Vice President (Oil & Gas) of Dangote Industries Limited, Devakumar V. G. Edwin, has been honoured with the Person of the Year Award 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 and the successful take-off of the Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals.
The award was presented at a ceremony in Abuja attended by government officials, industry leaders, media executives, and key stakeholders. The organisers described Edwin as a driving force behind the Dangote Refinery, noting his leadership, professionalism, and commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s energy security.
Daily Asset Publisher, Dr. Cletus Akwaya, said Edwin’s role has been critical in boosting domestic refining capacity, improving product availability, and supporting Nigeria’s economic diversification agenda. He added that Edwin’s transparent stakeholder engagement and effective corporate communication have helped shape public understanding of the refinery’s strategic importance to Nigeria and Africa.
According to the citation, the award recognises Edwin as a backbone in the establishment of the Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals, the world’s largest single-train refinery, which has positioned Nigeria closer to self-sufficiency in petroleum products, reduced import dependence, and stimulated economic growth.
Dr. Akwaya said Edwin deserves recognition not only in Nigeria but across Africa for helping to change the narrative in the petroleum sector.
Edwin was represented at the event by the Dangote Group’s Senior General Manager, External Relations and Stakeholder Management, Alhaji Abatcha Bishara.
In a statement, the Dangote Group reaffirmed its commitment to Nigeria’s energy security, domestic refining, and national economic growth, while appreciating the media for promoting responsible journalism and credible communication.
Edwin joins other prominent award recipients, including Dr. Zacch Adedeji, Chief Mamman Mike Osuman, Governors Peter Mbah, Monday Okpebholo, and Ahmadu Fintiri, Senator Kawu Sumaila, and Hon. Idi Mukhtar Maiha.
The Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas emerged as Best Government Agency of the Year.
Meanwhile, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu recently stated at the Nigeria International Energy Summit in Abuja that the Dangote Petroleum Refinery has significantly improved the supply of petroleum products in the country.
