Institute honours Dangote, FAAN MD with excellence award

File: President/Chief Executive of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote

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The Commonwealth Institute of Advanced and Professional Studies has honoured the Chairman of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, and the Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, Olubunmi Kuku, with an award of excellence for their achievements in their respective sectors.

The ceremony, held on Thursday at the conference hall of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, Victoria Island, Lagos State, also recognised the Director-General of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, Prof Eghosa Osaghae; the teenager who emerged as the World Best in English Language Skills at the 2025 TeenEagle Global Finals, Nafisah Abdullahi; and Tajudeen Akande of PKF Africa.

Speaking at the event, the Director of the institute, Prof Anthony Kila, said the award formed part of the organisation’s efforts to celebrate individuals who had distinguished themselves in their professions.

He noted that the recipients were selected based on their outstanding contributions to society, adding that the recognition was designed to encourage them and others to achieve more.

“Today is the CIAPS end-of-year lecture. It is an opportunity to share our professional perspectives with the public and also to recognise some outstanding achievers in the Commonwealth and the world at large.

“We have honoured people who are recognised not only in Nigeria but globally—people who have become innovators. For example, Dangote, who is building the biggest refinery in the world, Kuku, who emerged as Vice Chairman of the aviation council in Africa, and others,” he said.

Earlier in his lecture, Kila emphasised that Nigeria would only progress if its citizens embraced a culture of excellence. He explained that the award was meant to create a symbiotic relationship that would inspire students of the institute to strive for excellence.

Kila added, “This is an award for which nobody applies or is nominated. We followed their quality, and they earned it. It is a parasitic relationship. We use them to inspire our graduates.

“We believe that these graduates, in not too long a time, will be measured against this kind of major success, a global success.”

In her remarks, Abdullahi thanked the organisers for the recognition and pledged to continue to make meaningful contributions in her field.

Also speaking, the Alara of Ilara Kingdom in Epe, Lagos State, Oba Olufolarin Ogunsanwo, praised the initiative of awarding deserving individuals, describing it as a laudable effort that would encourage others to emulate excellence. He urged the award recipients to continue to promote Nigeria’s image on the global stage.

The highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of certificates to graduating students of the institute.

Johnson, an avid reader, has over four years experience in journalism covering education, politics and Metro.

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