The West African round marked the final regional leg of the awards, with East Africa's business elite having been honoured in Nairobi on 20 September, and Southern Africa's pioneers having been lauded on the 2 October.
Now, the winners of these three regions move on to the finale event, to be hosted in Johannesburg on the 14 November, where they will vie for the ultimate title of the most unmatched business pioneers in their respective fields.
The awards celebrate the African continent's most impactful business visionaries in a variety of categories, including Business Leader of the Year; Young Business Leader of the Year, Business Woman of the Year; Entrepreneur of the Year and the Lifetime Achievement Award.
"The winners of the West African round of the prestigious AABLA, presented by Johnnie Walker Blue Label, represent the meeting point of boldness and rare character. Their vision, dedication and innovation were celebrated for their continuing positive impact on the African business landscape," says Joe Nazzal, Head of Reserve.
In the category of West African Business Leader of the Year, Atedo N.A Peterside, the chairman of Stanbic IBTC Holdings PLC took top honours for his numerous path-breaking endeavours, which have elevated the African economy throughout his career.
The West African Young Business Leader of the Year Award was jointly awarded to the co-founders and managing partners of Red Media, Chude Jideonwo and Adebola T. Williams. Among their manifold achievements, these dynamic young pioneers conceptualised the invaluable youth event, The Future Nigeria Awards, which inspire young Nigerians to strive for brilliance.
West Africa's Business Woman of the Year is Arunma Oteh, who was celebrated for her peerless vision and dedication in the role of Director General of Securities and Exchange Commission, Nigeria. Arunmah has been an instrumental force in the on-going growth and development of Nigeria's economic landscape, and her indelible contributions were lauded at the ceremony.
Founder and CEO of innovative payments service, Paga, Tayo Oviosu, was named West Africa's Entrepreneur of the Year. This bold pioneer has seen his company accrue over 1.7 million users, and has set a prime example for future African visionaries.
The coveted Lifetime Achievement Award was awarded to the incomparable Otunba Subomi Balogun, who has reached a multitude of extraordinary milestones in his long and exemplary career. Amongst these achievements is his status as a Founder of First City Monument Bank, with global subsidiaries and an undeniably impressive shareholder's equity.
