Nigeria’s Lagos Assembly Speaker, Turkish Airlines, grace TEBA 2025

Nigeria

The Expatriates Business Awards (TEBA) 2025, held recently at the prestigious Oriental Hotel, Lekki, Lagos, was a spectacular celebration of Nigeria’s multicultural economic ecosystem, attracting top dignitaries and global icons. 

The event was graced by the Honourable Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, Turkish Airlines’ Nigeria General Manager Lokman Balkan, acclaimed actresses Lilian Bach and Ronya Man, and Ghanaian-born broadcaster Riyah Abdul, among others.

This black-tie gala brought together an elite mix of diplomats, corporate leaders, international investors, and professionals, underscoring the vibrant synergy between Nigeria and the global business community. 

Rt. Hon. Obasa, who served as the event’s chief guest, lauded TEBA’s unique focus on recognising the vital contributions of expatriate entrepreneurs and ethnic enterprises advancing Nigeria’s socioeconomic development and GDP growth.

Anchored by Egypt-born media advisor Rania Elewa, who herself won the Diaspora Trailblazer award, and Cameroonian music-comedy star Danny Green (237 TownCryer), the evening blended cultural showcases, music, and comedy to foster unity and celebrate business excellence.

Key awards spotlighted international and local expatriate-driven successes. Turkish Airlines was honoured as Expatriate Airline of the Year 2024/25 for its pivotal role in connecting Nigeria globally and enhancing business travel efficiency. Actress Lilian Bach received the Diaspora Distinction Award, while broadcaster Riyah Abdul was named Diaspora Revelation of the Year. Ronya Man earned Cross Over Actress of the Year, and aviation companies Avsatel Communications Ltd. and MACE Industries Ltd. were recognized for Aviation Safety and Technology excellence respectively.

Other distinguished honourees included entrepreneur Pascale Olumayowa Rafqa (Expatriate Entrepreneur of the Year), Polish-born chef Alice Adetona (Inter-Cultural Culinary Ambassador), Gambian beautician Zainab Fatty (Serial Entrepreneur of the Year), and Swiss-born Janice Udogu (Heritage Embrace Award).

The construction sector was represented by CCECC, awarded Construction Company of the Year, while Nigerbirds Engineering was celebrated as an Emerging Aviation Powerhouse.

In his address, Rt. Hon. Obasa praised TEBA for fostering inclusivity and business diplomacy, positioning Lagos as a thriving hub for multicultural growth and international investment. The event also provided an important platform for sponsors and partners to gain premium exposure before key stakeholders, reinforcing the strength of public-private-international collaboration.

TEBA 2025 has firmly established itself as a premier platform celebrating intercultural recognition, entrepreneurial innovation, and global partnership, reflecting Nigeria’s growing stature as a business crossroads of Africa and the world.