The Foreign Investment Network (FIN) Oil and Gas Conference and Exhibition marked the commencement of a dazzling event, followed by the illustrious FIN & Forbes Best of Africa Awards Reception, the Celebration of the House of Commons Book of Tribute to Nelson Mandela’s Legacy, and the captivating Kiribaku Art Exhibition on 18th July 2023, at the prestigious Waldorf Hilton Hotel in Aldwych, London. This grand gathering, in partnership with The Luxury Network Nigeria, brought together an esteemed group of individuals, cultural icons, and artists at the Waldorf Hilton Hotel in London, United Kingdom, to celebrate the brilliance of African excellence, legacy, and artistry.

The conference was inaugurated by Mrs. Olayinka Fayomi, Chairman/Group CEO Foreign Investment Network (FIN) and President Blue Sky Village, UK, and Ambassador House of Commons Book of Tribute to Nelson Mandela. The esteemed lineup of speakers included H.E. Agnes Adlino Orifa Oswaha, South Sudan Ambassador to the UK, Dean Russell MP, and H.E. Ms. Marie Marguerite Ndjeka, DRC Ambassador to the UK.

The FIN & Forbes Best of Africa Awards reception proved to be the highlight of the evening, recognising outstanding individuals whose contributions have elevated Africa’s progress and prosperity. Among the distinguished recipients were several Nigerians who took the spotlight and made their marks on the world stage.

Nigerians that bagged Forbes Best of Africa are Ms. Hadiza Bala Usman, Special Adviser to the President of Nigeria who got the Forbes Best of Africa Outstanding Service Award; Dr. Stephen Akintayo, Group Managing Director/CEO Gtext Holdings, who was recognised as Forbes Real Estate Man of the Year; Dr. Obadare Peter Adewale, co-founder and Chief Visionary (CVO), Digital Encode Ltd, acknowledged as Forbes Best of African Outstanding Cyber Security Expert of the Year; Mrs. Favour Femi-Oyewole, Group Chief Information Cybersecurity Officer, Access Bank, presented with the Forbes Best of Africa Cybersecurity Award of Excellence and Mohammed Bello Koko, Chairman/Managing Director, Nigerian Ports Authority who was honoured with the Forbes Best of Africa Award of Excellence.

The Fin Oil and Gas Conference served as a remarkable platform for industry leaders, government officials, and entrepreneurs to share knowledge, explore collaborations, and attract foreign investment to the African oil and gas sector. Following the conference, the awards reception and celebrations amplified the significance of recognizing African excellence and the enduring legacy of Nelson Mandela.

Adding to the distinguished honorees, several other Nigerian luminaries were recognised for their exceptional contributions: Among them are Mr. Gbenga Komolafe, an Engineer and CEO, of Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission who was recognised with the FIN Award of Excellence; Dr. Ramtu Tijjani Aliyu, the immediate past FCT Minister of State, Nigeria who received the prestigious FIN Award of Excellence; Mr. Kayode Egbetokun, the Acting Inspector-General of Police, Nigeria who earned the FIN Certificate of Distinction; Dr. Abubakar Audi, Commandant General, Nigeria Security, and Civil Defence Corps, presented with the FIN Excellent Public Service Award And Mr. Talabi Taiwo, CEO VIP Protocol International with FIN Award of Excellence.

Other awardees included Dr. Situmbeko Musotwane, Minister of Finance and Planning, Zambia, honoured with the FIN Award of Excellence; Mr. Mohamed Ahmed Mohamed Oun: Minister of Oil and Gas, Libya, recognised with the FIN Award of Excellence; Mr. Puot Kang Chol, Minister of Energy, South Sudan, presented with the FIN Award of Excellence and Laila Rahhal El Atfani, President/Founder, Business Gate, Dubai, celebrated with the FIN Award of Excellence.

The remaining awardees were Peter Heap KCMG, Chairman, Brazilian Chamber of Commerce in Great Britain Inc, honoured with the FIN Award of Excellence; Lord John Bird, OBE, Member of House of Lords, UK, and Founder of The Big Issue, UK who received the FIN Visionary Philanthropist of the Year Award; Dr. Wafik Mustafa: Chairman, British Arab Network, honoured with the prestigious FIN Lifetime Achievement Award and Nivin El-Gamal, Duchess Of Lamberton, London, United Kingdom with FIN Outstanding Philanthropist Award.

These awards underscore the exceptional talent and achievements of individuals who continue to shine and make indelible impacts on Africa’s development and global recognition. The FIN and Forbes Best of Africa Awards Night was an evening of celebration, inspiration, and admiration for the outstanding individuals who have carved their names in the annals of African excellence.