounts. It recovered ₦10.986 billion as Value Added Tax (VAT) which was remitted to the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and ₦10 billion from the COVID-19 vaccine fund remitted to the treasury. It also secured the forfeiture of assets valued at ₦2.5 billion and $966,900.83 in foreign currency. In addition, the Commission tracked approximately 1,500 projects valued at ₦610 billion nationwide under Phase 7 of its Constituency and Executive Projects Tracking Initiative (CEPTI).

During the first year under Dr. Aliyu’s leadership, the Commission processed 851 petitions, with 342 assigned for investigation, 95 fully investigated, 72 cases filed in court, and 16 convictions secured.

In the area of corruption prevention, the ICPC assessed 323 Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) using its Ethics and Integrity Compliance Scorecard (EICS). The Commission also established 80 Anti-Corruption and Transparency Units (ACTUs) across MDAs, preventing the diversion of ₦5.882 billion in public funds.

With regards to capacity building and case management, the ICPC has developed a specialized cadet training curriculum for its officers, aligning with international best practices. The Commission has invested heavily in staff training and capacity building to enhance operational capacity. Among other initiatives, it has strengthened its Armed Squad by equipping over 109 members with the necessary training, resources, and skills to combat corrupt practices effectively.

To confront current and future challenges and forge the way forward, Dr. Aliyu is emphasizing the need to streamline processes for faster and more effective case prosecution. He aims to consolidate the integrity of the Commission’s processes to make them more efficient and less prone to abuse.

Under Dr. Aliyu’s leadership, ICPC and Nigeria have been accorded multiple awards and recognitions, locally and internationally, for their exceptional performances in the fight against corruption. At the international level, Dr. Aliyu was elected as the Chairperson of African Assets Recovery Practitioners’ Forum (AARP-F) by its interim council members. The ICPC Chairman also successfully led Nigeria to secure re-election into the Steering Committee of the Global Operational Network of the Anti-Corruption Law Enforcement Authorities (GlobE Network), thereby putting Nigeria on a global pedestal.

Dr. Aliyu who hails from Birnin Kudu Local Government Area of Jigawa State, North-Western Nigeria, obtained his law degree from the Bayero University, Kano, in 2003, and his Master’s in Law degree (LLM) in Islamic Law from the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, in 2011. He also obtained a PhD degree in 2019 at the School of Law Universiti Utara Malaysia in Constitutional Law, specialising in Appointment and Discipline of Judicial Officers in Nigeria. He attained the prestigious rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN, on October 12, 2023, just five days before his appointment as the ICPC Chairman, and was inaugurated on November 27.

Dr. Aliyu’s extensive career has seen him in the academic world where he served as a lecturer at the Jigawa State College of Islamic Legal Studies and the Faculty of Law, Nigeria Police Academy, Wudil, Kano State. He has authored publications featured in local and international journals and has participated in numerous conferences globally.

Dr Aliyu has held various offices in the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Kano Branch, including, Vice-Chairman (2016 – 2017); Chairman, Human Rights Committee (2016 – 2017); Secretary, Continuing Legal Education Committee (2014 – 2016); and member, Anti-Corruption Committee (2012 – 2014).

He was first appointed as the Attorney-General and Commissioner of Justice, Jigawa State, on 30 September, 2019, by the immediate-past Governor of the state and current Minister of Defence, Badaru Abubakar. Dr. Aliyu was serving in the same capacity in the current administration when he was appointed ICPC Chairman on October 17, 2023.

Dr. Aliyu is being honoured by The Top10 Magazine as the Anti-Corruption Champion of the Year 2024 for the many achievements he has already recorded within a short time of his appointment as Chairman of ICPC.

Hon. Hanatu Musawa, Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism & Creative Economy
THE TOP10 MAGAZINE FEMALE PUBLIC SERVICE GAME CHANGER OF THE YEAR

Hon. Hanatu Musawa is one of the young Nigerian professionals brought in by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to breathe fresh air into governance and anchor his Renewed Hope Agenda for Nigeria. So far, the 50-year-old lawyer, politician, and author from Katsina state has distinguished herself by setting the newly-created Ministry of Art, Culture and the Creative Economy (MACCE) on a solid foundation and chatting a well-defined trajectory towards achieving the core mandate of the ministry.

The ministry which emerged from the consolidation of the erstwhile Ministry of Tourism and Ministry of Arts and Culture has the responsibility for harnessing the synergies between art, culture, tourism, and the creative economy to uplift communities, create sustainable jobs, and boost Nigeria’s economy and standing on the global stage. In numerical terms, the ministry is charged with the ambitious task of raising the sector’s contribution to GDP from $5 billion to $100 billion by 2030, and to create two million jobs.

The minister began by deploying an audacious and transformative vision for Nigeria’s creative economy, bolstered by strategic plans grounded in action and innovation and, in less than two years, the results have been manifesting in the form of many tangible and measurable milestones. For instance, the creative economy’s contribution to Nigeria’s GDP has surged from 1.3% when she took office to an impressive 2% by the end of Q2 2024. This growth, equivalent to approximately N420 billion, not only exceeds the Federal Government’s target of 1.8% for the entire year but also reflects a remarkable increase of over 50% in nominal terms, showcasing effective policy execution. The rise is reinforced by the registration of around 23,000 new start-ups in the Cultural and Creative Economy between January and June 2024, as reported by the Corporate Affairs Commission.

As part of its skills acquisition initiatives, FMACCE, as at September 2024, established cultural and creative learning platforms, successfully training about 7,500 individuals at the end of Q2 2024, with a target of 25,000 by year’s end. The ministry under Musawa’s leadership has secured a $200 million financing facility from the Africa Export-Import (AFREXIM) Bank aimed at supporting the new initiatives for the creative economy. She also got the National Arts Teatre, Iganmu, Lagos, renovated by the Nigeria Bankers’ Committee as part of the infrastructure deliverables of the ministry. As of 2024, the ministry reported a 36 per cent increase in Nigeria’s Cultural Influence alongside an 18 per cent increase in the Brand Perception Index, reflecting the positive reception of Nigeria’s cultural diplomacy efforts on the global stage.

Supported by the expertise of the Boston Consulting Group (BCG), a leader in strategic advisory with a rich history of steering economies towards unprecedented growth, the ministry has designed and is implementing an eight-point agenda, dubbed Destination 2030 (D2030), that boldly aspires to position Nigeria as the world’s hub for creativity, culture, and entertainment. BCG’s comprehensive evaluation of the sector, benchmarked against international standards, laid the groundwork for FMACCE’s 14 actionable initiatives, each underpinned by detailed implementation plans. The initiatives focus on technology, funding, infrastructure, and the promotion of international culture, and others

The ministry under Musawa is forging cohesive engagement and governance frameworks that foster collaboration between local stakeholders, creating synergy across agencies, academia, the private sector, and creatives. Through 27 separate stakeholder engagement events and strategic workshops, the Ministry has ensured that its policies and programmes resonate with the creative community’s needs, fostering an environment conducive to growth.

The minister introduced the Creative Leap Accelerator Programme (CLAP) which aggregates resources and facilitates democratized access to training, funding, and networking within the creative sector. The programme, along with the data collection strategy, exemplify the ministry’s commitment to skills acquisition and enrich its data-driven decision-making capacity, and enabling speedy responses to domestic and international market trends.

The capacity building and job creation ambitions of the Minister are supported by an effective partnership with BigWin philanthropy that mimics successful models that have created jobs across Africa, including 500,000 in Rwanda, a country with a much smaller population than Nigeria. This collaboration is developing a tailor-made strategy that aims to deliver two million jobs by leveraging regulatory frameworks, strategic investments, and incentives while aligning with Nigeria’s commitments under the African Continental Free Trade Area.

Musawa’s collaborative approach, notably with the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) has yielded a Memorandum of Understanding focusing on critical policy areas including National Intellectual Property Rights and The Cultural and Creative Economy. There is also a separate Fiscal & Tax Incentives policy tailored for the creative economy. These frameworks are poised to unleash economic potential, enabling creatives to monetize their innovations and secure financing against intellectual property (IP) assets.

 In the hitherto largely ignored Heritage sphere, there is a long list of wins: securing the inscription of the Sango Festival on the UNESCO List of Intangible Cultural Heritage; accrediting Asaba Film City as part of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network; quadripartite agreement with notable institutions to preserve and celebrate the Sukur UNESCO World Heritage Site; and securing UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity recognition for ‘Midwifery: Knowledge, Skills & Practices’.  The latter underscores the Ministry’s dedication to preserving traditional healthcare practices and highlights the vital role of midwifery in enhancing community health and well-being.

Apart from the renovation of the National Arts Theatre, the minister plans a public sector-driven vehicle that will focus on infrastructure development, refurbishment of multiple museums in partnership with National Commission for Museums and Monuments, National Council for Arts and Culture as well as partnership with Mefa to build multiple smaller capacity venues across the country.

Through Destination 2030, FMACCE has promoted and positively repositioned the country’s brand with active participation in global cultural events including the Grammys, Cannes Film Festival, Paris Fashion Show, and the Venice Biennale, reflecting solid support for Nigeria’s artistic expression and its presentation to a worldwide audience. It has also partnered with the Louvre Abu Dhabi on the “Kings & Queens” of Africa exhibition, which will open in Jan 2025.

In a similar event in Lagos last year, the Minister pitched the $100 billion Creative Economy Growth Plan to Corporate Nigeria, including local and international investors. In addition, the Ministry’s plans for revenue generation through commercialization of National IP and private IP monetisation regimes highlight its forward-thinking approach while the establishment of a Cultural IP asset bank and the Creative Economy Development Fund will ensure creatives can access essential financing channels, turning cultural assets into sustainable revenue streams.

Significantly, Musawa has forged a partnership with AFREXIM, one of Africa’s largest financial institutions, and held a joint event with the bank on the side lines of the 79th session of UNGA to mutually promote investment in the African Creative Economy. In addition, FMACCE will partner with multiple Nigerian entrepreneurs to provide them with access to a global market through AFREXIM’s Canex WEND, the continent’s largest creative gathering. The Minister has been appointed to the board of AFREXIM’s Creative Africa Advisory Group in recognition of these efforts.

Hon. Hannatu Musawa, daughter of Musa Musawa, a renowned First and Second Republics’ radical politician, was born on November 1, 1974. Young Musawa obtained her first degree in Law from the University of Buckingham in the United Kingdom and two postgraduate Masters degrees in the Legal aspects of Marine Affairs from the University of Cardiff in Wales, and in Oil & Gas from the University of Aberdeen.

Musawa has had a varied and successful career in different fields. She worked as a lawyer in private companies, providing legal counsel and representation in various matters. She has also specialized in marine affairs and oil & gas law, demonstrating her competence in these challenging areas.

She served as Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Culture and Entertainment Economy before her ministerial appointment in 2023.  Before then, Musawa had been involved in Nigerian political affairs, including contesting for a seat in the House of Representatives and later serving as a member of the legal team in the 2003 presidential election petition involving Muhammadu Buhari and Olusegun Obasanjo.

Hon. Hanatu Musawa is selected as the Top 10 Magazine’s Female Public Service Game Changer of the Year 2024 in recognition of her outstanding performance and achievements as the Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism & Creative Economy which have greatly impacted the society during the year under review.

Amb. Hussaini Haruna Coomassie, International Peace Commission Ambassador in Nigeria
THE TOP10 MAGAZINE BEACON OF PEACE AND GLOBAL HARMONY

Ambassador Hussaini Coomassie, a diplomat, an advocate for social justice, immigration expert, human rights activist, security analyst, renowned politician, and public servant, is an international peace envoy of the first order. He has been involved in virtually every organization that seeks peace anywhere across the globe. He is the International Peace Commission (IPC) Ambassador in Nigeria and Global Vice Chairman, International Commission for Peace and Good Governance (Africa).

The letter appointing him as IPC Ambassador in Nigeria attests to Amb. Coomassie’s pedigree in global peace building credentials. The global chairman of the International Peace Commission (IPC), Prince Amir Hassan, who signed the letter in March 2023 at the IPC World Secretariat in the United States of America, said Doctor Coomassie brought a wealth of experience and expertise to his new role, having trained and worked extensively in the field of peace and conflict resolution.

As IPC Ambassador in Nigeria, Coomassie who is widely respected in Nigeria and beyond for his dedication and commitment to service in promoting peace and stability wherever he goes, is responsible for leading the IPC’s efforts in the country. He works closely with government officials, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders to promote peace, sustainable development, reconciliation, and conflict resolution. He is also responsible for strengthening the IPC’s partnerships and collaborations in Nigeria and across the West African sub-region.

Prince Hassan gave a clear testimonial on Amb Coomassie: “I am delighted to welcome Dr. Coomassie to the IPC family. His extensive experience and deep commitment to peace and stability make him an ideal choice to lead our mission in Nigeria. I have no doubt that under his leadership, the IPC will make significant progress towards our shared goal of promoting peace, prosperity, and security in the region.”

The IPC is a well-recognised global Civil Society Organisation with diplomatic status that strives to advance peace, reconciliation, and conflict resolution across the globe. The Commission works towards the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development adopted by the United Nations.

With a vast network of specialists and collaborators, the IPC endeavours to tackle some of the most pressing peace and security challenges facing the world today. It was established to uphold the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), which was adopted by the United Nations on December 10, 1948.

Amb. Coomassie is also currently the continental Director-General, Advocacy for Good Governance & Social Juustice (AGGSJ), with offices around the world. He is also the Global Vice Chairman (Africa), International Commission for Peace and Good Governance, Chairman, Leadership Scorecard Advisory Board, and Vice Chairman Musharak Esteem Nig. Ltd. He was the Deputy National Coordinator (North & Diaspora), Buhari Campaign Organization (North & Diaspora); Managing Director, Little Turkey Investment; Board Member, J.A.N Foundation UK; and Chairman BoT., Presidential Support Initiatives.

Born on August 8, 1962, in the ancient city of Kano state, Amb. Coomassie is a native of Kusada in Katsina State. He studied within and outside Nigeria and served the Nigeria Immigration Service between 1987-2010. He was appointed Ambassador for Peace, Social Justice and Humanitarian Service in 2014 and joined active politics in 2015. He is a member of the famous Canada Nigeria Community Development Association (CANCODA); and member, Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC).

He is also the Founder and Co-Founder of several associations, including, Nigeria 1st Progressive initiatives, Diaspora Stakeholders/Diaspora Parliament; Nigeria Turkey Business Round Table; and Association of Good Governance Network, Vienna-Austria etc.

In 2007, he was honoured by the Polish Border Guards with the Award of Recognition on Inter-Agency Relations, Warsaw-Poland; Turkish Defence Services Medal, 2013; President Erdogan Award of Excellence, 2016; Northern Nigeria Peace Builder of the year, 2015; Leadership Scorecard Youth Icon of the year, 2016; Who is Who Awards, Nigeria, 2019; Leaders without Borders Award UAE 2020; and many others.

Amb. Coomassie is among the selected personalities globally decorated with Fellow, Chartered Institute of Management and Leadership, USA, Fellow, Institute of Management Security UK, Fellow, Institute of Corporate Administration, Nigeria and Commander, Global Peace & Conflict Resolution, Canada. He was also shortlisted among 1000 Most Influential People in the world by the UN in 2021.

Amb. Hussaini Haruna Coomassie is honoured as the Top10 Magazine’s Beacon of Peace and Global Harmony 2024 in recognition of his outstanding accomplishments in peace-building across the globe.

Barrister Mrs. Veronica Ndanusa, Executive Director/CEO, Lagos International Trade Fair Complex
THE TOP10 MAGAZINE FEMALE TRANSFORMATIVE LEADER OF THE YEAR

For 14 years, the Lagos International Trade Fair failed to hold at the venue specially built for it – The Lagos International Trade Fair Complex, along Badagry Road, Lagos – for reasons not known or acceptable to many. But that unfortunate interregnum was brought to an end with the staging of Nigeria’s biggest trade exhibition at its traditional time and venue – November 2024 at the Trade Fair Complex – thanks to the leadership of Barrister Mrs. Veronica Safiya Ndanusa.

The return of the annual event to the Trade Fair Complex has received plaudits from Nigeria’s business and commercial community and commendation by the Nigerian government. It also represents one of the highpoints of Barrister Ndanusa’s accomplishments in her first year in office as the Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu appointed Mrs. Ndanusa as the Executive Director/CEO of the Trade Fair Complex on October 14, 2023, and charged her to drive the Renewed Hope Agenda mantra of his administration. Since then, Ndanusa has performed what, in the assessment of the occupants of the Complex, amounts to magic, surpassing expectations, turning around the blockages that had hampered activities at the Trade Fair Complex ground and growth in Nigeria’s commerce and investment. The Trade Fair business community were effusive with commendations for her during the commemoration her first year anniversary in office.

The Lagos International Trade Fair Complex Stakeholders Association highlighted her achievements, noting that Ndanusa’s tenure had seen the strengthening of policies that mitigated the growth of businesses in the Complex. They said her strides had led to the National Assembly legislators’ oversight function visit to see to the completion of critical infrastructure projects and enumerated her efforts to empower stakeholders by bringing back and recognising their importance in the Trade Fair community. The Executive Director was credited for forging strategic partnerships and collaborations with government agencies to enhance trade facilitation.

The Community also gave her kudos for infrastructural upgrades and boosting trade efficiency and competitiveness. A women leader, politician and key stakeholder at the Lagos International Trade Fair complex, Mrs. Catherine O. Adibuah, described her as a true African woman of substance who has come and performed very well in an office usually dominated by men.

She said: “I am very proud of you for your achievements especially in bringing sanity in building and property development and management in the complex.

“You came and began the clearing of drainages that have not been done since the beginning of the complex in 1977. You helped us restore electricity and with your help, the National Assembly has agreed to include the cost of reconstructing the 6-kilometre ring-road since 1977 in the 2025 national budget.”

The height of Barr. Ndanusa’s glory as the CEO of the Trade Fair Complex was the presidential commendation she received for returning the hosting of the Lagos International Trade Fair to the complex after 14 years of inactivity. The return of the trade fair, she said at the opening ceremony on November 15, 2024, “presents a platform where businesses, government agencies and investors can connect, collaborate, and find new avenues for growth. Our goal is to enhance Nigeria’s commercial landscape by showcasing the latest products, services, and technological advancements. Through this gathering, we aim to open doors for investments, job creation, and industry growth that will ultimately contribute to national prosperity.”

The Vice-President, Kashim Shettima, who was represented by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Regional Development Programmes, Dr. Mariam Masha, described the resumption of the fair as the dawn of a new era for Nigeria. He commended Barr. Ndanusa and her team for their efforts at ensuring the resumption of the fair in the complex.

He said: “I commend her visionary leadership and her dedicated team for bringing back this iconic event at such a pivotal moment in our nation’s history. Your efforts in reviving this platform are a testament to your commitment to driving economic growth and development in Nigeria and across the borders of Nigeria’s shores.” The Vice-President described the Fair as a powerful platform to showcase the resilience and innovation of the nation’s industries, saying, “It provides an opportunity to connect with global partners, explore new markets, and foster collaboration. I urge all participants to seize this moment to forge lasting relationships and drive economic growth.”

About 400 exhibitors had registered to participate at the fair. Mrs. Ndanusa attributed the relatively low turnout to the management’s inability to host fairs within the complex for nearly two decades.

“Lagos International Trade Fair Complex offers a unique advantage to industrialists and exhibitors due to its strategic location and excellent infrastructure, making it a hub of commercial activity,” she said. “The high traffic flow and diverse audience provide unparalleled opportunities for businesses to showcase their products and services, connect with potential customers, and expand their market reach. This trade fair serves as a gateway to the West African market, offering access to a vast consumer base in ECOWAS countries. It is a platform where businesses can explore new markets, forge partnerships, and drive economic growth across the region.”

One of the immediate positive fall-outs of the resumption of the International Trade Fair at its original venue is that the Complex would be used as the venue for the African Union MSME Forum of 2025. Nigeria was announced as the host for the event at the 2024 edition of the Forum held in Namibia a few months ago.

Barrister Ndanusa was born and raised in Minna, Niger State. A seasoned lawyer with over two decades of practice, she is the current secretary of the board of the Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) Forum. She has extensive experience in the operations of humanitarian services, entrepreneur skills development, and women empowerment programmes. She is the current President of the Nigerian Association of Women Entrepreneurs. (NAWE).

Mrs. Ndanusa has received many awards and recognitions for outstanding performance. She was conferred with the Award of National Productivity Order of Merit (NPOM), by the former President, Muhammadu Buhari. And, following the return of the annual trade exhibition to the Trade Fair Complex after 14 years of absence, the feat was recognized by the Leadtimes Africa Magazine with the Business Woman of the Year 2024 Award.

The investiture, which took place at an impressive ceremony held at the University of Lagos, Akoka, Lagos, attracted several top personalities. Presenting the award, the Leadtimes Africa Magazine, Advisory Board Chairman, Dr. Isaac Chukwudi, described Barrister Ndanusa as a focused entrepreneur, who had impacted positively on the lives of many Nigerians and contributed immensely to the socio-economic development of Nigeria.

Barrister Mrs. Veronica Ndanusa is selected as the Top 10 Magazine’s Female Transformative Leader of the Year 2024 in recognition of her outstanding performance and achievements as the Executive Director/CEO of the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex, which have greatly impacted the society during the year under review.

Dr. Vincent Isegbe, Director General/Comptroller-General, NAQS
THE TOP10 MAGAZINE PUBLIC OFFICIAL OF THE YEAR

When you give an opportunity to someone with vision, passion and preparation, there is hardly a limit to what he can achieve. Dr. Vincent Isegbe is a good example. Former President Muhammadu Buhari gave him the opportunity to serve as the pioneer Director-General/Comptroller-Geberal of the Nigerian Agricultural Quarantine Service (NAQS).

Isegbe was well prepared for the assignment, having trained as a veterinary doctor, worked for nearly a decade in the Federal Department of Livestock, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, where he rose to the position of Assistant Director before joining NAQS as a pioneer staff. He logged another decade of experience at NAQS before his appointment as its D-G/C-G in 2018.

He had a vision to build the institutional capacity of the Service to function at the level of excellence as one of the best national quarantine authorities in the world and to contribute to the redefinition of the agriculture sector as an engine of wealth creation through the optimization of Nigeria’s comparative advantage in key agro-commodities. Added to that, Dr. Isegbe has been passionate about expanding the frontiers of export market for Nigerian agricultural products. He is known for his commitment to the diversification of the economy.

These attributes formed the foundation for his soaring success at NAQS, the Federal Government agency established in 2018 to promote and regulate sanitary and phytosanitary measures with respect to the export and import of plants, veterinary and aquatic resources.

The mandate of the Service is to ensure the conformance of Nigerian agricultural products to international standards –particularly, the requirements of the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) and the International Office of Epizootics –and to stimulate international trade in Nigerian agricultural products.

For Dr Isegbe, there has been no looking back since his appointment as D-G/C-G, NAQS. He led the Service to implement several key projects that have contributed significantly towards improving both production and exportation of agricultural commodities in the last six years. For instance, the agency introduced Biopesticide and integrated pest management programmes, the review of Biopesticide laws and regulations and the training of stakeholders on proper usage of Biopesticides. He has developed the Export Certification Value Chain for 30 premium commodities that are highly priced at the international market.

Other innovations include the breeding/ranching programme for sustainable donkey hide export in which over 120 dealers on donkey ranching were trained; the process of development of animal disease-free areas and farms; the development and improvement of ornamental fish seedlings for export trade; analysis of Mycotoxins and heavy metals contaminants in animal products for export to enhance the confidence of trading partners and importing countries; and the BBTV control programme to support farmers in the control and management of Banana Bunchy Top Disease virus.

NAQS under Dr. Isegbe also embarked on awareness and sensitization campaign activities, including jingles in mainstream and new media, printing of posters/pamphlets in English, Pidgin and other local languages to further spread and enhance awareness and activities of the agency.

The agency embarked on Nationwide zero-reject advocacy to reduce the number of commodities being rejected at borders/states when exported; fruits and vegetable inspection and certification programme to enhance officers’ capacity for conformity assessment for export; establishment of SPS protocol for ECOWAS, EU, UK, US and Asian markets to enhance exportability of Nigerian agricultural commodities; awareness programme on the quarantine perspective of good agricultural practices; Army worm management and control programme in maize, sorghum, millet, etc; inspection, monitoring and certification of fish farms, facilities, water bodies, etc, to enhance the exportability of Nigerian aquatic products; and analysis of drug residues in animal products for export to enhance the confidence of trading partners and importing countries.

Projects executed in the area of construction, works and procurements include the architectural design of the proposed 4-storey NAQS Headquarters complex building, staff quarters, clinic, recreational facilities and demonstration farms.

The agency also equipped and renovated the Ibadan Training School conference hall with 100-seater state of-the-art auditorium and other facilities including the provision of 50KVA generators.

Other projects are the construction of two-storey laboratory building at Abuja and Lagos to facilitate the fulfillment of the agency’s mandate of inspection and certification; provision of Laboratory standards for Gas Chromatography at Ibadan Diagnostic Centre to enhance the research capabilities of the organization on methods to combat, control and prevent the spread of whitefly and other pests and disease incursions into Nigeria; office redesign and provision of sleek work stations and office equipment for efficient service delivery; and the construction of students hostels at the Ibadan Diagnostic Centre/Training School. These facilities were constructed to house officers of the quarantine service during training and other research functions.

Also executed were the construction of four units of one-bedroom building each at Idiroko, Calabar, Mfum and Imeko stations to provide office accommodation for quarantine operations at the various Control Posts; fencing of Illela, Lokoja, Maigatari, Makurdi and Idiroko Control Posts and construction of gate houses to further secure the assets of the agency; purchase of 24 Hilux vehicles and 10 Toyota Corolla vehicles for operational purposes at the zonal commands and headquarters; provision of equipment for linking NAQS with Nigeria Customs integrated information system to enhance trade facilitation activities and to support the ease of doing business programme of the government; provision of microchips for electronic identification of animals at ports and borders as well as the calibration instrumentation and training of officers.

Dr.  Isegbe also equipped NAQS laboratory in Lagos and trained laboratory personnel in pursuit of ISO 17025 certification; developed and equipped Veterinary Quarantine stations at Illela and Makurdi to ensure effective and efficient sanitary inspection of animal and animal products at the inter-state control posts; and renovated Green/Screen houses in Ibadan Diagnostic Centre to meet the modern day demands of scientific accuracy and research precision.

The NAQS DG also embarked on massive staff development, involving the training of quarantine officers on AfCFTA and other export trade policy matters at the Trade Policy Training Centre in Africa (TRAPCA), Arusha, Tanzania; training of officers on laboratory management procedures in UK; and the training and retraining of officers on global SPS standards in Geneva.

He also ensured that IPPC/OIC/CODEX Meetings/Trade facilitation trainings were carried out to promote trade facilitation activities with trading partners and organizations; officers were involved in Cochran Fellowship training in the USA; NAQS officers were sent to the trade promotion programme for developing countries in Beijing China; and officers were sponsored for scholarship in postgraduate programme in University of Tsukuba, Japan and Kangwon National University South Korea.

Other activities of NAQS under Dr. Isegbe’s leadership are: the migration of staff from federal civil service commission to the NAOS paramilitary structure; engendering of the first NAQS promotion/Rank adjustment of 27 mid-level to senior officers; brokering of Phytosanitary protocol with the Chinese government for the establishment of sorghum farms for the export of sorghum to China; and the signing of a work plan with Mexico, sealing a deal for the export of millions of dollars’ worth of hibiscus export to Mexico and the Americas.

NAQS, under Dr. Isegbe’s leadership, hosted the World Congress of Regional Plant Protection Officers in Nigeria at Sheraton Hotel and Towers, Abuja, in 2019. It was the first by a National Plant Protection Organization (NAQS) in Africa.

As the Chief Executive Officer of NAQS, Dr. Isegbe has been churning out policies and programmes that make the Service stand out in the comity of sister agencies and international counterparts. He surely knows how to dig out the hidden treasures in NAQS’ human and material resources in such a way that it remains the agency to beat. He introduced the Service’s Annual Summit and Management Retreat where issues aimed at seeking better ways for effective and efficient service delivery in the agricultural value chain are discussed. The fourth edition took place in 2023.

It is little wonder that NAQS has been carting home awards and receiving accolades from within and outside Nigeria. It won the “Most Innovative Government Agency” award, by BusinessDay Media Ltd, for several crop surveys, the conduct of Pest Risk Analysis, amongst others; won 2nd position award for Outstanding Contributions to Nigeria’s Agricultural sector by National Agriculture Foundation of Nigeria during the World Food Day 2019 Agric Show; won the PEBEC 2018 Award-Most Improved Agency, second position on Transparency and Efficiency; and was voted the Most Improved Agency in the 5TH PEBEC Award, April 2023.

Dr. Isegbe earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, in 1985 and his Master’s degree at the University of Maiduguri in 1994. He also obtained an MBA in International Agribusiness and Food Chain Management from Lead City University in 2020 and has also undergone several trainings and courses within Nigeria and overseas. He is currently awaiting the final defence of his Ph.D. in International Agribusiness and Food Chain Management at Lead City University.

Upon joining NAQS, Dr. Isegbe became the Head of Collaboration, Planning and Partnership division and subsequently, the Head of Animal Quarantine Department; a position which he held until he attained the position of the Coordinating Director in 2015. During his term as Coordinating Director, Dr. Isegbe conceived and launched the Export Improvement Initiative, a backward integration intervention designed to increase the volume of export in customary Nigerian agricultural commodities and emerging commodities such as sesame, soya bean, cinnamon, pigeon pea, sugar cane, honey and snail. As part of the Initiative, Nigeria exported 1,983 containers of hibiscus (zobo) flower to Mexico within the first nine months of 2017 and earned US$35 million as a result. Dr. Isegbe’s agro export drive led to the presentation of the NAQS Establishment Bill and the eventual assent by President Buhari on the 26th of January, 2018.

Dr. Isegbe is a member of the Nigeria Veterinary Medical Association. He once served as the Sectary General of the Yobe State chapter of the association. Dr. Isegbe once sat on the Board of Rubber Research Institute of Nigeria, Benin City. He had previously served as a member of the Board of Nigeria Environmental Standard Regulatory Enforcement Agency (NESREA) between 2015 and 2016.

The Director General has attended over 60 seminars, workshops and courses within and outside Nigeria. He is a perceptive thinker and an accomplished author. He has published several critically acclaimed articles in newspapers and papers in scientific journals on animal health, food safety and quarantine issues. He has written two books illuminating the complex and perplexing matters of rape and retirement titled Rape: The Horror, The Pains, The Management and Planning for Retirement in a Developing Economy, awaiting publication.

Dr. Vincent Isegbe’s selection as the Public Official of the Year is in recognition of his transformative leadership as exemplified by his remarkable record of accomplishments as the Director-General/Comptroller-Geberal of the Nigerian Agricultural Quarantine Service (NAQS).

Lola Andy, Founder/CEO, Deeute nsils
THE TOP10 MAGAZINE ABUJA FEMALE ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR

For Mrs. Lois Andrew (known as Lola Andy), the passion for culinary excellence was so strong that she had to quit a well-paying and secure civil service job for the business of helping others to build and equip their kitchens to taste.

She founded Deeutensils to provide high-quality kitchen utensils that meet global standards, transforming kitchens into modern, unique, and simple environments. In addition to its product offerings, the company provides training for private and government kitchen custodians on maintaining an ideal kitchen environment.

The risk Lola Andy took is paying off because the company has experienced substantial growth over the past 13 years, expanding to five branches in Abuja, Nigeria. It is renowned for its luxurious kitchenware, maintaining strict quality control mechanisms in collaboration with international partners. Through Deeutensils, Lola Andy has demonstrated that world-class kitchen utensils can be obtained locally, establishing a strong presence in the luxury kitchenware market.

Deeutensils is highly regarded by Nigerian celebrities and is celebrated as a leading luxury kitchen utensil provider in Nigeria. Deeutensils boasts of hundreds of thousands of followers globally, reflecting the brand’s extensive impact and popularity. The company’s success story highlights Lola Andy’s commitment to quality and customer satisfaction. Deeutensils is deeply involved in activities covering staff development and welfare, customer satisfaction, civic responsibilities and corporate social responsibility for different groups in the society.

On December 21, 2024, Mrs. Lola Andy launched DEE SCENT GLOBAL as a proud subsidiary of DEE UTENSILS, which promises to embody the same exceptional standards and commitment to quality.

The new outfit specializes in premium fragrances for homes, hotels, offices, cars, and restaurants, and will transform any space with captivating and luxurious scents.

With a dedicated team of five professionals, DEE SCENT GLOBAL takes pride in offering products that enhance the ambiance of any environment. The new outfit doors are open daily, ensuring an unparalleled experience for its valued customers.

Born on 7th November 1982, Lola Andy has a strong educational background that has significantly influenced her business acumen. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, a Diploma in Computer Science, and a Diploma in French. These diverse educational qualifications have equipped her with the skills necessary for modern business management that meets international standards.

Before venturing into entrepreneurship, Lola Andy spent over 11 years working with the Federal Ministry of Environment under the Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria. As an entrepreneur she has received numerous awards locally and internationally, recognizing her contributions to the kitchenware industry.

Mrs. Lola Andy has been selected as the Top 10 Magazine’s Abuja Female Entrepreneur of the Year 2024 in recognition her numerous accomplishments, expanding the frontiers of her company, Deeutensils, as a leading game changer in the luxury kitchenware market in Nigeria.

Dr. Dayo Israel, APC National Youth Leader
THE TOP10 MAGAZINE POLITICAL MOBILIZER OF THE YEAR

Nigeria’s 2023 general elections were a nervy episode in the country’s fragile democracy. The sitting President, elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), the opposition party that wrestled power in 2015 after the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)’s 16-year reign was serving out his last term in 2023. The choices before Nigerians were whether to continue with APC, revert to PDP or try out another party. The stakes were very high indeed and the campaigns frenetic.

The influence of Dr. Dayo Israel, the inspirational, dynamic and energetic APC National Youth Leader helped to shape that political choice. To be fair, APC’s victory in the elections cannot be ascribed solely to Dayo, but the role the 39-year-old played in mobilizing the five million-strong youth-wing of the party across the country was pivotal to APC’s success at the polls.

Since Dayo’s emergence as APC National Youth Leader, he has energized the youth base of the party through initiatives such as their e-Membership programme, the hosting of the Progressives Young Leaders Summit that brought together thousands of young people, and the launching of the Progressives Young Leaders Award. Dayo aggressively mobilized Nigerian youths for the victory of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu by establishing the 200,000-member APC National Youth Wing Campaign Council known as The Jagaban Movement, personally travelling to all of Nigeria’s 36 states to mobilize young voters; as well as pioneering the Operation Deliver Your Street Programme for BAT.

As part of his effort to promote youth participation in politics, Dayo secured 50% discount on nomination forms for young people contesting on the platform of the party, as well as campaigning for them. This was a first in the history of the party and it led to the election of 18 new members in the House of Representatives and one Senator under the age of 40. He has also pioneered various multi-sectoral training programmes for the youths of the party. He is a member of the party’s national working committee and a strong voice for the next generation on the decision-making table of Nigerian politics.

Dayo who was born in 1986 owes his political, organizational and leadership acumen to an early exposure to National and global leadership in action at the highest stage and a very sound educational background.  At 16 years, He was selected by the United Nations to represent all delegates to the UN General Assembly Special Session on Children on a special CNN Live Interview in 2002 and led the Nigerian Children delegation to the UN World Summit on Sustainable Development in Jo’burg 2002 and the World Water Forum in Japan 2003 among other global meetings. At 21, he was specially invited by Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh to a private reception at Buckingham palace as a result of his contribution to Africa Diaspora Development, and remains the only ever recipient of the Young PEWA (Person Earnestly Working for Africa) Award at the office of the Mayor of London. He was also invited by the Obama Administration to the White House President’s Forum for Young African Leaders in Washington DC.

He has met and addressed so many world, African and Nigerian leaders, including Dr. Nelson Mandela, former Nigerian Heads of State and Presidents – General Yakubu Gowon, Olusegun Obasanjo, Goodluck Jonathan; former British Prime Minister Sir John Major, President Roberto Cavaco of Portugal; Presidents Thabo Mbeki and Jacob Zuma of South Africa; amongst others.

Dayo is an Alumnus of the Harvard Business School, Cambridge Judge Business School, the Executive Development Programme of the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and a Duke University, USA, fellow, with a LLB in Law and Masters in International Relations from the London Metropolitan University.  Currently, Dayo is undergoing his Executive Doctorate in Business Administration (EDBA), with his research focusing on Increasing Nigeria’s Public Sector Productivity through Strategic Change Management, Organisational Culture Reform and Technological Innovation.

Dayo began his leadership odyssey as a Legislative Aide in the National Assembly of Nigeria, where he piloted various constituency development projects including youth exchange programmes in the UK, US and Canada. He later served as Country Director for GLEEHD Foundation where he helped drive trade and investment between Africa and the West (Europe and North America) through various activities including Trade Delegations, Business Roundtables, Investment Forums and Bilateral Meetings that gave birth to multimillion-dollar partnerships.

He returned to Nigeria’s public service through the Government of Lagos State where he served as a Permanent Board Member of the Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board, overseeing quality assurance of all public primary schools and continuous professional development of Public school teachers in Lagos State.

Dayo has received many National and global recognitions for his inspirational leadership. He was named one of the 100 Most Influential People of African Descent (under 40) as part of the 2017 celebration of the UN Decade for people of Africa Descent at the One UN Plaza in New York. Dayo is a member of the British Council Global Change Makers Network, Connecting Futures Programme and Fellow of the US State Department International Visitors Leadership Programme (IVLP) that has produced over 400 Heads of Government globally. A Henley Business School Young Leader, Dayo has twice been recognized in 2016 and 2017 as one of 50 UK’s brightest young leaders. He was also recognized as one of the top 25 Promising Nigerian Youths under 35 To Serve Nigeria in 2016 and as one of Africa’s top 30 most inspirational young people of 2013.

Dayo was at the United Nations in Geneva, COP 28 in Dubai; The Commonwealth Africa Summit in London and the Raisina Dialogue in India to promote youth inclusion in global affairs, earning him a standing ovation on the floor of the United Nations during the UN Permanent Forum for People of African Descent Switzerland.

In Nigeria, Dayo has been conferred with Traditional titles in over 7 states in recognition of his exemplary contributions to Youth Developed.

Dr. Dayo Israel is being honoured as the Top10 Magazine’s Political Mobilizer of the Year 2024 in recognition of his effective drive in mobilizing the youth wing of APC as a formidable campaign force behind the continuous electoral victories of APC since the last general elections.

HRH (Dr.) Halimat Adenike Tejuosho, Founder, QAT Foundation
THE TOP10 MAGASINE FEMALE HUMANITARIAN SERVICE ICON OF THE YEAR

Royal blood runs through the veins of Dr. Halimat Adenike Tejuosho just as the milk of human kindness fills her heart. The life of the wife of Oba Adedapo Adewale Tejuosho, the Osile of Oke Ona Egbaland, revolves around giving, developing, defending and caring for the poor and the less privileged. Philanthropy could well be a fitting middle name of the wife of the paramount ruler.

She is the Founder and CEO of Queen Adenike Tejuosho (QAT) Foundation through which she gives vent to her vaunting philanthropy, passion and compassion for the poor. QAT is a multicultural humanitarian foundation that is setting the pace in the field of humanitarian activities in Nigeria and making life livelier and more meaningful for the PWDs and other vulnerable groups in the country.

The Foundation has established a far-reaching presence in alleviating the struggles of Nigeria’s most disadvantaged. Her series of recent philanthropic efforts are testament to her deep-rooted commitment to supporting the less fortunate and tackling poverty at its core. For instance, to commemorate Nigeria’s 64th Independence Day celebration, Dr. Tejuosho spearheaded a digital empowerment initiative, distributing 30 smartphones to young Nigerians. This initiative aimed to enhance digital literacy and provide opportunities for youth to engage in the growing digital economy. In a country where unemployment remains a pressing issue, such efforts show her forward-thinking approach to addressing economic disparities by equipping the younger generation with tools for self-reliance and entrepreneurship.

Dr. Tejuosho’s unwavering commitment to the welfare of PLWDs has been a defining feature of her humanitarian journey. Recognizing the challenges faced by this demographic, she has awarded scholarships to individuals with disabilities, empowering them with education and the skills needed to thrive.

Her focus on inclusion is further underscored by her support for grassroots politicians such as Mr. Yahaya Lawan Dantatu, a politician living with disability. Hajiya Tejuosho purchased nomination form for Mr. Dantatu as part of her drive to ensure PLWDs are represented in political offices, showing her belief in inclusive leadership and governance.

Her commitment to the PLWD community has made her a respected figure among disability rights groups, who recognize her as a true champion of their cause. She does not just advocate for the poor and marginalized from a distance—she actively engages with them, making a tangible difference in their lives.

Beyond her immediate philanthropic projects, Halimat Tejuosho has a clear and comprehensive vision for poverty alleviation in Nigeria. Her approach involves tackling the root causes of poverty—lack of access to education, poor healthcare, and economic inequality—through targeted initiatives that empower individuals and communities.

Under her guidance, the QAT Foundation has run programs that emphasize skills acquisition, healthcare access, and entrepreneurial support,

Another major focus of the QAT Foundation is providing educational opportunities in form of scholarships and educational materials for out-of-school children and the vulnerable in Abuja.

By funding scholarships and educational programs, Halimat Tejuosho addresses one of the most critical issues facing Nigeria today—access to quality education. Her interventions have helped countless children return to school, laying the foundation for a better future for Nigeria’s youth.

Dr. Tejuosho’s exemplary work has not gone unnoticed. At some earlier this year various leaders and stakeholders rallied behind her advocacy for the position of Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation when the position became vacant.

In one such case, leaders of the Kano State chapter of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) representing PLWDs called for her appointment, praising her tireless efforts to advocate for the rights of vulnerable groups. This endorsement from a critical group within the ruling party highlights the deep trust and confidence placed in her leadership abilities by those who understand the needs of the marginalized.

Tejuosho’s leadership style is grounded in empathy, inclusivity, and action. She has consistently demonstrated her ability to bring together diverse stakeholders—community leaders, private sector partners, and government agencies—to deliver impactful results. Her leadership transcends mere rhetoric, as she takes practical steps to uplift those in need.

Her recent support for Mr. Yahaya Lawan Dantatu, a grassroots politician with a disability, showcases her belief in empowering others to lead. By ensuring representation for marginalized groups in politics, Dr. Tejuosho is fostering an inclusive political landscape where all Nigerians have a voice, regardless of their circumstances.

Thus, Dr. Hajiya Halimat Adenike Tejuosho has proven herself as a tireless advocate for the marginalized, a forward-thinking leader in the fight against poverty, and a compassionate humanitarian dedicated to making a difference in the lives of everyday Nigerians.

Her extensive work through the QAT Foundation demonstrates her ability to lead transformative change on a national scale.

Dr Tejuosho holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, a Master’s degree in Human Resources Management, and a Ph.D. in Peace and Conflict Management and Political Science. She possesses extensive knowledge and expertise across multiple fields. Her academic accomplishments reflect her commitment to continuous learning and personal growth

Dr. Tejuosho is not just about philanthropy and catering for the needs of the needy and vulnerable. She is a distinguished figure in both the business world. As the Managing Director/CEO of several companies, including Haleems Integrated Services Ltd., Haleems Construction Ltd., Haleems Royal Homes Ltd., Haleems Farms Ltd., Haleems Energy Ltd., and Haleems Agricultural Products Ltd., she demonstrates exceptional leadership and vision in the corporate world.

As a contractor with the Ecological Funds Office Committee and other multinational companies in Nigeria, Dr. Tejuosho plays a vital role in infrastructure development and project management. Additionally, she serves as the Chancellor of Espam Formation University in Cotonou, Republic of Benin, contributing to the advancement of education and the dissemination of knowledge.

HRH Dr. Halimat Adenike Tejuosho is honoured as the Top10 Magazine’s Female Humanitarian Service Icon of the Year 2024 in recognition of her numerous humanitarian accomplishments.

Ehi Ogbebor, CEO, Sayaveth Interiors & Hotels
THE TOP10 MAGAZINE FEMALE BUSINESS EXECUTIVE OF THE YEAR

Ehizogie Ogbebor enrolled in the university to read Microbiology with hopes of pursuing some science-based career. However, fate and her passion for interior decoration decided otherwise. Upon graduation, she was posted to an insurance company for her mandatory one-year National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) programme. She was so good at her work that she got employed by the company but the pull of her passion for interior decoration compelled her to quit after seven years to pursue her passion and a new career in interior decoration.

As founder and CEO of Sayaveth Interiors & Hotels, Ogbebor’s breakthrough came in 2012 when she got a contract to decorate and furnish a 4,000-square metre building with 11 living rooms owned by a Nigerian lawmaker in Imo State. She made a huge success of the project which took her a year to complete. Ehi’s commendable delivery of that job generated referrals that brought in more jobs from other clients, and, over a couple of years, she achieved immense success in her business and became one of the most successful young female interior decorators in Nigeria.

With the growth of her business, Ehi acquired her first showroom in Victoria Garden City, Lagos. She later bought a small house designed and furnished to serve as her mini showroom, which helped her gain more referrals.

Today, her brand, Sayaveth Interiors & Hotels, has grown exponentially to become one of Nigeria’s biggest interior decoration brands. Her clients are mostly Nigerian politicians, top government officials, and wealthy entrepreneurs. She has become a household name among the crème de la crème of the society.

In addition to passion, Ehi’s success was driven by innovation, determination and self-development. She read a lot about interior decor online because she felt it was very easy to educate oneself if there was passion and intelligence. After a while, she went for some courses in wall finishing, designing, etc. to perfect her skills. Armed with the determination to break the norm, Ehi decided not to do the regular furnishing seen in most parts of the country. Thus, her outfit, Sayaveth, was one of the few companies that pioneered finishing to furnishing approach to interior decoration in Nigeria. Now, the company has partners abroad that it works with; it specifies what it wants and the foreign partners produce it. However, it produces 100 percent locally commercial furnishing jobs like hotels, restaurants, clubs, saloons, etc.

Ehi decided to go into hotels business for two reasons. “I just needed to go into it because some clients usually ask to see spaces we’ve beautified and taking them into people’s private properties seemed inappropriate. Sometimes too, they are in need of places to lodge when they come to Lagos to see us. That inspired the decision to venture into the hospitality industry in 2016,” she explained.

Despite the typical challenges of running a business in Nigeria, such as escalating exchange rate and cost of goods and services, Ehi remains resilient, holding the firm belief that “nothing is a barrier” for her.

Ehi’s success was driven by a combination of passion, innovation, determination and self-development. She read a lot about interior decor online because she felt it was very easy to educate oneself if there was passion and intelligence. After a while, she went for some courses in wall finishing, designing, etc. to perfect her skills. Armed with the determination to break the norm, Ehi decided not to do the regular furnishing seen in most parts of the country. Thus, her outfit, Sayaveth, was one of the few companies that pioneered finishing to furnishing approach to interior decoration in Nigeria. Now, the company has partners abroad that it works with; it specifies what it wants and the foreign partners produce it. However, it produces 100 percent locally commercial furnishing jobs like hotels, restaurants, clubs, saloons, etc.

Ehi decided to go into hotels business for two reasons. “I just needed to go into it because some clients usually ask to see spaces we’ve beautified and taking them into people’s private properties seemed inappropriate. Sometimes too, they are in need of places to lodge when they come to Lagos to see us. That inspired the decision to venture into the hospitality industry in 2016,” she explained.

Despite the typical challenges of running a business in Nigeria, such as escalating exchange rate and cost of goods and services, Ehi remains resilient, holding the firm belief that “nothing is a barrier” for her.

Born and raised in Benin, the capital of Edo State, Ehi, as she is called for short, had her primary and secondary education in Benin City before moving to Ambrose Ali University, Ekpoma, where she earned a degree in Microbiology. Ehi discovered she had a passion for interior decoration while still in school.

Ehizogie Ogbebor has been selected as the Top 10 Magazine’s Female Business Executive of the Year 2024 in recognition of her accomplishments in expanding the frontiers of Sayaveth Interiors & Hotels as leading game changers in their respective industries.

Dr. Mrs. Temitope Mayegun, Chief Executive Officer, Avila Group
THE TOP10 MAGAZINE FEMALE INDUSTRIAL LEADER OF THE YEAR

Dr. Mrs. Temitope Mayegun built her successful entrepreneurship on the foundation of determination and divine guidance. She had no flair for business and wasn’t interested in it either, but, according to her, God told her to quit her job as an investment banker and stock broker to go into an area she knew nothing about – manufacturing. When she decided to take a plunge, she lacked the capital to fund it, but with determination and providence she was able to overcome that handicap. And, once she started, God was at work again, directing her on every new product she has added to the company’s stable.

Today, Mrs. Mayegun is the proud Chief Executive Officer of Avila Group, a leading manufacturer of natural body care and household brands in Africa. With a diverse product portfolio spread across four divisions including Skincare, Foods & Supplements, Water & Drinks, and Fashion, she promotes holistic wellness and lifestyle. 

Dr. Mayegun started Avila Naturalle in 2017 in a mini-flat with three staff; today it has grown to become the largest manufacturer of organic and skincare and beauty products, rubbing shoulders with the best in the world, with over 200 employees. From a very humble beginning, Avila Naturalle has grown to a size and capacity that enable it to place Nigeria on the world map of top skincare and beauty products manufacturing countries. From a one-product and one-division company at the time it started, the company has grown into a conglomerate with four divisions manufacturing over 400 products in skincare and beauty, food, water and drinks, as well as fashion.

Under the leadership of Temitope Mayegun, the Avila Naturalle business has experienced remarkable growth, spreading its reach and value across Africa, North America, the United Kingdom and Europe. Avila currently has over 2000 distributors in different categories, through which it has empowered thousands of individuals, mostly women who now own their steady income-generating ventures

In the West Africa, Avila has an established market in Accra, Ghana, through which it spreads to other West African countries like the Republic of Benin, Togo, etc.  The company is also registered in Kenya and has commenced the registration process in Rwanda, through which it is spreading its footprint to other East African markets like Uganda, Tanzania, DR Congo, etc.

Avila has a presence in the USA through a registered distributor, who provides the distribution service to its customers across the US market. The company also has a presence in the United Kingdom through its registered distributor, who provides the distribution service to customers in this market. 

Through her innovative business model, Dr. Mayegun has created a scalable and inclusive opportunity for entrepreneurs to start with as little as $50 and grow their businesses to remarkable feats. Through this venture, 20% of the beneficiaries have achieved over $10,000 in worth, 50% have reached $5,000 and others have attained $2,500.

She has impacted the lives of 10,000,000 individuals in Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Benin Republic, Togo, Burkina Faso, Tanzania, DR Congo, Rwanda, the United States of America, United Kingdom, Canada and some parts of Europe, providing 100% natural solutions to their skin issues. She has trained over 2,400 distributors, many of whom have achieved significant business growth.

The Avila founder/CEO has supported entrepreneurs living with disabilities, providing them with training and empowerment to harness their potential, and sponsored women’s football tournaments, promoting gender equality in sports, and successfully launching the careers of two young players into the Nigerian junior national team.

Dr. Mayegun has led the annual BE-YOU-TIFUL campaign against skin bleaching, reaching out to over 50,000 secondary school students, enlightening them, distributing products and promoting natural skincare.  She has also funded medical surgeries for women in need; also partnered with the Hope Builder Foundation to create value for individuals with disabilities. She served as an ambassador for the Senior Citizens of Nigeria, promoting mental health and well-being among the elderly, and providing free health and wellness products.

Her other societal impact and value-added activities include participation in community outreaches with Abraham Seeds Medical Outreach, offering free medical services and drugs to rural communities; and providing scholarships to 25 students in rural communities, supporting vulnerable families and empowering the next generation of leaders.

A holder of a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from the University of Lagos, she also has an MBA from the Eaton Business School. She attended the Harvard Business School where she undertook an Executive Leadership Course in ‘Leading Different and High-Performance Team’. She is also an alumnus of the Lagos Business School.

Dr. Mayegun has received many awards and recognitions including, Fellow, Chartered Administrators and Researchers of Nigeria (2024) – Institute of Leadership and Manpower, United Kingdom (2024) – UN Eminent Ambassador Award (2024). She is a recipient of two Honorary Doctorate degrees and other awards. Avila Naturalle and its products have also cartted home several awards in the last five years.

Dr. Mrs. Temitope Mayegun was selected as the Top10 Magazine’s Female Industrialist of the year in recognition of her numerous achievements as one of the emerging female leading lights driving the Nigerian industrial sector.

Adetokunbo Ajibola, Chief Executive Officer, Berkeley Data Strategists
THE TOP10 MAGAZINE DIASPORA NIGERIAN BUSINESS ICON OF THE YEAR

As the Fourth Industrial Revolution that is driven by information communication technology (ICT) gathers speed, with data management and governance playing a significant role, one Nigerian who is making a bold statement on his readiness to be in the fore front of the revolution is Adetokunbo Ajibola. As Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Ajbola oversees the strategic direction of Berkeley Data Strategists, Nigeria’s foremost data management organization that is driving innovation across Africa and other parts of the world in data governance and data management practices.  He has, in doing this, placed the country prominently on the global data governance map.

With more than 23 years’ experience in data management and data governance, Ajibola has carved a niche for himself in the area of design and implementation of comprehensive framework for data governance, with specialty in the establishment of governance structures and definition of data policies, which have succeeded in enthroning a culture of data stewardship and accountability in organizations in different sectors.

Over the years, he has established himself as a thoroughbred professional whose keen understanding of the management of data life cycle has enabled him to achieve excellence in the implementation of effective data management practices that guarantee data integrity, availability and accessibility. This is what has helped him in attaining proficiency in data modelling, data architecture design, data integrity and data quality management.

Ajibola’s foray into the complex world of data management began more than two decades ago as a data consultant. It did not take long for him to begin the rapid rise through the ranks, announcing himself quickly as someone with uncommon dedication and expertise in his chosen field. It was no surprise that within a short period, he had held such high profile positions as Data Governance Manager, Director of Data Management and Chief Data Officer in leading organizations within the industry.

Since assuming leadership of Berkeley Data Strategists about six years ago, Ajibola has led the transformation of the data management landscape in different industries and sectors. He is credited with driving large-scale data transformation projects that have had profound impact in those industries in which he has left his imprint, with clearly defined and well established optimization of the data process. His deep knowledge of data governance lies in his uncanny ability to leverage data to drive strategic decisions on complex business challenges – something for which Berkeley Data Strategists has become well known. It is the reason the company has become the first point of reference in the industry, within and outside Nigeria.

“Our mission is to empower businesses through effective data management”, Ajibola said in a recent interview. “We believe that well-governed data is the cornerstone of innovation and growth.”

With leadership that embodies expertise, commitment and mentoring ability, Ajibola has become a global player, recognized across continents as an influential figure in data management. He has used the instrumentality of his organization, Berkeley Data Strategists, to drive innovation and excellence in data governance, and also raised and empowered a new generation of data management professionals around the world. He has made a name for himself as an expert that inspires and motivates aspiring data professionals, while contributing to the enhancement of their growth and development in the industry.

Ajibola’s leadership role and ability to impart knowledge in his area of expertise has seen him mentor more than 2,000 individuals across Africa, Europe, the Americas and Asia into becoming data management and data governance professionals, under the auspices of the Data Management Association (DAMA) where he is registered. This exceptional performance won for him an international acclaim, with the Outstanding Leadership Award at the CXO Conference in Dubai.

Ajibola, CDMP, DCAM, CDMC, holds a Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering and Fuel Technology, as well as a Master’s degree in Engineering Process safety and Loss Prevention. He has received professional training in various institutions within and outside Nigeria, which has aided his development and expertise in data management and data governance.

Mr Adetokunbo Ajibola is being honoured with the Top10 Magazine’s Diaspora Nigerian Business Icon of the Year Award in recognition of his remarkable record of accomplishments as the Chief Executive Officer, Berkeley Data Strategists.

Nfor Bright Bungansa, Bright Grillzz Global
THE TOP10 MAGAZINE CELEBRITY CHEF OF THE YEAR

It is often said that opportunity could spring out of adversity, depending on how you respond when it strikes. The story of Mfor Bright Bungansa is a vivid illustration. His father died when he was a young boy and had to drop out of school. But instead of folding his arms and bemoan his fate, he embraced his childhood passion: animal grilling.

Today, the Abuja-based Cameroonian grill chef not only titilates the palate of the rich and celebrities across Africa, his culinary art has made him a celebrity in his own right. Well-known celebrities seek Bright’s services; he rubs shoulders with the high and mighty; acts and dreams big like them. You may call him Celebrity Chef, Super Chef, Executive Chef, International Chef – all would be fitting. And he attained that height on the wings of adversity.

Bright’s childhood dream was to become a medical doctor but the painful loss of his father at an early age put paid that. He had to make do with the high school education he had acquired in North Western Cameroon. He returned to animal grilling. “Growing up, I have always had a passion for grilling,” he recalled in an interview. “I used to grill for friends at parties or other ceremonies, not even knowing that I could make money from it.” Then a friend told him that he could make money out of his hobby if he relocated to a city. Young Bright took his friend’s counsel and moved to the city of Douala where he perfected the art of preparing barbecue and events planning and other ancillary services. He upgraded his skills and worked for others to raise money to set up his own small grill business back then in Cameroon. By 2006, Bright was established as one of the best hands in grill business in Douala.

He turned down many offers from Nigerians living in Douala to cross over to Nigeria as he stood to make more money in his chosen business. Then, one day, Bright met Obi Cubana, the celebrity Nigerian businessman and philanthropist, in Cape Town, South Africa, who was a guest at an event where the chef was contracted to provide grilling services. That chance meeting made all the difference. They discussed business with Cubana promising to open a place in Nigeria where Bright would manage the grilling section. The chef relocated to Nigeria 12 years ago.

While with Cubana in Abuja, Bright participated in the construction of the building housing Ibiza in Mararaba, near Abuja, trained their staff on grilling and, after some time, left Ibiza to join Caramello Lounge in Utako. It was from Caramello that Bright decided to be his own boss. He set up Bright Grillzz Global.

Bright grills any animal, ranging from different types of fish to any exotic animal. ”I grill any kind of animal apart from humans. I grill exotic animals like ostrich, crocodile, anything. Even lion, I’ll grill.” The one animal many would find intriguing and awesome is cow – yes, cow; Bright grills a whole cow!

Bright’s client base and service offerings cut across all segments of the society and sizes of social events. Bright and his team have catered for social events of almost any magnitude. Two of such events stick out in his memory: a burial ceremony in Anambra state and the Ochacho carnival in Benue State. He said the two events were tasking as he strived to feed a combined population of more than 8,000 people. The biggest of his career was the one in Anambra where he was restricted to the VIP section while other people took care of the rest of the crowd. “They bought all the animals and everything. I was paid a huge sum of money for my services. We were grilling 24 hours for three days.” The second event was the Ochacho carnival in Benue State which lasted for one week. “It was very big because I grilled for 5,000 people. I am proud to say I am the first ever in Nigeria. Bright jokingly added that he deserves a place in the Guinness World Record!

Bright admitted that at times he can be selective in functions he accepts to showcase his trade at. People invite him a lot, but when he reckons the payment is not worth his while, he would politely turn it down. This has given rise to the widely-held notion that he caters for the rich and the upper class only. He explains: “Sometimes, if we say that we do not grill for the poor, it sounds like we are not humble. But the honest truth is that even if you do good food, the poor man will not afford it. For instance, most Nigerians prefer to eat catfish, croaker, and tilapia. But the big boys will always go for fish like salmon. It is very expensive and it’s not found around here. So it is the food that makes the difference.” Bright travels across the country – Lagos, Port Harcourt, Calabar, Anambra, etc – and internationally, to deliver his culinary services.

Like the big boy he is, Bright is thinking big for both his company and the grilling business worldwide. To consolidate on its market share, Bright is intensifying efforts to move into his corporate headquarters sometime soon. He said that having a space exclusive to Bright Grillzz Global will offer him the opportunity to own both the grill and the bar as well as other additional services he can render to his clients. He regretted that as at the moment, he does not have the “opportunity to make use of the bar. And I bring the crowd coming to this place.”

Bright will soon introduce his exclusive spices and sauces into the Nigerian market. “I want to expand my business, very soon, I will be selling my own spice and sauce in tin that one can go to any supermarket and get them.” And for the industry, he does not hide his plans to float a culinary school where he will train the next generation of chefs. “I have all the plans and everything, but I’m still waiting for a good time to generate funds and prove to the world the talent God has given me.” In the interim, he is engaged in online training school for people across the world – America, Canada, Germany, London and other farflung parts of the world.

The grill Chef-in-Chief remains grateful to Nigeria for the opportunities he was given to blossom. “I want to appreciate the country Nigeria and Nigerians. I came to Nigeria. They accepted me as their own. They patronize me, and they promote me. If you check all my staff, I don’t have any Cameroonian among them. So I appreciate them so much, I love them, and I thank them for patronizing us always.” He plans to establish a foundation through which to give back to society that has been so kind to him. Until then, he’s quietly supporting deserving individuals or causes financially, directly or through fundraising on his social platforms.

Like fellow celebrities, the celebrity chef occasionally comes under pressure from those, especially his female clients, who are desperate to date him. When that happens, Bright’s business instinct pops up with a wedge. “I relate with you very normally. All I want is my money. When you pay me for my food, I go my way.” The good news, however, is that he is now engaged to his heartthrob and celebrity wedding bells will ring any time this year.

Mfor Bright Bungansa is being honoured by The Top10 magazine as the Celebrity Chef of the Year 2024 in recognition of the innovative value addition he has brought into the grilling business in Nigeria.

Amadiebube Mbama, President, Mbama & Associates LLC (LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD)
THE TOP10 MAGAZINE DIASPORA PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR

Mr. Amadiebube Mbama must be a very fulfilled man, professionally. As a leading accountant, anti-money laundering and conter terrorism financing expert, he has accomplished so much in different roles over the years in the US and for his people in the diaspora and back home in Nigeria.

Mbama who is the President, MBAMA & Associates LLC, a Georgia, US-based firm of financial consultants, was a former online faculty member of Accounting and Finance classes at the University of Phoenix. He was a Supervisor with the Department of Financial Institutions, State of California.  He has a BS in Accounting and MBA in Finance & Banking both from the University of San Francisco, California. He is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, a Chartered Global Management Accountant, and a Certified Financial Forensics, a Certified Public Accountant.

He helped to develop training and also train money transmitter regulators association examiners (MTRA). MTRA is an arm of various state banking department/financial institutions regulatory agencies that specialize in transmitters of money abroad, payment instruments issuers and travelers check issuers. He is an anti-money laundering consultant for many financial institutions in the U.S.

He was a former Financial Institutions Supervisor. As a Financial Institutions Supervisor, he was responsible for the senior, mid and entry level Financial Institutions Examiners.  He assisted in planning, organizing, and implementing the examination programme and regulatory oversight for a group of licensees.  Prior to being promoted to this supervisory position, he was a Senior Financial Institutions Examiner with the Department of Financial Institutions, State of California. As a senior examiner, he was appointed by the Commissioner of Financial Institutions to the Internet Task Force and Special Licensees Task force.

Mr. Amadiebube was also one of the point persons during the Y2K conversion. In December 2002, he was awarded a rare State of California Superior Accomplishment Award and in the same month, he was awarded a Team Player of the Year Award by the Department of Financial Institutions for exhibiting a positive attitude, inspiring others to excel, and his contributions that continuously exceed expectations.   Prior to joining the Department of Financial Institutions, Amadiebube was Savings and Loan Examiner for the State of California and was involved in examining troubled Savings and Loans during the Savings and Loan crises.

An active member of his community, Mr. Amadiebube is currently the Coordinator of the Global Igbo Leaders of the various Igbo organizations. He was the past Chairman of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) USA District Society, a former Chairman of the Board of Trustees and a current member of the Board of Trustees. He is the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Atlanta Igbo School. He was a former President of the Nigerian American Chamber of Commerce. He was a former Diaspora representative for Southeast Nigeria Economic Commission (SENEC). He was a former President of the Council of Igbo States in the Americas and current Vice Chairman of the Board.

He was one of the 54-member committee appointed to develop a blueprint to develop the Igboland. In 2004 and 2005, he was the former President of the Parish Council of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in El Cerrito, California, and prior to that, he served as a member of the Finance Committee of the parish for seven years.

Mr. Amadiebube is being conferred with the Top10 Magazine’s Nigerian Diaspora Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his expertise and professional accomplishments in Accountancy, Anti-money laundering and counter terrorism financing.

Olubunmi Oluwaseun Kuku, Managing Director, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN)
THE TOP10 MAGAZINE FEMALE PUBLIC OFFICIAL OF THE YEAR

The appointment of Olubunmi Kuku as the Managing Director and Chief Executive of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) initially caused apprehension in some aviation quarters. Some stakeholders didn’t know what to expect from her, largely on account of being the first woman to take up the reins at the helm of an organization historically dominated by men. But in less than a year of her assumption of office, any misgivings about Kuku’s capacity to deliver on her mandate and expectations have been melted away by her sterlar performance. She has seen to remarkable improvements of infrastructure at some of the nation’s federal airports and massive training of the personnel within just about 11 months of becoming FAAN’s Managing Director.

The impetus the new boss needed for the renewal and rehabilitation of the country’s major airports was provided by her desire to, as quickly as possible, get the international airports prepared for International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) certification. Created in 1944 by the Chicago Convention, ICAO is the body that promotes the safe and orderly development of civil aviation around the world. It sets standards and regulations for aviation safety, security, efficiency and regularity as well as for aviation environmental protection.

While Abuja and Enugu airports have been certified by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Port Harcourt, Enugu and Kano airports are getting ready for certification, which NCAA approves in accordance with ICAO regulation. The recertification of the two airports which had lagged for more than four years, has put Nigeria back on the global aviation map. The FAAN boss is working to provide critical facilities and manpower development in technical areas to meet the regulatory conditions of ICAO for the recertification of Nigeria’s remaining international airports. She is also looking at the upgrade of the status of the airports to higher category. This requires putting in place certain infrastructure that is necessary for that categorization and qualification.

Earlier, within one week in office, the new Managing Director signed the ICAO safety protocol which was followed by the training of about 1400 staff for 2000-man hours in the areas of safety for both staff and stakeholders.

These are no mean feats considering that the Managing Director sits over all the 27 federal airports in Nigeria whose funding comes from barely two or three airports. Aviation experts say it requires a lot of multi-tasking to be able to put that together and run such a massive system that is driven by over 10,000 staff of the authority.

Kuku’s outstanding performance in such a short time has been acknowledged by aviation industry followers. Yakubu Dati, former Commissioner for Information, Plateau State, and erstwhile General Manager, Public Affairs, FAAN, has for instance, commended Kuku. He pointed out that the first woman to head the agency has shown unusual competence and inimitable efficiency. Dati said: “I must say that for the first time we are having a lady as the managing director and chief executive. So, within such a short time, in fact just barely 11 months, she has been able to get this in the kitty, the recertification of two airports which was not done for more than four years ago, thus putting Nigeria on the global aviation map.” FAAN received two awards at the Airport Council International (ACI) conference in South Africa in the last quarter of 2024. And by that recognition Kuku was also made a board chairman of Africa region of the Airport Council International. “So, all these are achievements within such a short time for somebody who is coming into a male-dominated industry, Dati said. He added that her training in finance, and also not being a novice in the aviation sector, had assisted so much because she came with a focus, with a direction. According to him, Kuku’s achievements had confirmed the fact that women can sometimes do it better and tasked Nigeria to take the affirmative action more seriously.

Olubunmi Oluwaseun Kuku has had a remarkable career that spans over two decades. Her academic foundation is as impressive as her professional journey. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Finance from the prestigious University of Illinois in 2000 and proceeded to obtain an MBA in International Finance & Strategic Management from DePaul University’s Kellstadt Graduate School of Business in 2004. These academic achievements laid the groundwork for a career marked by strategic insight and innovative thinking.

Kuku honed her skills in various high-impact roles. Her tenure as Vice President and Head of Visa Consulting & Analytics for Sub-Saharan Africa at Visa saw her drive significant growth and development in the region. She also brought her expertise to Ernst & Young (EY) as a Partner in Business Consulting, showcasing her ability to navigate and transform complex business environments. She also had a stint as a General Manager at the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) where she was in charge of Business Development & Investment.

She has played a pivotal role in driving transformative growth, notably in her advisory capacity for Strategy & Infrastructure Development at NAMA. Her hands-on involvement with a Minister of Aviation and as General Manager for Business Development at NAMA underscored her deep commitment to the aviation sector.

Kuku collaborated and engaged with prestigious development and multilateral agencies including the World Bank, African Development Bank (AFDB), Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), International Finance Corporation (IFC), and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). These collaborations highlight her ability to work at the intersection of international development and strategic economic planning.

The FAAN MD’s professional affiliations and certifications further underscore her commitment to excellence. Her participation in the Executive Leadership Program, IGNITE, at INSEAD Business School/Visa in 2023, her status as a Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Business Development since 2014, her membership in the National Institute of Marketing Nigeria since 2016, and her Executive Education at Harvard Business School in 2004, all speak volumes of her continuous pursuit of professional development and excellence.

Appointed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2023, Kuku’s ascent to the top echelons of FAAN was not just a career milestone but also a significant moment in Nigerian aviation history.

Olubunmi Oluwaseun Kuku is being honoured by the Top10 Magazine as the Female Public Official of the Year 2024 for her outstanding achievements recorded within the short period of her appointment as the Managing Director of FAAN.

Ifeoluwa Onifade, Founder, Aviator Scholars
THE TOP10 MAGAZINE MOST IMPACTFUL AVIATION PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR

Ifeoluwa Onifade, founder, Aviator Scholars is a young professional making a unique contribution to the development of the Nigerian aviation industry in the area of human capacity development.

She is a distinguished leader in the aviation industry, whose contributions have reshaped the landscape of aviation training, flight operations, and travel consulting. With over 15 years of expertise, she has demonstrated unparalleled dedication to fostering excellence and creating opportunities for aspiring aviation professionals. 

Her journey began at the age of 14, when she earned her first certification in air ticketing and reservation, marking the start of a career defined by passion and tenacity. She later obtained a Bachelor of Science in Mass Communication from Lagos State University, followed by a Master’s degree in Airline and Travel Management and another in Mass Communication, solidifying her expertise at the intersection of aviation and education. 

A licensed Flight Dispatcher, Ground Instructor, and Remote Pilot from the United States, Ifeoluwa has trained and mentored countless aviation professionals worldwide, leaving an indelible mark on the industry. Her influence extends beyond training—she is the founder and convener of Aviator Scholars, a groundbreaking scholarship initiative dedicated to empowering individuals who face financial barriers in pursuing aviation careers. 

Through this initiative, she has already provided full and partial scholarships to aspiring aviators, and in the first quarter of 2025, she is set to make an even greater impact. Currently, Ifeoluwa is preparing to award scholarships to 70 individuals in the aviation industry, offering them the opportunity to study at the Universal School of Aviation in Lagos or Abuja, with winners set to be announced on March 10, 2025. This monumental effort underscores her unwavering commitment to breaking barriers and shaping the future of aviation. 

Widely recognized as “The Queen of the Skies,” Ifeoluwa’s mission aligns seamlessly with the Aviator Scholars’ motto—”Making the Skies More Accessible to Everyone.” Through her relentless efforts, she continues to open doors, remove obstacles, and create opportunities for aspiring aviators, ensuring that the sky is no longer a privilege for a few, but a pathway for all who dare to dream.  

As an assistant lecturer, industry mentor, and advocate for aviation education, Ifeoluwa Onifade continues to inspire, empower, and transform lives. Her legacy is one of excellence, resilience, and boundless generosity, ensuring that the next generation of aviation professionals can soar without limits.

In recognition of her unique value addition to the human capacity development in the Nigerian aviation sector, Ifeoluwa Onifade is being honoured with the award of “Most impactful female aviation personality of the year”.

Dr. Sandra Nkechi Uzodimma, Founder, Mom of Boys Nigeria
THE TOP10 MAGAZINE MOTHERHOOD SUPPORT AND WOMEN EMPOWERMENT ICON OF THE YEAR

As a mother herself, Dr. Sandra Nkechi Uzodimma had first-hand experience of the challenges that women face during pregnancy and postpartum, especially postpartum depression. This made her recognize the need for more support and resources for women during this critical time. Armed with this experience, knowledge and her expertise in strategic communications, public relations and stakeholder management, she decided to intervene with two practical steps – she wrote a book and founded a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) – to intervene in maternal health care and well-being in Nigeria.

Today, Dr. Uzodimma is one of Nigeria’s leading lights in the design and implementation of initiatives that provide education, advocacy, and support for maternal health and postpartum depression. The programmes focus on ensuring that every mother has access to quality maternal healthcare and support services, regardless of their socioeconomic status. Her book, Postpartum and Beyond, for instance, provides a vivid first-hand account and expert advice on the struggles and difficulties mothers face through their maternal health and how best to mitigate it. The NGO, Mom of Boys Nigeria, is a maternal health initiative for mothers, dedicated to supporting, loving, and catering to mothers. It helps mothers navigate the complexities of motherhood while reinforcing positive parenting. Through its maternal health initiatives, the foundation curates programmes aimed at alleviating the burdens associated with motherhood and ensuring maternal health.

Mom of Boys prioritizes the healthcare and well-being of all mothers, striving to provide compassionate, empathetic, culturally sensitive, and holistic care. Part of its vision includes offering support to new mothers where needed, aiding the government in creating a healthcare framework that prioritizes maternal health, and lending a supportive voice to address maternal health issues.

The organization’s goal is to build a community of mothers to provide physical, mental, and emotional support. It also seeks to educate and enlighten expectant mothers on the realities of motherhood and offer guidance on positive parenting.

Mom of Boys focuses on providing education, advocacy, and support for maternal health and postpartum depression. It’s Maternal Health Outreach Programme is dedicated to educating and empowering the future generation about the critical importance of maternal health. The programme emphasizes that healthy mothers lead to healthier families and, by extension, a healthier community. Mom of Boys has continually focused on sensitizing and engaging mothers and the community about maternal health in Nigeria. It provides education and basic support for women in different communities.

As part of its outreach efforts, the organization visited Government Secondary School, Dutse, to sensitize, empower, and educate young girls about the significance of maternal health care. The organization used the visit to share its vision and belief that all girls and women deserve better to improve maternal health outcomes.

Mom of Boys teaches mothers the importance of community development: why they must partake, and the benefits of building a safe and effective community to support mothers during their maternal health journey.

The organization also distributed maternal health kits for Mothers in Collaboration with Vowe Foundation and Geranuel PCOS Foundation at Gwarimpa General Hospital, Abuja where it sensitized and engaged mothers on the importance of maternal health and provided maternal health kits to nursing mothers to aid their transition to postpartum.

The organization was part of the commissioning of the first round of the 2023 Maternal Newborn Child Health Week (MNCHW) and the implementation of the Community Health Influencers and Promoters Services (CHIPS) programme in Imo State on May 22, 2023. The initiative, supported by the Federal Government, the Imo State Government, UNICEF, Vitamin Angels, Ugo’s Touch of Life Foundation (U-TOLF), and other partners, aims to ensure that every child, pregnant, and breastfeeding mother receives adequate care.

The CHIPS initiative was developed to enhance the ability of village workers (VHW) and provide health services at residents’ doorsteps in the state, with continuous progress being made to improve mother-and-child health care.

The Mom of Boys founder is a communications strategist with a wealth of experience in public relations and stakeholder management. She has worked with various organizations in both the public and private sectors, where she has developed and executed successful communication strategies to achieve organizational goals. She is an active member of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, with an active masters degree in view from the Ahmadu bello University as well as a Honorary doctorate degree in philosophy of humanities from Prowess University in Delaware United States.

Dr. Sandra Nkechi Uzodimma is being honoured as the Top10 Magazine’s Motherhood Support and Women Empowerment Icon of the Year 2024 in recognition of her passion, dedication and impact on promoting mothers’ well-being in Nigeria.