Award Ceremony Set to Take Place at Nigeria National Merit Award House, Abuja November 13, 2024
Time Africa Magazine has announced the winners of its prestigious Who’s Who Africa Award for 2024, celebrating distinguished Nigerians across various sectors of society.
The awards, which will be presented at the Nigeria National Merit Award House in Abuja on November 13, 2024, honor individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, innovation, and contributions to national development.
According to Dr. Chidi-Peters Okorie, Managing Director of Time Africa Magazine, while addressing journalists in Abuja, the selection process was thorough and based purely on merit. In a statement, Dr. Okorie expressed pride in the calibre of the honorees, emphasizing that the awardees’ achievements are a testament to the growing potential of Nigeria’s leadership across sectors such as politics, education, innovation, business, and healthcare.
Governor of the Year 2024: His Excellency, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia
Benue State Governor, His Excellency, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, has been named Governor of the Year 2024. Governor Alia’s selection comes in recognition of his pioneering work in the state, particularly in the areas of security, infrastructural development, and human capital investment. Under his leadership, Benue State has made significant strides in economic revitalization and social stability, earning widespread acclaim from political analysts and citizens alike.
The Governor, a cleric-turned-politician, has been lauded for his visionary approach to governance, with a focus on improving the quality of life for the people of Benue State through education, healthcare, and rural development initiatives.
Man of the Year 2024: Prince Engr. Lawrence Ozoemena Ezeh, Ph.D, FNSE, COREN
The Man of the Year accolade will go to Prince Engr. Lawrence Ozoemena Ezeh, the Chief Executive Officer of Buzuzu Construction Company Ltd. and the Honourable Commissioner for Innovation, Science, and Technology in Enugu State. Dr. Ezeh’s exemplary leadership in both the private and public sectors has set a benchmark for excellence.
A seasoned engineer and innovator, Dr. Ezeh has been instrumental in transforming Enugu State’s technological landscape, driving initiatives that promote industrial growth, innovation, and infrastructural development. His contributions to the construction sector have earned him national recognition, and his work in promoting science and technology as tools for sustainable development has been a key highlight of his career.
African Philanthropist of the Year 2024: HRM King Apostle Chibuzor Gift Chinyere
The title of African Philanthropist of the Year goes to HRM King Apostle Chibuzor Gift Chinyere, the General Overseer of Omega Power Ministries (OPM), and the crowned Ihie 1 of Ikwuorie community in Abia State. King Apostle Chinyere is being recognized for his outstanding contributions to humanitarian work and philanthropy across Nigeria and beyond. Through Omega Power Ministries, he has provided educational support, healthcare, and poverty alleviation programs to thousands of Nigerians, making a significant impact in the lives of underserved communities. His tireless work in empowering the less fortunate and advocating for social justice has earned him the admiration of both his followers and the broader African community
Who’s Who Africa Award for Education: Dr. Godwin Umontuen
Dr. Godwin Umontuen, a leading educationalist, will be honoured with the Who’s Who Africa Award for Education in recognition of his immense contribution to Nigeria’s educational system. Through his tireless efforts in academic administration, policy development, and mentorship, Dr. Umontuen has helped shape the future of Nigeria’s youth and has been a major advocate for educational reforms aimed at creating a more inclusive and globally competitive learning environment.
Entrepreneur of the Year 2024: Prince Innocent Anaele
The founder and CEO of Rinotech Facilities Nigeria Ltd, Prince Innocent Anaele, will receive the Who’s Who Africa – 2024 Man of the Year Award for his exceptional work in the facilities management and engineering sector. His business acumen, paired with his commitment to quality service delivery, has seen Rinotech grow into one of Nigeria’s leading companies in the field.
Anaele’s work is a testament to the entrepreneurial spirit that drives Nigeria’s economy, and his leadership is considered a beacon for emerging businesses in the country.
Personality of the Year 2024: Prof. (Mrs.) Josephine E. Anene-Okeakwa
Prof. (Mrs.) Josephine E. Anene-Okeakwa, the Provost of the Federal College of Education (Technical), Asaba, has been named Personality of the Year for her outstanding contributions to education in Nigeria. Known for her dedication to fostering academic excellence and vocational skills development, Prof. Anene-Okeakwa has played a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of educators and skilled professionals.
Her work, which has emphasized the importance of practical and technical education, has earned her national recognition, particularly for her advocacy of women’s involvement in science and technology education.
Vice-Chancellor of the Year 2024: Professor Engr. Akpofure Rim-Rukeh
Professor Engr. Akpofure Rim-Rukeh, Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Petroleum Resources (FUPRE), Effurun, Delta State, will receive the Vice Chancellor of the Year 2024 award for his leadership in transforming the institution into a globally competitive hub for petroleum studies. Under his stewardship, FUPRE has significantly raised its profile in the academic community and has contributed substantially to Nigeria’s oil and gas sector by producing highly skilled professionals.
Vice Chancellor of the Year: Prof. Abdullahi Ibrahim Musa
Prof. Abdullahi Ibrahim Musa, Vice Chancellor of Kaduna State University, has also been recognized with a Vice Chancellor of the Year award for his exceptional leadership in academic administration and for making strides in research, technology, and community development. His emphasis on innovation and academic excellence has garnered attention both locally and internationally.
Local Government Chairman of the Year: Hon. Chief Ajah Emmanuel Ogbonna
Hon. Chief Ajah Emmanuel Ogbonna, the Executive Chairman of Ivo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, has been named Local Government Chairman of the Year 2024. Chief Ogbonna’s selection comes as a result of his transformative leadership in Ivo LGA, where he has spearheaded initiatives focused on infrastructural development, economic empowerment, and social welfare for his community. His commitment to enhancing local governance, promoting rural development, and providing effective public service delivery has earned him widespread admiration.
Ogbonna’s leadership is particularly notable for its inclusivity and community-driven approach, ensuring that the people of Ivo LGA benefit directly from the policies and projects implemented under his tenure.
Who’sWho Africa Personality of the Year 2024: Prof. Chijioke Nwaozuzu.
A standout recipient at this year’s awards, Prof. Chijioke Nwaozuzu, a renowned Nigerian Professor of Petroleum Economics, Management, and Policy, has been named Who’s Who Africa Personality of the Year 2024. Prof. Nwaozuzu, whose expertise has shaped the discourse on petroleum economics and energy policy in Nigeria, has earned accolades for his contributions to the country’s oil and gas industry, as well as his work in developing sustainable energy solutions for Africa. His deep knowledge of the global energy market, combined with his significant academic and policy-making influence, has positioned him as a thought leader in his field.
Promising Actor of the Year: Cynthia Onyinyechi Ekeh
Cynthia Onyinyechi Ekeh, one of Nigeria’s rising stars in the film industry, will receive the Promising Actor of the Year award. Known for her versatile acting skills and compelling performances, Cynthia has quickly made a name for herself in Nollywood. Her recognition at this year’s Who’s Who Africa Awards is a testament to her growing influence in the entertainment industry.
Young Entrepreneur of the Year: Emmanuel Ezeruka
Emmanuel Ezeruka, Managing Director of Chef Adams, will be awarded the Who’s Who Africa Young Entrepreneur of the Year accolade for his innovative contributions to the Nigerian food and hospitality industry. His dynamic approach to business and his ability to integrate cutting-edge technology into food service have set Chef Adams apart as one of the most exciting ventures in Nigeria’s culinary scene.
Best Health Insurance Provider in West Africa: Delta State Contributory Health Scheme (DSCHS).
The Best Health Insurance Provider in West Africa award will go to the Delta State Contributory Health Scheme (DSCHS) for its transformative work in improving access to healthcare services for citizens. The initiative has been lauded for its efficient, community-driven approach to healthcare delivery, ensuring that a broad swath of the population can access affordable health services.
The Who’s Who Africa Award 2024 will celebrate these and other outstanding individuals and institutions that have made significant contributions to Nigeria’s development. The ceremony is expected to be a landmark event, bringing together the country’s top leaders, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and celebrities to honor the achievements of the awardees.
As Nigeria continues to evolve, these honorees represent the innovative, resilient, and forward-thinking spirit that is driving progress in the nation.
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