A Non-Governmental Organisation(NGO),
TEBA Foundation for Humanity has commended the contributions of expatriates to the growth of Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
The foundation in order to further encourage the expatriates irrespective of their countries of origin, is recognising them with ‘The Expatriates Business Awards,’ which it believed would further inspire them to give more to the Nigerian society and ensure the country’s citizens are more engaged.
Speaking at the unveiling of the awards in Lagos on Thursday, Miss Odunola Abayomi, Director of Awards, TEBA Foundation, explained that the project, which is powered by Pun Communications Ltd, aimed at rewarding entrepreneurial spirits of successful foreign personalities, groups, corporate firms and loyal migrants who now see and call Nigeria their homes.
She said the awardees had evolved their lives to contribute to the country’s business landscape over the years, adding that the awards were a testament and celebration of Nigeria’s multifarious business people.
According to her, the company was currently conducting public opinion polls, meticulous research, and reviewing nominations from the general public, insisting that the integrity of its selection process was sacrosanct.
Unlike other awards, Abayomi said that the Expatriates Business Awards recognised only foreigners who reside and establish companies in the country.
She emphasised that the awards are in different categories like Expatriate Man of the Year, Expatriate Entrepreneur of the Year, Expatriate Woman of the Year, Expatriate CEO of the Year, Expatriate Product of the Year, Auto Company of the Year, Multinational Oil Firm of the Year and Construction Firm of the Year.
Others are Aviation Safety Champion of the Year, Aviation technology Pioneer of Award, Electronics Company of the Year, Expatriate Restaurant of the Year, Expatriate Eatery of the Year, CSR Brand of the Year, CSR Expatriate Group of the Year, Employment Friendly Expatriate Firm of the Year, Household Appliances Company of the Year and Expatriate Beverage of the Year.
Also recognised are Expatriate Airlines of the Year, Most Friendly Expatriate Group of the Year, Expatriate Telecommunication Company of the Year, Expatriate Financial Institution of the Year, Liquor Brand of the Year, Expatriate Beauty Product of the Year, Crossover Actor of the Year, Crossover Actress of the Year, Crossover Musician of the Year, Telecommunications Equipment of the Year, Consumer Goods Company of the Year, Dairy Product Company of the Year, Expatriate Revelation Award of the Year and Special Recognitions.
She said: “Unlike many conventional award platforms that focus predominantly on Nigerian nationals and enterprises, The Expatriates Business Awards—a fully trademarked initiative—is uniquely designed to recognize those who, though not born of this soil, have chosen to plant seeds here and watch them flourish.
“Nigeria is not just a nation—it is a welcoming hub of opportunities and enterprise. And within this hub are men and women from diverse countries and cultures who have dared to dream, dared to invest, and dared to grow—right here on Nigerian soil. They have built businesses, created jobs, and contributed immensely to our GDP. It is only fitting that we pause to say, ‘Thank you. We see you. We celebrate you.’”
Also commenting, Irene Samuel, the Head Samuel, the Head, Marketing Communication, Aero Contractors, one of the major sponsors of the awards, said that the airline as a cultural ambassador, which encourages diversity, supported TEBA Foundation in recognizing worthy persons who have contributed to the growth of the nation.
She said that the partnership was an opportunity for the airline to identify and appreciate expatriates who reside in the country and create job opportunities for Nigerians.
She added: When you evaluate the Nigerian economy, you will find out that they contribute something to the GDP of this country. So, we can’t just let them go unknown or without appreciating their contributions.”
The maiden edition of the award was held in 2020 in Lagos.
