Dr. Adedeji Adeleke Named Vanguard Man of the Year

In celebration of leadership and national impact, Dr. Adedeji Adeleke, Chairman of Pacific Holdings Limited, was honoured as Vanguard Man of the Year 2024 at the 13th edition of the Vanguard Personality of the Year Awards, held 11th April at the prestigious Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.

Dr. Adeleke was recognized for his outstanding contributions to Nigeria’s power sector. Through Pacific Energy Limited, he has delivered approximately 15% of the nation’s electricity supply, a feat that has redefined the standards for energy provision in Nigeria. His strategic foresight is further embodied in the near-completion of a $2 billion thermal power plant, set to become the largest of its kind in Nigeria.

The annual awards ceremony, hosted by Vanguard Newspaper, celebrates Nigerians who have made significant strides in national development and social progress across various sectors.

Honouring Leadership Across the Nation

The evening also spotlighted the efforts of state governors who have demonstrated exceptional governance. Those honoured with the Good Governance Award include:

• Governor Douye Diri (Bayelsa)

• Governor Biodun Oyebanji (Ekiti)

• Governor Abba Yusuf (Kano)

• Governor Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta)

• Governor Umar Namadi (Jigawa)

• Governor Charles Soludo (Anambra)

• Governor Hope Uzodinma (Imo)

Celebrating Icons Across Sectors

Other notable recipients at the ceremony included:

• Young Entrepreneur of the Year: Kaine Edike, Managing Consultant, AquaEarth

• Woman Entrepreneurs: Aisha Achimugu, CEO, Felak Concept Group; Ngozi Ekeoma, Founder, Nepal Group

• Businessman of the Year: Sir Emeka Offor, Chairman, Chrome Group

• Industrialists of the Year: Lanre Shittu and Dr. Alexander Chika Okafor, Chairman, Chicason Group

• Company of the Year: Sublime Industries

• Real Estate Icons: Chima Anyaso, CEO, Caades Group; Sam Ogrih, CEO, Delta Mega Trend

• Humanitarian Awards: Lady Mary Dinah, Founder, Mary Dinah Foundation; Sen. Biyi Fadeyi; Dr. R. Usula Miku-Atu, Chairman, Rosula Foundation

• Private Sector Icon: Manish Mandhana, MD, Indorama Eleme Petrochemicals

• Public Sector Icon: Wale Adeniyi, Comptroller General of Customs

• Energy Icon: William, CEO, Tetraco Energy

• Education Icon: Oba Adedokun Abolarin

• Power Sector Icon: Prof. Barth Nnaji, Founder, Geometric Power Limited

• Oil & Gas Icon: Daniel Chukwudozie, Founder, Dozi Oil

• Fintech Icon: Mitchell Elegbe, CEO, Interswitch

• Diaspora Investment Icon: Franklin Neji, Chairman, Optiva

Lifetime Achievement Awardees

This year’s Lifetime Achievement Awards were presented to individuals who have shaped Nigeria’s cultural, political, media, and industrial landscapes, including:

• Sule Lamido, Former Governor and Minister of Foreign Affairs

• Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, First National Chairman of the APC

• Dr. Peter Odili, Former Governor of Rivers State

• Oyin Jolayemi, Industrialist

• Wale Adenuga, Media Pioneer

• Abba Folawiyo, Fashion Icon

• Benson Idonije, Veteran Broadcaster

• Onyema Ugochukwu, Media Czar

• Engr. Joanna Maduka, Engineer and Advocate

• Chief (Mrs.) Nike Monica Okundaye (Mama Nike), Renowned Artist and Culture Promoter

This celebration reaffirms the enduring legacy of individuals and institutions shaping Nigeria’s present and future.