Abuja: The Chief Executive Officer of Oceanwave Group, Peter Dunia, and renowned author Chimamanda Adichie have been named the 2026 Man of the Year and Woman of the Year at the 8th Leadership Excellence Awards (LEEX).
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the winners were determined through an online voting process that was closely monitored by the agency. Dunia achieved a decisive victory in the Man of the Year category, securing 2,189,857 votes. He outperformed competitors such as Femi Otedola, Chairman of Geregu Power Plc, who received 1,083,683 votes, and Ekeoma Ekeoma, CEO of Nepal Oil and Gas Services Ltd, who garnered 485,308 votes.
In the Woman of the Year category, Chimamanda Adichie received 826,097 votes, outpacing Prof. Folasade Ogunsola, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos, who garnered 287,569 votes, and Dr Amina Mohammed, Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, who secured 152,853 votes.
The LEEX award, now in its eighth edition, is organised by Igbere TV to acknowledge outstanding leadership and the contributions of individuals to national development. The online voting attracted millions of votes from across Nigeria and the diaspora, highlighting the growing credibility and popularity of the Leadership Excellence Awards as a leading platform for recognising transformational leadership in Africa.
Adichie’s victory acknowledges her significant contributions to literature, education, and global advocacy. Through her internationally acclaimed works, such as “Half of a Yellow Sun,” “Americanah,” and “Purple Hibiscus,” she has elevated African storytelling on a global scale while advocating for gender equality, social justice, and human dignity. Her writings, lectures, and advocacy have inspired millions worldwide, solidifying her position as one of Africa’s most influential contemporary intellectuals and cultural ambassadors.
Dunia’s recognition as LEEX Man of the Year reflects public acknowledgment of his impactful contributions to Nigeria’s maritime and energy sectors, as well as his commitment to philanthropy and humanitarian service. Beyond leading one of Africa’s top indigenous offshore and marine logistics companies, he has consistently invested in initiatives that improve vulnerable communities’ lives. These initiatives include educational support, healthcare interventions, youth empowerment, community development projects, and aid for victims of natural disasters and economic hardship.
The Local Organising Committee Chairman and Secretary, Prof. B. I. Babafemi and Mr Emeh Anya, praised both winners as exceptional leaders whose influence transcends their respective professions. They remarked that the winners exemplify visionary leadership, excellence, integrity, and service to humanity, representing the very best of Africa.
The LEEX awards are Africa’s premier online media awards, established to honour outstanding achievements in governance, business, innovation, entrepreneurship, public service, philanthropy, humanitarian service, and sustainable development. Endorsed by the African Union-African Film Institute (AU-AFI), the awards have earned a respected reputation 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 recognised at the 8th Leadership Excellence Awards Ceremony, scheduled for Nov. 12, 2026, in Abuja, alongside over 20 distinguished recipients in other award categories.