Dangote Refinery has been shortlisted among 2024 The Next Big Thing Continental, TNBTC, award winners.
The award is in recognition of the the refinery’s transformative impact on Nigeria’s industrial landscape, leading to less dependence on imported petroleum products,
Also to be honoured at upcoming ceremony slated for January 23 and 24, are Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing, IVM, Tony Elumelu Foundation, Human Rights Radio (Brekete Family), Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah and his Jigawa State counterpart, Namadi Umar among others.
The ceremony, a collaborative initiative of Cosmopolitan University and Digital Oxygen Hub, according the organisers, is aimed at inspiring technological development, foster innovation, and achieve excellence in resource management for wealth creation, industrial growth, and continental development.
At a joint press conference in Abuja, yesterday, Vice-Chancellor of Cosmopolitan University, Prof. Carl Adams, and Chairman, Digital Oxygen Hub, Dr. Ralph Nwosu, who also doubles as President, The Next Big Thing, the organisers noted that despite numerous challenges and security concerns, Nigeria and Africa continue to record impressive developments.
According to Nwosu, “Across various sectors, Nigerians and Africans continue to break new ground, delivering inspiring work in creative, innovative, and human development spaces.
“Big ideas, global thinking, and transformative leadership are reshaping the landscapes of Nigeria and Africa”.
The award ceremony, which will also include a summit on Artificial Intelligent, AI, will seek to redefine Africa’s future in the global tech ecosystem.
The organisers noted that “with rapid advancements in AI, automation, and emerging technologies, the world is evolving at an unprecedented pace.
“For Nigeria and the broader African continent to thrive in this ever-changing landscape, collaboration, innovation, and the right investment in talent and infrastructure are essential.
“TNBTC 2024 serves as a platform to galvanise these efforts and position Africa as a global leader in tech and innovation.”
Furthernore, they noted that the Dangote Refinery, which became operational in 2024, “marks one of Nigeria’s most transformative projects in decades, bound to have a phenomenal impact on the economy.”
IVM the organisers added will be honoured for producing Nigeria’s first locally made CNG-powered vehicles, thereby reducing import dependence and promoting economic self-sufficiency.
Reason for honouring Tony Elumelu Foundation is for its empowerment of over 18,000 entrepreneurs across 54 African countries through training, mentorship, and funding, “fostering economic growth and job creation across the continent,” the organisers stated.
Brekete Family will be honoured for leveraging on media and technology, amplified the marginalised communities’ voices, advocate for human rights, and drive societal change in Nigeria.
TNBTC award will also be conferred on Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Moniepoint, OPay, for championing the revolution in the nation’s financial services.
“Digital banking services have rapidly permeated the economy, enabling seamless financial transactions across all sectors”, the organisers noted.
