Chief Executive Officer of Oceanwave Group, Peter Dunia, and globally acclaimed author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie have emerged as the 2026 Man of the Year and Woman of the Year, respectively, at the 8th Leadership Excellence Awards (LEEX) following the conclusion of a nationwide public voting exercise monitored by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
The results released by the Local Organising Committee on Friday showed that Dunia secured a commanding victory in the Man of the Year category with 2,189,857 votes, defeating Chairman of Geregu Power Plc, Femi Otedola, who polled 1,083,683 votes, and Chief Executive Officer of Nepal Oil & Gas Services Ltd., Ekeoma Ekeoma, who garnered 485,308 votes.
In the Woman of the Year category, Chimamanda Adichie polled 826,097 votes to emerge winner, ahead of Prof. Folasade Ogunsola, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos, who received 287,569 votes, while Dr. Amina Mohammed, Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, secured 152,853 votes.
The online voting exercise attracted millions of votes from across Nigeria and the diaspora, underscoring the growing credibility and popularity of the Leadership Excellence Awards as one of Africa’s foremost platforms for recognising transformational leadership.
Dunia’s emergence as LEEX Man of the Year reflects widespread public recognition of his remarkable contributions to Nigeria’s maritime and energy sectors, as well as his unwavering commitment to philanthropy and humanitarian service. Beyond building one of Africa’s leading indigenous offshore and marine logistics companies, he has consistently invested in initiatives that improve the lives of vulnerable communities through educational support, healthcare interventions, youth empowerment, community development projects, and assistance to victims of natural disasters and economic hardship. His commitment to creating opportunities, uplifting underserved communities, and promoting indigenous enterprise has earned him admiration far beyond the business community.
Adichie’s victory recognises her extraordinary contributions to literature, education and global advocacy. Through internationally acclaimed works such as Half of a Yellow Sun, Americanah and Purple Hibiscus, she has elevated African storytelling on the global stage while championing gender equality, social justice and human dignity. Her writings, lectures and advocacy have inspired millions across the world, making her one of Africa’s most influential contemporary intellectuals and cultural ambassadors.
Speaking on the outcome, the Local Organising Committee described both winners as exceptional leaders whose impact transcends their respective professions, noting that they exemplify the ideals of visionary leadership, excellence, integrity and service to humanity.
“Peter Dunia, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and over 20 other winners represent the very best of Africa—leaders who have not only excelled in their fields but have also used their platforms to uplift others and drive meaningful change,” the Committee stated.
The Leadership Excellence Awards (LEEX) is Africa’s premier online media awards, established to honour outstanding achievements in governance, business, innovation, entrepreneurship, public service, philanthropy, humanitarian service and sustainable development. The awards are proudly endorsed by the African Union–African Film Institute (AU-AFI), further affirming their growing reputation as one of the continent’s most respected platforms for celebrating transformational leadership.
Previous recipients of the prestigious LEEX Man of the Year Award include renowned entrepreneur and philanthropist Tony O. Elumelu, CFR, former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, and industrialist Abdul Samad Rabiu, CFR. Previous Woman of the Year winners include Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General of the World Trade Organization; Adaora Umeoji, Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Zenith Bank Plc; and Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
Peter Dunia and Chimamanda Adichie will be formally decorated at the 8th Leadership Excellence Awards Ceremony, scheduled for Thursday, 12 November 2026, at the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Banquet Hall, Abuja alongside more than 20 distinguished recipients in other award categories.The event is expected to attract senior government officials, diplomats, business leaders, traditional rulers, development partners, academics, civil society leaders and other distinguished personalities from across Africa.
The Local Organising Committee congratulated all the finalists for their outstanding achievements and expressed appreciation to millions of Nigerians and members of the international community who participated in what it described as a transparent, credible and independently monitored voting process.
