Funke Akindele Named Entrepreneur of the Year at 2024 Sabistation Business Owners Awards

Mary Nnah

Nollywood star and renowned businesswoman Funke Akindele was named Entrepreneur of the Year (Woman) at the second annual Sabistation Business Owners Awards (SBOAwards), held at Upscale Quarters, Lekki Phase I, Lagos. The event, popularly known as The Sabies, recognised and celebrated the achievements of outstanding entrepreneurs, innovators, and business leaders across various industries.

Akindele, celebrated for her remarkable career in the entertainment industry and her successful foray into entrepreneurship, received the coveted Entrepreneur of the Year (Woman) award. The recognition honors her contributions to both the entertainment world and her entrepreneurial ventures, which have significantly impacted Nigeria’s business landscape.

This year’s awards brought together over 110 recipients across different categories, highlighting the breadth of talent and innovation within Nigeria’s business community.

Key awards included: Entrepreneur of the Year (Man) – Aliko Dangote, for his outstanding work with Dangote Petroleum Refinery; Social Entrepreneur of the Year – Michael Collins Ajereh, also known as Don Jazzy, for his ventures including Mavin Records, Dripsoap Africa, and Jazzy Burger.; Innovator of the Year – Chidi Ajaere, CEO of GIG Group; Lifetime Achievement Award – Atunyota Alleluya Akpobome, better known as Alibaba, for his pioneering contributions to comedy and the entertainment industry.

Founder and CEO of Sabistation, Ediale Kingsley, noted, “This year’s event solidifies our commitment to celebrating excellence and leadership in business. We are proud to recognise individuals who have not only excelled in their respective industries but have also made significant contributions to the growth of the Nigerian economy.”

The Sabistation Business Owners Awards have now become an annual event, scheduled to take place every October 22, coinciding with the birthday of its founder. The awards aim to celebrate excellence in business leadership, innovation, and entrepreneurship, while providing a platform for the recognition of trailblasing business owners.

See the complete list of winners, below:

At the 2024 Sabistation Business Owners Awards, several outstanding individuals were recognized for their exceptional contributions to business and entrepreneurship. Aliko Dangote of Dangote Petroleum Refinery was named Entrepreneur of the Year (Man), while Funke Akindele received the Entrepreneur of the Year (Woman) award. Michael Collins Ajereh, popularly known as Don Jazzy, was honored as the Social Entrepreneur of the Year for his ventures with Mavin Records, Dripsoap Africa, and Jazzy Burger. Comedy legend Atunyota Alleluya Akpobome, also known as Alibaba, received the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award. Nelly Agbogu of NBC Tradefair & DSI was recognized as Mentor of the Year, and Chioma Ifeanyi-Eze of Data Entry Academy won Small Business of the Year. Chidi Ajaere of GIG Group was named Innovator of the Year, while Obinna “Obi” Iyiegbu, widely known as Obi Cubana, took home the Business Leader of the Year award. Tayo Aina, a photographer, filmmaker, and YouTuber, was recognized as Young Entrepreneur of the Year, and Peter Ayeni of Party Jollof Africa won Start-Up of the Year.

The Sabies also recognized excellence across various major industries, celebrating organisations that have demonstrated exceptional leadership and innovation. In agriculture, Babban Gona took home the award for Best Agriculture and Farming, while Innoson Vehicle Manufacturer was honored as the Best Automotive company. In the banking and finance sector, Stanbic IBTC Bank emerged as the winner, with the Bioresources Development Center/Genetic Engineering receiving the Best Biotechnology award. Lafarge Africa Plc was recognised as the Best Construction company, and Nestle Nigeria stood out in the Best Consumer Goods category.

In technology and media, Deloitte Nigeria was awarded Best Cyber Security provider, and Pulse Nigeria won Best Digital Media. Konga was recognized for its outstanding performance in e-commerce, taking home the Best E-Commerce award. In the education sector, Coursera was honored for its role in providing quality learning opportunities. Seplat Nigeria secured the Best Energy award, and Netflix Nigeria was celebrated as the Best Entertainment and Media company. H2O Technologies Limited earned the Best Environmental Service award, while Mudi Africa was named Best Fashion and Apparel company.

The financial technology sector saw Opay win the Best FinTech award, and Eko Hotels and Suites excelled in the Best Food and Hospitality category. Kuluya was recognized for its leadership in gaming and eSports, winning Best Gaming and eSports company. Reddington Hospital was awarded Best Healthcare provider, and Cloudware Technologies won in the Best Information Technology category. AIICO Insurance emerged as the Best Insurance provider, while Stallion Investment Group was recognized for its achievements in investment and private equity. Aluko & Oyebode clinched the award for Best Legal Services.

GIG Logistics won the Best Logistics and Transportation award, and Dangote Cement was celebrated for its role in manufacturing, winning Best Manufacturing company. GDM Group was recognised for excellence in marketing and advertising, while Coal Nigeria Limited took home the Best Mining award. In the non-profit sector, the Tony Elumelu Foundation was named Best Non-Profit and Philanthropy organisation. GlaxoSmithKline Nigeria received the Best Pharmaceutical award for its work in clinical trials.

Other notable winners include Landwey Investment Limited for Best Real Estate, Windforce Energy for Best Renewable Energy, and Jumia Nigeria for Best Retail. Data Science Nigeria was honored for its achievements in robotics and automation, and Nigeria Port Authority won the Best Shipping and Marine award. Linda Ikeji Social was named Best Social Media and Networking platform, while Lagos City Marathon won Best Sports and Recreation. MTN Nigeria secured the Best Telecommunications award, and WakaNow was recognized as the Best Tourism and Travel company.

The Sabistation Business Owners Awards also shone a spotlight on individuals making waves across various sectors through the Media Recognition category. Among the notable recipients was Chichi Eriobu of Phronesis Foods, recognized for her leadership in the food industry. Fii Stephen of Groth Accelerator was celebrated for his contributions to business growth and entrepreneurship, while Barinaada Bema Alexander of LawyaaUp gained recognition for innovation in legal services. Chris Edeh, the force behind Solarcool, was honored for his advancements in renewable energy solutions, and Israel Ekene of Ekenet Concept was recognized for his entrepreneurial impact.

Abraham Orukpe Courage Ngele and Jeffrey Benson were both acknowledged for their notable contributions to their respective fields. Media personality Nymat Akashat received recognition, alongside Prince Francis, also known as Akaraboy, for his influence in media. Joshua Tade Cash and Imoh Essien of TIELI were highlighted for their entrepreneurial ventures, while Peter Ayeni of Party Jollof was recognised for his innovation in the food and event space. Peter Odion of Cove Real Estate and Dr. Stephen Akintayo were also among the honorees for their leadership in real estate and investment.

Endurance Iyiewuare of Busy Buying, Rilwan Akeyewale of Business Plan Academy, and Nnenna Nwosu of 2kShop were celebrated for their entrepreneurial achievements. Others such as Jeff Anozie, Kingsley Imeh, and Brenda Unu were acknowledged for their various contributions to the business ecosystem. Ndidi Ukaonu and Tomisin Anjorin of Naijavendorscircle received recognition, as did Aleriwa Bukola, CEO of Schooled Afrika, for their business and social impact efforts.

Additional honorees included Carol Arheghan, Abisola Adeshina of Bicester Jewelry, and Ayodeji Awosika of Web3BrIdge, all of whom were recognized for their contributions to their respective industries. Elda David of ProConnect, Pamela Udoka of Beyond Sex Academy, and Omotayo Okere-Richards of Tee Richards Hair & Beauty Salon were celebrated for their entrepreneurial achievements, while Bunmi Oreaje-Ogbori, Collins Uchechukwu, and Tanko Lami also earned recognition in the media category.

Other awardees included Mrs. Bike Abu of Zinnia Beryl Fabrics, Dr. Jennifer Chukwujekwe of Jenniez School of African Interior Design, and Augusta Nkanu of MelonyPine Fruit Hub. The awards also celebrated the entrepreneurial excellence of Rahanatu Ahmad Aliyu of Turarenwuta by Ray, Mojisola Aina of Pod Chocolates, Ubongawasi Udoka of Wazii Creations Digital, and Abiodun Bosede Olanipon of Rhoyards Ora Cosmetics. The diversity and talent of these media-recognized individuals highlight the wide-reaching influence of Nigerian entrepreneurs across various industries.

The Sabistation Business Owners Awards shine a spotlight on business leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs who are making significant contributions to Nigeria’s economic and social landscape. With a rigorous selection process and a focus on excellence, the awards aim to inspire and encourage future generations of entrepreneurs to pursue success and innovation.

The Sabistation Business Owners Awards celebrate innovation, entrepreneurship, and business leadership in Nigeria. The awards are structured into three main categories: the Sabi Jury Awards, the Media Awards, and the Special Awards, with a total of 110 recipients honored this year.