The Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu was on Sunday, November 17, 2024 bagged ‘Man of The Year Award’ at the 14th edition Classic Africa Merit Award, CAMA 2024, which held at Lagos Airport Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos.
The coveted award was conferred on Sanwo-Olu for his sterling leadership strides, Responsiveness in Governance, Resilience, Forthrightness, Zeal and Dedication to Peace and Development of the Nation, according to the convener of the epoch-making annual merit award event and publisher of Classic International Magazine, Dave Agwazim.
The former governor of Ogun State and Senator Representing Ogun East Senatorial District, Otunba Gbenga Daniel was honoured with ‘Best Performing Senator of The Year,’ while the Speaker of Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa for his outstanding contributions towards the growth and development of the nation and sterling leadership strides on the floor of the hallowed chamber of the Lagos State House of Assembly was honoured with “Africa Best Rated Legislative Assembly Speaker of The Year.”
CAMA 2024 themed: “Dynamics of Building Strong National Legacy in the face of Security-Challenged Economy,” a topic aimed at preferring solutions to the national issues to policy makers, was presented by Mr. Kayode Salako, who stood in for the Keynote Speaker, Prof. Harry Samuel.
Other recipients on the night included the Chairman of the occasion and MD/CEO, DOSHLAPS Ventures Limited, Prince Dr. Adedotun Adebola Adeboyejo, who was honoured with CAMA 2024 Most Innovative Business Personality of The Year, Chairman of Executive Group, Dr. Ayo Ogunsan, Lifetime Achievement Award for Excellence in Leadership; General Overseer of Mountain of Fire Ministries, Dr. Daniel K. Olukoya, Outstanding Religious Leader of The Year; Prof. Christopher Imumolen, Presidential Candidate, Accord Party, Merit Award for Excellence in Leadership; Prof. Harry Samuel, Group Chairman, Beligetto Holdings Limited, Merit Award for Excellence in Leadership, Dr. Emmanuel Iheagwazi, Chairman/CEO, NECIT Nigeria Limited, Lifetime Achievement Award for Excellence in Business; Sarki Ahmed Haruna Kuraja, the Sarki Overall of Alimosho, Merit Award for Exemplary Leadership, Dr. Anene Nwachukwu aka Capacity Oracle, General Overseer, Rhema Deliverance Mission who was honoured with Most Inspiring Religious Personality of The Year and Dr. Oluwasegun Alade Musa, CEO, Wildescope Group of Companies, who bagged Most Supportive Humanitarian of The Year Award.
Others are Chief (Mrs.) Teju Philip, Chairman, LASACO Assurance –
Lifetime Achievement Award for Excellence in Leadership; Mr. Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, Labour Party Gubernatorial Candidate – Merit Award for Excellence in Leadership; Comrade Kennedy Iyere, Accord Party Gubernatorial Candidate – Merit Award for Outstanding Humanitarian Services; Apostle Dr. Austin Peter, Senior Pastor FOTA and CEO, DEE Property Consult – Merit Award for Excellence in Real Estate; Pastor Wole Akanmu, Senior Pastor, Vine Habitation Ministry, (aka Solution Place) – Most Dynamic Religious Leader of The Year; Mr. Chijioke Ifeanyi Nnanna, CEO, Okechi Store – Faship Brand Personality of The Year; Prophet Victor Oziegbe (aka Mobile Prophet) General Overseer, Word of Prayer Bible Church – Best Rated Philanthropist of The Year, Mr. Tochukwu Michael, MD/CEO, Asandrea Collections – Outstanding Fashion Designer of The Year, Dr. Felix-King Eiremikhae, MD/CEO, Oracle Experience Limited – Merit Award for Excellence in Leadership and Ambassador Cynthia Agholor, Nollywood Actress and Producer – Most Innovative Actress of The Year.
Completing the list of awardees for CAMA 2024 are Mr. Chukwuemeka Theophilus Peter, CEO, Chukstheo Nig. Interior Designer – Merit Award for Excellence in Youths Advocacy; Amb. Mery Ifeanyi Nwachukwu, Founder, Women Centre for Family, Convener, Mercy Youth Assembly – Africa Best Rated Humanitarian of The Year; Amb. Eno Udo, CEO, Invincible Events – Most Enterprising Entertainer of The Year; Dr. Harrison Obinna Chimezie, Chairman/CEO, CLIFFHARRIS Enterprises – Best Rated Real Estate Personality of The Year; Pastor Samuel Adeleke Olayinka, Senior Pastor, Watchtower Christian Assembly – Humanitarian-focused Clergy man of The Year; CMC Gladiators – Outstanding Social Media Group; Barrister Pink Egbe, MD/CEO, Pink Republic – Most Resourceful Blogger of The Year; Amb. Victory Chinenye Akingbade (Vicky Dancer Akingbade), CEO, Just Dance Entertainment- Healthy Lifestyle Advocate of The Year; Mr. Ramon Nasir Olanrewaju, Head, Corporate Communications, UBA – Outstanding Corporate Affairs Manager of The Year; United Bank for Africa – Africa Best Rated Bank of The Year; Zenith Bank Plc. – Africa Best Rated Brand of The Year; Mr. Lanre Johnson, MD/CEO, JORDAN FM – Most Innovative CEO of The Year; Mr. Paul Osondu, Marketing Manager, Oracle Experience Limited – Outstanding Experiential Marketing Personality of The Year; Mr. Prosper Anozie (P-Centric) – Most Versatile Gospel Artiste of The Year; Amb. Phina Don (Delight Ifeoma Benson Ohabughiro), CEO, Phinadon Touching Lives Foundation – Humanitarian Personality of The Year; Abiola Alabi Adeleke (Sean Polotee) – Best Publicist of The Year; La Penza Couture – Best Rated Fashion Designer of the year; Chief (Mrs.) Toyin Kolade, Iyalaje Oodua – Merit Award for Excellence in Business; Aare Tomori Williams, Chairman/CEO, T. Williams Construction Nigeria Ltd. – Outstanding Indigenous Construction Company of the year and Hon. Dr. Kazeem Oluwasegun Adeyanju Esq., Chairman, Qudbos Construction Nig. Ltd. – Best Local Construction Company of the year.
Responding, Sanwo-olu said “I am deeply honored to stand before you this evening to accept the prestigious CAMA 2024 Man of the Year Award. This recognition by the esteemed Classic Africa Merit Awards, especially in celebration of the 14th Anniversary of Classic International Magazine, is a testament to the collective dedication and resilience of the people and government of Lagos State.
“The theme of this year’s event, “Dynamics of Building a Strong National Legacies in the Face of Security-Challenged Economy,” could not be more timely as it captures the essence of the challenges we face as a nation and the urgent need for visionary leadership and collaborative efforts to address them.
“Our journey in Lagos has been one of sheer determination. As the most densely populated state in Nigeria, and indeed one of the most economically vibrant, Lagos has often been described as the pulse of our nation. Yet, with this vibrancy comes a unique set of challenges — from managing the complexities of a mega-city to addressing security concerns in a volatile economy.
“Our administration’s guiding framework, the T.H.E.M.E.S.+ agenda, was conceived with this reality in mind. Through its pillars, we have sought to create a Lagos that works for all.
“In a rapidly urbanizing environment, maintaining peace and security has required strategic partnerships, investment in technology, and empowerment of our security agencies. Our Safe Lagos Initiative has seen tangible results, ensuring the safety of lives and property while fostering confidence for businesses and investors alike.
“Lagos State remains Nigeria’s economic powerhouse, contributing significantly to the nation’s GDP. Despite global and national economic headwinds, we have ensured steady growth by fostering an enabling environment for businesses to thrive, empowering SMEs, and attracting foreign investments.
“Education and empowerment remain at the heart of sustainable legacies. Initiatives like EkoExcel, which leverages technology to enhance learning outcomes, and our youth-focused programs, are equipping the next generation with tools for global relevance.
“From the completion of the Lekki Deep Seaport to other economic inspiring projects, Lagos is undergoing a transformation that aligns with our aspirations of a 21st-century economy.
“While this award recognizes individual contributions, I accept it on behalf of every Lagosian — the people whose daily commitment to excellence, resilience in the face of adversity, and boundless energy have made these achievements possible.
“It also serves as a clarion call to every stakeholder to continue contributing to our shared goal of building a Nigeria that prioritizes good governance, fosters innovation, and creates opportunities for all.
“I commend Classic International Magazine for its steadfast commitment to recognizing excellence. Over the years, your platform has amplified voices that inspire, innovate, and lead. You remind us all that legacies are not just about what we achieve but about the transformative impact of our actions on society.
“As I accept this award tonight, I do so with a deep sense of responsibility and an unwavering commitment to do even more. Together, we will continue to transform challenges into opportunities and lay the foundations for a future that generations will be proud of.
“On this note, I commend the founder and publisher of the Classic International Magazine, Chief Dr. (Mrs.) Mayen Adetiba, an exceptional leader, a mentor who has used her expertise in the service of the nation in various capacities. I congratulate the management of Classic International Magazine for once again organizing a successful CAMA 2024.
“I urge that we all remain steadfast in our collective pursuit of a secure, prosperous, and united Nigeria. May this recognition inspire all of us to continue to work toward building legacies that will endure, even in the face of challenges,“ he concluded.
