Senator Adams Oshiomhole has demonstrated leadership qualities, influence, and adept political manoeuvres, which have endeared him into the people’s hearts. For this reason and more, the management of LEADERSHIP Newspapers has considered him a Politician of the Year 2024 award.
Oshiomhole’s mainstream political journey officially began in 2007 when he contested the Edo State gubernatorial seat on the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) platform. After an initial loss amidst allegations of electoral fraud, he pursued legal redress and was declared the rightful election winner in a landmark judgement in 2008.
This marked a new chapter in Edo State’s governance. As governor, he focused on infrastructure development, healthcare, and education, transforming Edo State into a model for good governance. Oshiomhole’s “Red Roof Revolution” – a statewide overhaul of dilapidated school buildings—was one of his signature achievements in improving the quality of education for Edo’s younger generations.
Oshiomhole’s governance style was hands-on and people-centred during his two terms as governor. He was known for conducting impromptu inspections across the state, ensuring accountability and inspiring a sense of public service. His administration worked diligently on road projects, healthcare, and rural electrification.
In 2018, Oshiomhole was appointed national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), further cementing his influence in Nigerian politics. His leadership was instrumental in restructuring the APC’s internal dynamics and strengthening its presence nationwide. As chairman, Oshiomhole was a staunch supporter of President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, navigating the complexities of intra-party politics while working to foster unity within the APC.
Despite a turbulent tenure marked by internal disputes and opposition, Oshiomhole’s bold leadership style was evident.
In the 2024 Edo gubernatorial election, Oshiomhole emerged as a central figure. Supporting the APC candidate Senator Monday Okpebholo, he played a strategic role in the campaign, championing a message of continuity and development. Oshiomhole’s involvement brought renewed energy to APC’s base, leveraging his popularity and influence to galvanise voters across the state.
Oshiomhole and 25 other distinguished individuals and organisations who have made exceptional contributions to governance, business, social impact, and public service in Nigeria were nominated by the LEADERSHIP Newspapers’ board of editors after extensive deliberations at a meeting held in November 2024 at the company’s headquarters in Abuja.
Oshiomhole and other nominees will be celebrated for their outstanding leadership, vision, and commitment to national development at the LEADERSHIP Conference and Awards ceremony next year.
Alhaji Aliko Mohammad Dangote, Nigeria’s foremost industrialist and philanthropist, won the Person Of The Year Award for immensely contributing to the nation’s economy. His philanthropic efforts make him a deserving recipient of this highest honour.
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, won the 2024 Quinquennial Award For Governance and Infrastructure, a rare recognition by the LEADERSHIP Group Limited.
Also, for 2024, six state governors were jointly nominated for the governor of the Year award. They are Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State, Bala Mohammed of Bauchi, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno of Akwa Ibom, Mallam Umar A. Namadi of Jigawa State, Peter Mbah of Enugu State, and Ademola Nurudeen Jackson Adeleke of Osun State.
The governors were recognised for driving sustainable growth, infrastructural development, and policy innovations in their respective states.
Benedict Peters, founder and CEO of AITEO, won the Business Person of the Year award for massively investing in Africa’s mining and hydrocarbons sector. In contrast, Dame (Dr) Adaora Umeoji, GMD/CEO of Zenith Bank Plc, clinched the Banker of the Year award for her role in transforming the banking industry.
Alhaji Bashir Adewale Adeniyi (MFR), Comptroller-General of Customs, emerged as the Public Service Person of the Year for his exceptional leadership in improving the efficiency of Nigeria’s Customs Service (NCS).
Other remarkable business leaders, including the CEO of NORD Automobiles Ltd, Oluwatobi Ajayi, won the CEO of the Year award for the Private Sector) while Bamanga Usman Jada, MD/CEO of the Oil & Gas Free Zone Authority, clinched the CEO of the Year award for the Public Sector.
AVSATEL Communications Limited won the Company of the Year award in other award categories, while ARCO Engineering Limited is the Oil & Gas Local Content Champion of the Year.
The Social Impact Person of the Year award will be presented to Olori Ivie Atuwatse III for her tireless efforts in championing education and healthcare initiatives. OPAY won the Fintech Company of the Year award for promoting financial inclusion in Nigeria. At the same time, Alternative Bank clinched the Most Innovative Bank of the Year award for its pioneering work in digital banking.
Minister of Environment Balarabe Abbas Lawal will be honoured as Environmental Impact Person of the Year for his leadership in advancing environmental policies and addressing climate change.
The Outstanding Young Person of the Year 2024 award will go to the ENACTUS team from Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi. They are recognised for championing innovation and sustainability. Terra Cube will receive the Product of the Year award for its innovative solutions in sustainable living.
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