Dangote VP Devakumar Edwin wins Daily Asset Person of the Year for contributions to Nigeria’s oil and gas sector and Dangote refinery operations

Vice President (Oil & Gas) of Dangote Industries Limited, Devakumar Edwin, has been honoured with the Person of the Year award at the 9th Annual Award and Lecture of the Daily Asset Newspapers for his contributions to Nigeria’s oil and gas sector and his role in advancing the Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals.

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A statement from the Dangote Group on Saturday said the award was presented at a ceremony in Abuja attended by government officials, industry leaders, media executives and other stakeholders.

Speaking at the event on Thursday, the Publisher of Daily Asset Newspaper, Dr Cletus Akwaya, described Edwin as instrumental to the success of the Dangote refinery.

He said that under Edwin’s stewardship, the refinery has played a transformative role in boosting domestic refining capacity, improving product availability and supporting Nigeria’s economic diversification drive.

According to Akwaya, Edwin’s commitment to stakeholder engagement, industry advocacy and corporate communication has helped shape public understanding of the refinery’s strategic importance to Nigeria and Africa’s energy landscape.

“His recognition as Person of the Year further shows the growing impact of the Dangote Refinery as a catalyst for industrial growth, job creation, and sustainable national development,” Akwaya said.

Reading the citation, Akwaya said the award was conferred on Edwin “for serving as the backbone in the process of establishing the Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals, the largest single-train refinery globally.”

He described the refinery as a game-changer that has helped Nigeria reduce import dependence on petroleum products and stimulate economic growth.

Edwin was represented at the event by the Dangote Group’s Senior General Manager, External Relations and Stakeholder Management, Alhaji Abatcha Bishara.

In the statement, the Dangote Group said the recognition reinforces its commitment to supporting Nigeria’s energy security and engaging transparently with stakeholders.

“At Dangote refinery, we remain committed to supporting Nigeria’s energy security, strengthening domestic refining capacity, and contributing meaningfully to national economic growth.

This recognition encourages us to continue communicating transparently and engaging constructively with stakeholders and the public,” the company said.

The group also appreciated the media for its support, noting that responsible journalism and credible communication remain vital to national development.

Other recipients at the event included the Executive Chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service, Dr Zacch Adedeji; National Chairman of the Arewa Consultative Forum, Chief Mamman Mike Osuman; Governors Peter Mbah (Enugu), Monday Okpebholo (Edo) and Ahmadu Fintiri (Adamawa); Senator Kawu Sumaila; and the Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha.

The Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas was also named Best Government Agency of the Year.

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Earlier in the week, at the Nigeria International Energy Summit in Abuja, President Bola Tinubu said the Dangote refinery had significantly improved the supply of petroleum products in the country.