Dunia and Adichie Win 2026 LEEX Awards Honors

Peter Dunia, Chief Executive Officer of Oceanwave Group, and internationally acclaimed Nigerian author Chimamanda Adichie have been recognized as the 2026 Leadership Excellence Awards (LEEX) Man and Woman of the Year, respectively. This recognition followed a nationwide public voting exercise that attracted millions of votes from Nigerians both at home and in the diaspora.

Dunia secured 2,189,857 votes, defeating Femi Otedola, Chairman of Geregu Power Plc, who received 1,083,683 votes, and Ekeoma Ekeoma of Nepal Oil & Gas Services Ltd., who garnered 485,308 votes. Adichie won with 826,097 votes, surpassing Prof. Folasade Ogunsola, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos, and Dr. Amina Mohammed, United Nations Deputy Secretary-General, who received 287,569 and 152,853 votes, respectively.

The awards celebrate outstanding leadership and impactful service, with Dunia recognized for his contributions to Nigeria’s maritime and energy sectors and Adichie for her literary achievements and advocacy for gender equality and social justice.