By Lawani Mikairu
Expatriates who have contributed to the growth of Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) through establishing businesses in Nigeria have been commended and they are to be honoured .
Making the disclosure in Lagos during a media briefing, Miss Odunola Abayomi, Director of Awards, TEBA Foundation for Humanity, a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) said the foundation in order to further encourage the expatriates, irrespective of their countries of origin, is recognising them with ‘The Expatriates Business Awards,’ which it believed would further inspire them to give more to the Nigerian society and ensure the country’s citizens are more engaged.
According to her, ” the aim of the event is to reward the entrepreneurial spirits of successful foreign personalities, groups, corporate firms and loyal migrants who now see and call Nigeria their homes”.
She also revealed that the company was currently conducting public opinion polls, meticulous research, and reviewing nominations from the general public, insisting that the ” integrity of its selection process was sacrosanct.”
Unlike other awards, Abayomi said that the Expatriates Business Awards recognised only foreigners who reside and establish companies in the country.
She added that the awards are in different categories like ” Expatriate Man of the Year, Expatriate Entrepreneur of the Year, Expatriate Woman of the Year, Expatriate CEO of the Year, Expatriate Product of the Year, Auto Company of the Year, Multinational Oil Firm of the Year and Construction Firm of the Year.
“Also recognised are Expatriate Airlines of the Year, Most Friendly Expatriate Group of the Year, Expatriate Telecommunication Company of the Year, Expatriate Financial Institution of the Year, Liquor Brand of the Year, Expatriate Beauty Product of the Year, Crossover Actor of the Year, Crossover Actress of the Year, Crossover Musician of the Year, Telecommunications Equipment of the Year, Consumer Goods Company of the Year, Dairy Product Company of the Year, Expatriate Revelation Award of the Year and Special Recognitions etc.”
“Unlike many conventional award platforms that focus predominantly on Nigerian nationals and enterprises, The Expatriates Business Awards—a fully trademarked initiative—is uniquely designed to recognize those who, though not born of this soil, have chosen to plant seeds here and watch them flourish.
“Nigeria is not just a nation—it is a welcoming hub of opportunities and enterprise. And within this hub are men and women from diverse countries and cultures who have dared to dream, dared to invest, and dared to grow—right here on Nigerian soil. They have built businesses, created jobs, and contributed immensely to our GDP. It is only fitting that we pause to say, ‘Thank you. We see you. We celebrate you.’”
Also speaking at the event, Irene Samuel, the Head, Marketing Communication, Aero Contractors, one of the major sponsors of the awards, said that the airline as a cultural ambassador, which encourages diversity, supported TEBA Foundation in recognizing worthy persons who have contributed to the growth of the nation.