Leadership Spotlight: Sustainability Leaders Who Won Big at SISA 2025

While corporations and institutions form the engine of sustainable development, it is visionary leadership that steers the course.

“These awards for individuals are perhaps the most significant,” said Eche Munonye, Founder of CSR Reporters and Convener of SISA. “They answer the ‘who’. Who is making the tough decisions? Who is championing the cause when no one is watching? Who is personally accountable for the impact? Tonight, we have our answer. These leaders are the human face of our theme, and they inspire a new generation to lead with conscience and courage.”

Together, these awardees form a powerful mosaic of Nigerian leadership. They are the strategists and the executors, the corporate captains and the compassionate founders, the policy architects and the public health guardians. Their collective achievements, honoured at SISA 2025, provide a definitive blueprint for impactful leadership in the modern era.

The fifth annual Social Impact and Sustainability Awards (SISA 2025) dedicated a pivotal segment to celebrating these individuals, the CEOs, specialists, and public servants whose personal commitment and strategic acumen are redefining success in Nigeria.

Beyond organizational accolades, SISA 2025 unveiled a pantheon of leaders, recognizing that the mantra of “People, Planet, Purpose” is ultimately embodied by people. Here are the champions who took centre stage:

The Pinnacle of Corporate Vision: CEO of the Year 2025

The prestigious CEO of the Year award was conferred upon Mrs. Adesuwa Ladoja, MD/CEO of Lagos Free Zone (LFZ), for her transformative leadership in building a world-class, sustainable industrial hub. Under her guidance, LFZ has become a benchmark for integrating eco-friendly infrastructure, community development, and economic empowerment, proving that industrialisation and sustainability can be powerful allies.

The Human-Centric Captain: Most People-Focused CEO

Recognising that a company’s greatest asset is its people, the award for Most People-Focused CEO went to Mr. Roosevelt Ogbonna, MD/CEO of Access Bank Plc. He was honoured for fostering an unparalleled culture of employee welfare, diversity, and inclusive growth, embedding social responsibility into the very fabric of the bank’s internal and external operations.

Sustainability Leader of the Year

In the criticality of embedding ESG principles, two women were singled out for excellence. Mrs. Ejiro Gray, ED, Governance & Sustainability at Sahara Group, was named Sustainability Leader of the Year for her strategic, board-level integration of sustainability across a vast energy conglomerate, turning policy into practice at scale.

Sustainability Practitioner Of The Year

The Sustainability Practitioner of the Year award went to Ms. Lovelyn Okoye, Head of Sustainability at Seven-Up Bottling Company, celebrating her hands-on, innovative work in driving circular economy projects, water stewardship, and community initiatives, demonstrating the power of execution on the ground.

Social Impact Public Servant of the Year

SISA 2025 powerfully acknowledged leaders who navigate the intersection of governance and impact. H.E. Kamorudeen Yusuf, PA (Special Duties) to the President, was celebrated as Social Impact Public Servant of the Year for orchestrating high-impact federal initiatives that directly translate policy into tangible social good for millions.

Green Economy Leadership Excellence

From Lagos State, Mrs. Titilayo Oshodi, Special Adviser on Climate Change & Circular Economy, received the Green Economy Leadership Excellence award for her pioneering work in crafting and implementing policies that position Lagos at the forefront of Africa’s green and circular economy transition.

CEO Champion of Corporate Responsibility

Mr. Seleem Adegunwa, MD of Rite Foods Limited, was crowned CEO Champion of Corporate Responsibility for personally championing and resourcing initiatives that link the company’s success to the health and economic vitality of its communities and consumers.

Humanitarian Impact Leader of the Year

The Humanitarian Impact Leader of the Year, Tizhe Joseph Kwaji, Founder of the Help Amputee Foundation, was honoured for his profound personal dedication to restoring dignity, mobility, and hope to amputees, representing the purest form of social impact.

HR Personality of the Year

In the domain of organisational health, Mrs. Folashade Efiong-Bassey, Group Executive Director of iPNX Nigeria Ltd., was named HR Personality of the Year for her transformative leadership in building future-ready, empathetic, and high-performing workplace cultures.

Exceptional Public Servant of the Year

The Exceptional Public Servant of the Year award was presented to Dr. Emmanuella Olutoyin Zamba, Permanent Secretary/General Manager of LASHMA. She was recognized for her exceptional leadership in expanding access to quality healthcare for Lagos residents, demonstrating that effective, compassionate public service is the bedrock of a sustainable society.

Person of the Year 2025

Alhaji Aliko Dangote, GCON, President & Chief Executive, Dangote Group is a TIME 100 alumnus and Forbes-acclaimed visionary. Dangote as fondly called by all is a global business icon whose relentless drive for innovation continually expands the horizons of sustainable impact on both communities and the environment.