Personality in Focus
BusinessDay Recognises Nestlé Boss, Wassim Elhusseini, Among Top 25 CEOs
Nestlé Nigeria has announced that its Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Wassim Elhusseini, has been recognized as one of the Outstanding CEOs at the recent BusinessDay Top 25 CEO Awards held on September 28, 2024.
The BusinessDay Top 25 CEO Awards 2024 acknowledges the achievements of CEOs from companies listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NGX) and the Next Bulls category—an elite group of companies poised for listing on the NGX. These CEOs have not only navigated the complexities of today’s business landscape but have also steered their organizations toward remarkable success.
This recognition comes during a time when many businesses are scaling back operations, yet Nestlé Nigeria has continued to push the boundaries, investing in both its people and innovative product development.
In the first half of 2024, the company reported strong growth, with a remarkable 67% increase in second-quarter sales year-on-year, despite the challenging business environment. These results underscore the strength of Nestlé Nigeria’s brands, and the trust placed in them by consumers, reflecting the company’s unwavering commitment to delivering quality products while navigating industry-wide disruptions.
Speaking after receiving the prestigious award, Mr. Elhussieni said “This recognition is not just a personal honor, but a testament to the resilience, dedication, and unwavering spirit of the entire Nestlé Nigeria family. Despite the challenges we have faced as an industry, our performance, especially in the first half of 2024, is proof that with a focus on innovation, operational excellence, and the hard work of our employees, we can continue to thrive. I am immensely proud of what we have achieved together, and this award belongs to every employee, partner, and stakeholder who has believed in our vision.”
Nestlé Nigeria’s achievements extend beyond financial performance. The company has been at the forefront of innovation, launching several new products that have resonated with consumers. Additionally, Nestlé Nigeria remains committed to talent development, research, and creating shared value in the communities it does business.
“We believe in the power of community and the importance of creating shared value,” added Mr. Elhusseini. “Our initiatives in education, nutrition, and environmental sustainability are making a positive impact on the lives of many Nigerians.”
Instituted in 2014 by BusinessDay Media Limited, the Top 25 CEO Awards recognizes leaders who exhibit exceptional courage, forward-thinking strategy, and an unwavering commitment to the growth and sustainability of their organizations. Wassim Elhusseini’s leadership through one of the most difficult years in the industry underscores the values that have made Nestlé Nigeria a trusted name in households across the nation.
Former Presidential Spokesperson, Doyin Okupe has reportedly passed away.
TheNewsGuru reports that the senior adviser to former President Goodluck Jonathan and, recently, the Director-General of Peter Obi’s 2023 Presidential Campaign died at 71, after a long struggle with cancer.
In October 2023, Okupe was hospitalized with prostate cancer and was flown to Israel for treatment.
However, it was learnt that his condition did not improve as expected.
Okupe had a history of prostate cancer, first diagnosed 16 years ago, and a later bout with sarcoma in his right shoulder.
Following his milestone achievements as Chairman of the Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices (POCACOV), the Chairman/CEO of Executive Group, Dr. Ayo Ogunsan has been officially announced as the Patron of the Police advocacy initiative in Lagos State, National Association of Online Security News Publishers, NAOSNP can report.
The POCACOV is the Nigeria Police Force advocacy initiative to help young people avoid cultism and other vices. It uses advocacy, awareness, and sensitization to help young people avoid vices by conducting community outreaches to schools, inner cities, rural areas, and urban centres. It also helps to rehabilitate and reintegrate those who have been cut in the web of cultism, crimes, and social vices.
It would be recalled that Dr. Ayo Ogunsan took up the Chairmanship job about a year ago and was able to use his grand standing as the Board Member of Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF), prime supporter of security news beat association National Association of Online Security News Publishers (NAOSNP), and leadership of non-profit initiative, AKEM Foundation to champion his work and various impacting activities in the past one year. This is why POCACOV through its National Coordinator, ACP Olabisi Oluseyi Okuwobi on behalf of the Inspector General of Police announced his official elevation into the role of Patron of POCACOV in Lagos State.
The United Nations POLAC International Peace Advocate, Dr. Ayo Ogunsan expressed his gratitude to the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun and the National Coordinator, ACP Okuwobi for the new role and promised to give direction to the new Chairman, Mr. Moses Oladimeji which will lead to improved performance of POCACOV in Lagos.
‘I will keep raiding our communities with love. We will give them food, shelter, etc. Police will do the Police work but I will do the policing of love’, Ogunsan affirmed.
This piece is contributed by Oki Samson
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Shamsedeen Ogunjimi as the new Accountant General of the Federation after a rigorous selection process.
A statement by Special Adviser to the President (Information & Strategy), Bayo Onanuga said his appointment, approved on Tuesday, takes effect from 7th March 2025, the same day the incumbent Oluwatoyin Madehin will retire.
Ogunjimi, 57, was first named as Madehin’s successor last December.
“A selection committee later chose him through a competitive, rigorous, and merit-based process involving Directors of Accounts in the Federal Civil Service. The committee conducted the process through three stages: a written assessment, an ICT proficiency test, and oral interviews.
“The selection process underscores President Tinubu’s commitment to promoting transparency, excellence, and competence in key public service positions,” the statement read in part.
Ogunjimi graduated from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, in 1990 with a Bachelor of Science in Accountancy.
He also obtained a Master’s in Accounting and Finance from the University of Lagos.
He is a fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria and the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria.
President Tinubu congratulated Ogunjimi on his appointment, and urged him to discharge his duties in the service with integrity, professionalism, and dedication to Nigeria’s service.
