Dangote Refinery VP, Devakumar Edwin, named ‘daily asset person of the year’

Devakumar Edwin, group executive director, strategy, portfolio development and capital projects, Dangote Industries Limited. Photograph by Chuks Oluigbo

Devakumar V. G. Edwin, vice president (Oil & Gas) of Dangote Industries Limited, has been named Person of the Year at the 9th Annual Award and Lecture of the Daily Asset Newspapers, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.

Also, his pivotal role in advancing the operations and strategic communication of the Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals (DPRP).

In a statement issued by the Dangote Group, The award was presented at a ceremony held on Thursday in Abuja, which brought together government officials, industry leaders, media executives and other key stakeholders.

Speaking at the event, Cletus Akwaya, publisher of Daily Asset Newspaper, described Edwin as instrumental to the success of the Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals, noting that under his stewardship, the refinery has continued to play a transformative role in boosting Nigeria’s domestic refining capacity, improving product availability and supporting the country’s economic diversification drive.

Akwaya said that 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 broader energy landscape.

“His recognition as Person of the Year further underscores the growing impact of the Dangote Refinery as a catalyst for industrial growth, job creation and sustainable national development,” he said.

He added that Edwin deserves to be celebrated not only in Nigeria but across Africa for helping to change the narrative in the country’s petroleum sector.

Reading the citation, the publisher said the Person of the Year/Corporate Achiever of the Year Award was conferred on Edwin for serving as “the backbone in the process of establishing the Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals, the largest single-train refinery in the world.”

According to him, the refinery has emerged as a game-changer for Nigeria by helping the country 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 and Person of the Year,” Akwaya said.

Edwin was represented at the ceremony by Abatcha Bishara, Dangote Group’s Senior general manager, External Relations and Stakeholder Management.

Dangote Group in the statement reaffirmed its commitment to Nigeria’s energy security and economic growth.

“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,” the statement said.

The group also commended the media for its role in national development, noting that responsible journalism and credible communication remain critical to economic and industrial progress.

Edwin joins a distinguished list of award recipients recognised by Daily Asset for exceptional service and leadership, including Zacch Adedeji, Mamman Mike Osuman, Executive Chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service, National Chairman of the Arewa Consultative Forum, Governors including Peter Mbah of Enugu State, Monday Okpebholo of Edo State and Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa State, among others.

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