Leadership Awards: Dunia, Adichie emerge 2026 Man, Woman of the Year
By Ebere Agozie
The Chief Executive Officer, Oceanwave Group, Peter Dunia; and renowned author, Chimamanda Adichie, have won the 2026 Man of the Year and Woman of the Year, at the 8th Leadership Excellence Awards (LEEX).
In an online voting monitored by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the duo emerged winners in their different categories.
Dunia secured a commanding victory in the Man of the Year category with 2,189,857 votes.
He defeated Chairman of Geregu Power Plc, Femi Otedola, who polled 1,083,683 votes, and Chief Executive Officer of Nepal Oil & Gas Services Ltd, Ekeoma Ekeoma, who garnered 485,308 votes.
In the Woman of the Year category, Chimamanda Adichie polled 826,097 votes to emerge winner, ahead of Prof. Folasade Ogunsola, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos.
Ogunsola received 287,569 votes, while Dr Amina Mohammed, Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, secured 152,853 votes.
NAN reports that the LEEX award, now in its eight edition is organised by Igbere TV to recognise outstanding leadership and contributions of individuals to national development.
The online voting attracted millions of votes from across Nigeria and the diaspora.
It underscored the growing credibility and popularity of the Leadership Excellence Awards as one of Africa’s foremost platforms for recognising transformational leadership.
Adichie’s victory recognised her extraordinary contributions to literature, education and global advocacy.
Through internationally acclaimed works such as Half of a Yellow Sun, Americanah and Purple Hibiscus, she has elevated African storytelling on the global stage while championing gender equality, social justice and human dignity.
Her writings, lectures and advocacy have inspired millions across the world, making her one of Africa’s most influential contemporary intellectuals and cultural ambassadors.
Dunia’s emergence as LEEX Man of the Year reflects widespread public recognition of his remarkable contributions to Nigeria’s maritime and energy sectors.
It is also in appreciation of his unwavering commitment to philanthropy and humanitarian service.
Beyond building one of Africa’s leading indigenous offshore and marine logistics companies, he has consistently invested in initiatives that improve the lives of vulnerable communities.
These initiatives include educational support, healthcare interventions, youth empowerment, community development projects, and assistance to victims of natural disasters and economic hardship.
His commitment to creating opportunities, uplifting underserved communities, and promoting indigenous enterprise has earned him admiration far beyond the business community.
Speaking on the outcome of the votes, the Local Organising Committee Chairman and Secretary Prof. B. I. Babafemi and Mr Emeh Anya, described both winners as exceptional leaders whose impact transcends their respective professions.
They noted that the winners exemplify the ideals of visionary leadership, excellence, integrity and service to humanity.
“Peter Dunia, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and over 20 other winners represent the very best of Africa—leaders who have not only excelled in their fields but have also used their platforms to uplift others and drive meaningful change,” they stated.
LEEX awards is Africa’s premier online media awards, established to honour outstanding achievements in governance, business, innovation, entrepreneurship, public service, philanthropy, humanitarian service and sustainable development.
The awards are endorsed by the African Union–African Film Institute (AU-AFI), further affirming their growing reputation as one of the continent’s most respected platforms for celebrating transformational leadership.
Previous recipients of the prestigious LEEX Man of the Year Award include renowned entrepreneur and philanthropist Tony Elumelu, former Anambra governor Peter Obi, and industrialist Abdul Samad Rabiu.
Previous Woman of the Year winners include Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General of the World Trade Organisation, Adaora Umeoji, Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Zenith Bank Plc, and Sen. Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
Peter Dunia and Chimamanda Adichie will be formally decorated at the 8th Leadership Excellence Awards Ceremony, scheduled for Nov. 12, 2026 in Abuja alongside no fewer than 20 distinguished recipients in other award categories.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Uche Anunne