Sanwo-Olu, Okpebholo, Oba of Benin honoured at FIN awards in Dubai

The Foreign Investment Network (FIN) has honoured Babajide Sanwo-Olu, lagos state governor, Monday Okpebholo, Edo state governor, and the Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo Ewuare II, with prestigious international awards during its 2025 investment summit in Dubai.

The award ceremony, which held on April 9 at the Marriott Hotel Al Jaddaf during the Net Zero MEA Summit, brought together key political and business leaders from across the globe.

Sanwo-Olu received the Distinguished FIN Outstanding Leadership Award in recognition of his administration’s achievements in infrastructure, investment promotion, and urban development in Lagos.

Representing him at the event, Biodun Ogunleye, Lagos commissioner for energy and mineral resources, described Lagos as a top investment destination in Africa.

“Our unique selling point is not just about our population, but a consistent growth trajectory that makes Lagos a choice destination for investors,” Ogunleye said.

Okpebholo was named Distinguished FIN Emerging Governor of the Year, barely months after assuming office.

Receiving the award on his behalf, Amen Odigie, managing director of the Edo State Investment Promotion Office, said the administration is prioritising agriculture, renewable energy, and sustainable development.

“Governor Okpebholo’s vision is to position Edo as a gateway to West Africa’s green economy. We are inviting global partners to collaborate with us on transformative projects,” Odigie said.

Also honoured was the Oba of Benin, who received the Distinguished FIN Lifetime Achievement Award for his leadership and contribution to economic development in Edo.

The monarch used the occasion to invite global investors to explore opportunities in agriculture and real estate across thousands of hectares earmarked for development.

“We also recognise the critical role of renewable energy, particularly solar, in supporting these sectors. We are open to meaningful partnerships that create mutual value,” the Oba said.

Other Nigerians recognised include Olasupo Olusi, managing director of the Bank of Industry, who was named Distinguished FIN Transformational Leader in Development Finance, and Hon Doris Uboh of the Rural Electrification Agency, who received the Distinguished FIN Rural Electrification Champion of the Year.

The awards were presented by Olayinka Fayomi, FIN chairman, who said the recipients were selected after a rigorous nomination process.

“We are delighted to honour these outstanding leaders for their impact in public service and investment leadership,” he said.

“We are confident they will continue to exceed expectations.”

Dignitaries at the event included Yaqoob Al Ali, executive director from the Office of His Highness Sheikh Juma Bin Maktoum Al Maktoum; Chen Xiaodong of GoodWe Technologies; and Dr Bu Abdulla of the Abdulla Group.

FIN, which has operated for over 25 years, is known for promoting foreign direct investment and convening trade summits across more than 80 countries in partnership with global institutions, including Forbes.

This is an AI-assisted report.