The Group Chief Executive of Oando PLC, Mr. Wale Tinubu, has been awarded the prestigious ‘Business Leader of the Year 2010’ in this year’s edition of the African Business awards, an award organized by the African Business Magazine and the Commonwealth Business Council in a ceremony held at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London on Monday, 21st June.
Mr. Tinubu was nominated on the basis of his achievements in transforming Oando into a world class company, amongst other esteemed nominees such as Arnaud Lagesse, Groupe Mon Loisir, Samih Sawiris, Chairman and CEO, Orascom Development, Mike Adenuga Jr, Chairman, Globacom Mobile and Sizwe Nxasana, Chairman and CEO, FirstRand Limited and FirstRand Foundation.
A distinguished panel of judges chaired by Omari Issa, CEO of the Investment Climate Facility selected winners in seven categories from a pool of nominees that came from all over the African continent. Some of the other categories included ‘African business of the year’, ‘Best corporate citizenship’, ‘Telecoms company of the year’, and ‘Outstanding Businesswoman of the year’, among others.
Organised by IC Publications, publishers of the African Business magazine, and the Commonwealth Business Council (CBC), the African Business Awards 2010 brings together prominent business leaders, entrepreneurs, heads of state and other high-ranking government officials from across the world to celebrate the achievements and successes of those who have played a pivotal role in driving Africa’s economic development forward. Now in its third year, the African Business Awards has established itself as the key annual event on the calendars of the African business community.
Commenting on the nominations, Omar Ben Yedder, Publisher of African Business magazine, said: “Since taking over the helm in 2000, the Mr. Tinubu has successfully steered his company to becoming the biggest indigenous company in its industry.
Commenting further, Mr Yedder said: “Very few African companies can boast of having spread their tentacles beyond their own borders. Today his company operates successfully in what was previously the preserve of international Service Companies (ISC) but with international safety and engineering standards. On many fronts, he has pioneered the execution of world class initiatives in West Africa region as a business leader, social entrepreneur and philanthropist”.
The Award recognises business leaders and companies that have excelled in Africa over the last year. The winners would have made an outstanding contribution to the development of the continent, the economic aspirations of its citizens and the transformation of Africa’s image in international markets, while displaying high standards of good corporate citizenship, social and environmental responsibility.
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