Dangote Group Vice President Awarded Person of the Year

Devakumar V. G. Edwin, serving as the Vice President (Oil & Gas) of Dangote Industries Limited, has been bestowed with the esteemed Person of the Year award at the 9th Annual Award and Lecture organized by Daily Asset Newspapers. This accolade recognizes his remarkable impact on Nigeria's oil and gas sector and his pivotal role in enhancing the operations and strategic communications of the Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals (DPRP).

The award was presented during a grand ceremony in Abuja, which witnessed attendance from government officials, industry leaders, media representatives, and essential stakeholders. The event celebrated Mr. Edwin’s leadership qualities, professionalism, and commitment to advancing Nigeria’s energy landscape.

Cletus Akwaya, the Publisher of the Daily Asset Newspaper, noted during the event that Mr. Edwin has been crucial to the achievements of the Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals (DPRP). He remarked that under Mr. Edwin's guidance, the Dangote Refinery has substantially contributed to increasing local refining capabilities, augmenting product accessibility, and bolstering the nation's economic diversification strategies.

Akwaya emphasized that Mr. Edwin's commitment to transparent stakeholder engagement, industry advocacy, and effective corporate communication has been instrumental in shaping public perceptions regarding the refinery’s importance to Nigeria and Africa as a whole.

“His selection as Person of the Year illustrates the substantial impact of the Dangote Refinery as a driver of industrial growth, job creation, and sustainable national development,” he stated.

The Daily Asset Annual Award and Lecture is widely acknowledged as a platform that honors individuals and organizations making significant contributions to national advancement, leadership excellence, and sector transformation.

In reciting Mr. Edwin's citation, Akwaya highlighted that the award was conferred in recognition of his vital role in establishing the Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals (DPRP), noted as the largest single-train refinery in the world. Edwin has played a crucial role in helping Nigeria achieve petroleum product self-sufficiency, thereby decreasing reliance on imports and stimulating economic growth.

Edwin was represented at the event by Abatcha Bishara, the Senior General Manager of External Relations and Stakeholder Management at Dangote Group.

A statement released by the Dangote Group expressed its commitment to enhancing Nigeria’s energy security and refining capabilities while contributing positively to national economic development. It also praised the media for its ongoing support and collaboration, asserting that responsible journalism plays a pivotal role in national growth.

Edwin joins a prominent list of previous recipients recognized for their exceptional contributions to Nigeria’s development. This includes figures such as Zacch Adedeji, Executive Chairman of Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS), Mamman Mike Osuman, National Chairman of the Arewa Consultative Forum, and several governors and ministers.

Moreover, the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas was awarded the Best Government Agency of the Year. Recently, during the Nigeria International Energy Summit in Abuja, President Bola Tinubu acknowledged the substantial contribution of the Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals (DPRP) to enhancing petroleum product supply in the nation.