In a ceremony that drew top government officials, industry leaders, media executives, and other key stakeholders, the 9th Annual Award and Lecture of the Daily Asset Newspapers celebrated outstanding leadership in Nigeria’s corporate and economic landscape, naming Devakumar V. G. Edwin, Vice President (Oil & Gas) of Dangote Industries Limited, as Person of the Year.
The recognition comes in acknowledgment of Edwin’s pivotal contributions to Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, particularly his instrumental role in advancing operations and strategic communication at the Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals (DPRP), the largest single-train refinery in the world.
Reading the citation at Thursday’s event, Cletus Akwaya, publisher of Daily Asset Newspaper, described Edwin as “the backbone in the process of establishing the Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals,” noting that under his stewardship, the refinery has significantly enhanced domestic refining capacity, improved product availability, and supported Nigeria’s broader economic diversification efforts.
“Engr. Edwin’s dedication to transparent stakeholder engagement, industry advocacy, and effective corporate communication has helped shape public understanding of the refinery’s strategic importance—not just for Nigeria, but for Africa’s energy landscape as a whole,” Akwaya said.
He added that the award underscores the Dangote Refinery’s growing impact as a catalyst for industrial growth, job creation, and sustainable national development. “Edwin deserves recognition across Africa for helping to redefine the narrative in the country’s petroleum sector,” the publisher noted.
Represented at the ceremony by Abatcha Bishara, Dangote Group’s Senior General Manager for External Relations and Stakeholder Management, Edwin received the honour amidst accolades for his role in steering the refinery toward becoming a game-changer for Nigeria. The refinery has helped the country move toward self-sufficiency in petroleum products, reduce import dependence, and stimulate economic growth.
In a statement, Dangote Group reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Nigeria’s energy security and economic development. “At Dangote Refinery, we remain committed to strengthening domestic refining capacity and contributing meaningfully to national economic growth. This recognition motivates us to continue engaging transparently with stakeholders and the public,” the statement said.
The group also commended the media for its critical role in national development, emphasizing that responsible journalism and credible communication remain essential to industrial and economic progress.
Edwin joins a distinguished roster of past Daily Asset awardees recognized for exceptional leadership and service, including Zacch Adedeji, Mamman Mike Osuman, Executive Chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service, as well as governors and national leaders such as Peter Mbah of Enugu State, Monday Okpebholo of Edo State, and Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa State.
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