The Industry newspaper has appointed Chief Yomi Otubela as chairman of the 2026 edition of its flagship special project, Top 50 Nigerian Companies of Impact.
The annual initiative by the marketing, media and business publication recognises Nigerian companies contributing to economic resilience, innovation, job creation and national development across key sectors.
The 2026 edition, themed “Building Resilience, Driving Growth: Nigerian Companies Shaping the Next Decade”, will be unveiled at an awards and networking luncheon on Friday, 21 August 2026, at the Lagos Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.
Otubela, an entrepreneur and educationist, is the President of the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS) and Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Lagooz Schools.
Under his leadership, Lagooz Schools has focused on academic excellence, innovation in education and youth development, with initiatives spanning curriculum delivery, technology integration and talent development.
As an entrepreneur and education advocate, Otubela has also promoted greater private-sector participation in education and advocated policies aimed at creating an environment in which businesses can contribute more effectively to national development.
His work has included advocacy around skills development, human capital investment and the contribution of small, medium and large enterprises to Nigeria’s economic growth.
As chairman of the 2026 Top 50 project, Otubela will provide strategic direction for the selection process, deliver the chairman’s address at the event and lead discussions on how Nigerian businesses can deepen their impact through innovation, good governance and social responsibility.
The Editor-in-Chief and Publisher of The Industry Newspaper, Goddie Ofose, said the publication was pleased to have Otubela lead this year’s initiative.
“We are honoured to have Chief Yomi Otubela chair this year’s Top 50. He embodies the spirit of impact we seek to celebrate — building institutions, empowering people, and creating value that outlives quarterly reports,” Ofose said.
He added that Otubela’s experience in entrepreneurship and education placed him in a strong position to identify and highlight companies that combine commercial success with broader social and economic impact.
The 2026 Top 50 Nigerian Companies of Impact will feature businesses across sectors including banking, energy, manufacturing, healthcare, technology, aviation and education.
The publication said the edition would be distributed to C-suite executives, investors, policymakers and other stakeholders in Nigeria and the diaspora.
