Renowned industrialist and President of the Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, GCON, has been named the OurNigeria Magazine’s Man of the Year 2024.
This was announced during a press conference held on Tuesday, January 14, 2025, at the FCT City Library, Zone 4, Wuse, Abuja. The event, organized by the Ournigeria News Magazine, was led by Dr. AK Peters, Chairman of the Editorial Board and Chairman of the 2024 Ournigeria News Award Planning Committee.
Dangote received the prestigious honour for his monumental achievement in establishing Nigeria’s first private petroleum refinery, a feat hailed as a transformative milestone for the nation. Dr. Peters noted that this accomplishment epitomizes the essence of patriotism and innovation, restoring hope in Nigeria’s potential for greatness. “What the Nigerian government could not do, Dangote has done,” he stated emphatically.
The Ournigeria News Award is an annual event celebrating individuals and organisations that have demonstrated exceptional patriotism and contributed significantly to Nigeria’s progress. This year’s theme, “Nigeria Rising: Celebrating Excellence and Charting the Future,” underscores the commitment to recognising those who inspire hope and foster development.
The 2024 awards ceremony, originally slated for December 2024, will now take place on Thursday, January 30, 2025, at the Abuja Continental Hotel (formerly Sheraton Hotel), with Vice President Kashim Shettima, GCON, as the Special Guest of Honour. The event will bring together an array of dignitaries, including technocrats, politicians, military leaders, and members of the diplomatic community.
Highlighting the rigor of the selection process, Dr. Peters revealed that winners emerged through meticulous screening of nominations submitted by readers, correspondents, and followers of the magazine. No boardroom nominations were entertained, ensuring transparency and credibility.
Aside from Dangote’s recognition, the awards span 22 categories, celebrating trailblazers across various sectors. Notable mentions include Sir Sim Fubara as Governor of the Year, Lt-Gen. Lamidi Adeosun and Brig-Gen. Mike Mukokomani of Botswana receiving the TY Buratai Excellence Award in Military Leadership, and Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar for the Collin Powell Meritorious Award in Soldiering.
Dr. Peters urged the media to amplify the achievements of awardees, noting, “Please, let the world hear and know that someone, somewhere, is making Nigeria and humanity great.”
The full list of award recipients was shared during the event, further demonstrating the magazine’s dedication to honouring excellence across diverse fields.
For Alhaji Aliko Dangote, this award adds to his legacy as a beacon of hope and a testament to what private sector initiatives can achieve in driving national development.
