Babayeju Emerges First African To Get PMI Award

Taopheek Babayeju has been named the Person of the Year 2024 for advancing the project management profession worldwide, making him the first African to receive the prestigious award.

The Project Management Institute (PMI), USA, announced this at a historic moment at PMI’s Global Congress in Los Angeles, California.

Babayeju was presented with the highly coveted Eric Jenett Award for his extraordinary contributions to the project management profession, technical expertise, strategic leadership, and business acumen.
Babayeju’s rise to global prominence is the epitome of perseverance and vision. In his acceptance speech, he said, “It takes a village to raise a child,” crediting his success to the community that supported him.

“In the truest sense, no one is truly self-made. Success is a collective effort, and this award belongs to the many communities that shaped and uplifted me.”

For over a decade, Babayeju’s contributions to the project management profession have left an indelible mark, transforming practices in Nigeria and across Africa.

His visionary leadership first came to the fore in 2009 when he spearheaded Nigeria’s inaugural National Project Management Conference, which has since become a cornerstone of the industry in Nigeria.

Babayeju’s drive to create a platform for honest dialogue and sustainable solutions revolutionised the project management landscape and set new standards of excellence.

His work has earned him numerous accolades, including the 2010 Most Outstanding Contribution to Project Management in Nigeria by the PMI Nigeria Chapter.

Babayeju’s journey was not without its struggles. From sleeping on balconies to making ends meet as a barber and phone repairer, he never lost sight of his dreams.

In his speech, he recounted, “I see the young, aspiring professionals striving for success. I was once where you were repairing phones and cutting hair to survive. But every great achievement begins with the courage to try, and your persistence will pay off.”

In closing his acceptance speech, Babayeju announced a new chapter in his journey: #Project1500, an initiative to empower 1,500 young professionals, especially Africans, with critical Project Management, Agile, and Digital Transformation skills.

“This is not just my story; it’s our story. Together, we will continue to thrive, achieve, and bequeath lasting legacies,” he said.