Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun; Emir of Kano, His Royal Highness Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero; Chairman of Nigeria Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Brig. General Buba Marwa (rtd.); and the Director General of National Information Technology Development Agency, Inuwa Kashifu Abdullahi will be conferred with Forbes Awards on Friday.
While Abiodun will receive Forbes Best of Africa Governor of Industrial Revolution, Ado-Bayero will be honoured with the Most Outstanding Traditional Ruler Award; Health Safety Award of Excellence goes to Marwa;while Abdullahi will receive Outstanding Cooperate Governance CEO Award and Dr (Mrs) Onikepo Akande will deliver goodwill message.
Other recipients include: Deputy Chief Whip of the House of Representatives, Hon. Chidubem Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, to be conferred with Forbes Best of Africa Excellent Service Award; with the President of the American Institute of Certified Professionals, Dr Christopher Irene Imumolen receiving the Outstanding Academic Achievement Award.
Others include: CEO of Rigworld International Services Limited, Dr Kofi Amoa-Abban, who is to receive the Outstanding Business Leader in Oil and Gas; and Founder, Quick Credit/Oya Micro Credit, Richard Nii Armah Quaye, who will be honoured with Forbes Best of Africa Distinguished Entrepreneur Award.
In a statement on Thursday, the Chairman of Foreign Investment Network (FIN), Olayinka Fayomi, said that FIN, in partnership with Forbes, has for decades identified emerging economies in Africa seeking investors and has exposed those investment gaps to Forbes Billionaires and international investors.
She said that the event will take place during a virtual symposium with the title “Leadership and Investment” on Friday, adding that the President of Forbes Best of Africa Customs, Mark Furlong would personally hand over the awards.
“Over the years, Foreign Investment Network has worked together with Forbes Best of Africa to attract quality Foreign Direct Investment, FDI, in Oil and Gas, Aviation, Agriculture, Health care, Education, and Infrastructure to the continent of Africa.
“The Forum will also discuss how development and investments can be utilized as a mechanism to accelerate the emergence of an inclusive and innovative society”, Fayomi further said.
She explained that Forbes Award is exclusively conferred on individuals and corporate organizations with a distinguishing touch of excellency in their various endeavors. She said that Forbes identifies individuals with a value of purpose, integrity, and innovative business approach for the overall interest of humanity.
According to her, the event will serve as a launching pad for the international business community to explore investment opportunities in Africa and other emerging markets: “It will stimulate wider investment exchange between countries/organizations towards a prosperous Africa and also serve as a platform for states to build partnerships, foster business relationships, improve financial inclusion, strength local currencies, improve global financial operations and create balanced economic policies”.
