Dangote group vice president bags person of the year award
Kola Oyelere Kano
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Vice President (Oil & Gas) at Dangote Industries Limited, Devakumar V. G. Edwin, has been honoured with the Person of the Year Award at the 9th Annual Award and Lecture of the Daily Asset Newspapers for his contributions to Nigeria’s oil and gas sector and his role in advancing the Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals (DPRP).
The award was presented at a ceremony held Thursday in Abuja, attended by government officials, industry leaders, media executives, and other key stakeholders. Organisers said the recognition highlights Edwin’s leadership, professionalism, and commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s energy industry.
Publisher of Daily Asset Newspaper, Dr. Cletus Akwaya, described Edwin as a central figure in the successful development and operation of the Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals.
He said the refinery, under Edwin’s stewardship, has played a transformative role in boosting domestic refining capacity, improving product availability, and supporting Nigeria’s economic diversification drive.
Akwaya noted that Edwin’s emphasis on transparent stakeholder engagement, industry advocacy, and effective corporate communication has improved public understanding of the refinery’s strategic importance to Nigeria and Africa’s energy landscape.
According to him, the recognition reflects the Dangote Refinery’s growing impact as a catalyst for industrial growth, job creation, and sustainable national development.
He added that Edwin deserves recognition not only in Nigeria but across Africa for helping reshape the narrative around the country’s petroleum sector.
Reading the citation, Akwaya said the Person of the Year/Corporate Achiever of the Year Award was conferred on Edwin for serving as a backbone in the establishment of the Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals, described as the world’s largest single-train refinery. He added that the facility has helped Nigeria move closer to self-sufficiency in petroleum products, reduce import dependence, and stimulate economic growth.
Edwin was represented at the event by Dangote Group’s Senior General Manager, External Relations and Stakeholder Management, Alhaji Abatcha Bishara.
In a statement, the Dangote Group reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Nigeria’s energy security and domestic refining capacity while contributing to national economic growth.
The company said the recognition would encourage it to continue transparent communication and constructive stakeholder engagement.
The statement also appreciated the media for its continued support, noting that responsible journalism and credible communication remain vital to national development, and commended Daily Asset for its role in that regard.
Other award recipients include the Executive Chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service, Dr. Zacch Adedeji; National Chairman of the Arewa Consultative Forum, Chief Mamman Mike Osuman; Governors Peter Mbah (Enugu), Monday Okpebholo (Edo), and Ahmadu Fintiri (Adamawa); Senator Kawu Sumaila; and the Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, among others.
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The Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas was named Best Government Agency of the Year.
Earlier in the week, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, speaking at the Nigeria International Energy Summit in Abuja, said the Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals has significantly enhanced the supply of petroleum products in the country.