The Chairman of Nestoil Group, Ernest Azudialu-Obiejesi, has been honoured as the Businessman of the Year 2024 by Telegraph Newspaper in recognition of his contributions to Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, corporate excellence, and philanthropy.
The award was presented on February 21, 2025, at the New Telegraph Awards Ceremony held at the Balmoral Event Centre, Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos. The event brought together industry leaders, policymakers, and dignitaries to celebrate individuals and organisations driving national development.
Under Azudialu-Obiejesi’s leadership, Nestoil has become one of West Africa’s largest indigenous engineering, procurement, construction, and commissioning companies, partnering with global oil giants like Shell, Chevron, and Mobil. His strategic vision has also advanced infrastructure development and local content participation in the oil and gas sector.
Through the Obijackson Group, including subsidiaries like White Dove Shipping and BQ Dredging, Azudialu-Obiejesi has diversified Nigeria’s oil and gas industry while creating thousands of jobs. His philanthropic efforts, channeled through the Obijackson Foundation, have provided scholarships to over 200 students and supported healthcare initiatives such as the Obijackson Women and Children’s Hospital.
The businessman’s contributions to education, healthcare, and skill development continue to impact lives across Nigeria.