Vice President (Oil & Gas) of Dangote Industries Limited, Devakumar Edwin, has been honoured with the prestigious Person of the Year award at the 9th Annual Award and Lecture of the Daily Asset Newspapers, in recognition of his contributions to Nigeria’s oil and gas sector and his role in advancing the operations and strategic communication of the Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals.
A statement from Dangote Group on Saturday stated that the award was presented at a well-attended ceremony in Abuja that brought together government officials, industry leaders, media executives, and other key stakeholders.
Speaking at the event on Thursday, the Publisher of Daily Asset Newspaper, Dr Cletus Akwaya, described Mr Edwin as instrumental to the success of the Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals.
He said that under Edwin’s stewardship, the Dangote refinery has continued to play a transformative role in boosting domestic refining capacity, enhancing product availability, and supporting Nigeria’s economic diversification agenda.
According to him, Mr Edwin’s commitment to transparent stakeholder engagement, industry advocacy, and effective corporate communication has helped shape public understanding of the refinery’s strategic importance to Nigeria and Africa’s energy landscape.
“His recognition as Person of the Year further shows the growing impact of the Dangote Refinery as a catalyst for industrial growth, job creation, and sustainable national development,” Akwaya said.
He noted that the Daily Asset Annual Award and Lecture is one of the platforms that recognise individuals and institutions making significant contributions to national progress, leadership excellence, and sectoral transformation.
Akwaya added that Mr Edwin should be honoured and celebrated not just in Nigeria, but across Africa, for changing the narrative in Nigeria’s petroleum sector.
Reading the citation, the publisher said the Person of the Year/Corporate Achiever of the Year Award was conferred on Mr Edwin “for serving as the backbone in the process of establishing the Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals, the largest single-train refinery globally.”
He described the Dangote refinery as a game-changer, saying it has helped Nigeria attain self-sufficiency in petroleum products, reduce import dependence, and stimulate economic growth.
“For this effort, Engr Edwin is Daily Asset’s iconic Corporate Achiever/Person of the Year,” he said.
Edwin was represented at the event by the Dangote Group’s Senior General Manager, External Relations/Stakeholder Management, Alhaji Abatcha Bishara.
In the statement, the Dangote Group said, “At Dangote refinery, we remain committed to supporting Nigeria’s energy security, strengthening domestic refining capacity, and contributing meaningfully to national economic growth. This recognition encourages us to continue communicating transparently and engaging constructively with stakeholders and the public.
“We also wish to appreciate the media community for their continuous support and collaboration. Responsible journalism and credible communication remain vital to national development, and Daily Asset has consistently demonstrated this commitment.”
Edwin joins a list of other award recipients recognised for service and commitment to Nigeria’s development, including the Executive Chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service, Dr Zacch Adedeji; National Chairman of the Arewa Consultative Forum, Chief Mamman Mike Osuman; Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State; Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State; Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa State; Senator Kawu Sumaila; and the Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, among others.
The Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas also emerged as the Best Government Agency of the Year.
Earlier this week, at the Nigeria International Energy Summit in Abuja, President Bola Tinubu said the Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals has significantly enhanced the supply of petroleum products in the country.
