On Friday, December 7, finance professionals gathered at the Wheathbaker Hotel for the inaugural Finance Icons Award Ceremony, which was organised by Duplo, a Nigerian B2B Fintech startup.
The event celebrated the achievements of Nigeria’s leading finance professionals across five key categories. Twenty-one top finance leaders were recognised, with one standout winner awarded in each category.
“Finance is crucial to business sustainability, especially in challenging economic climates like Nigeria’s,” said Yele Oyekola, Duplo CEO. “We’re here to honour the finance professionals who play a critical role in navigating these turbulent times.”
Adeyinka Ogunnubi, President of the Association of Corporate Treasurers of Nigeria, delivered the keynote address, “Navigating Economic Uncertainty: The Role of Finance Leaders.”
Reflecting on the transformation of the finance profession, Ogunnubi noted the rising significance of corporate treasurers.
“A decade ago, treasurers were overlooked. Today, they are indispensable strategic partners in organisational success,” he emphasised.
Ogunnubi pointed to the twin challenges of foreign exchange volatility and inflation that Nigerian finance leaders must navigate. “We must prepare for the best, the worst, and every contingency,” he said.
He emphasised that finance leaders must fulfil three key roles: strategic leadership, scenario planning and agility, and data-driven decision-making. He concluded by urging them to build resilience and advocate for sound policies.
The evening’s inaugural awards recognised exceptional talent across categories. Timi Yorkson Thomas from Trace-Sabi, claimed the Finance Innovator award for Midsize Companies, while Charles Grant, CFO of Aero Contractors, secured the Finance Innovator award for Enterprise Companies.
“It’s a good thing Duplo has decided to recognise and reward the powerhouse of innovation,” Grant said in an interview with Condia. “With most of traditional finance being automated, the future of finance is strategic reasoning. It’s more than being a chartered accountant, you need to work effectively with every department in the company.
“Most importantly, my advice to other finance professionals is ChatGPT hasn’t figured out how to deliver transport services. Your people are your most important assets. You have to be people-centric and focus on their growth and development.”
Grant concluded by predicting that the role of CFO will evolve into Chief Innovation Officer or Chief Strategy Officer in the near future.
Additional accolades celebrated broader industry contributions. Oluwatosin Olaseinde was named Finance Community Founder of the Year, while Olorunnisola Saheed claimed the Rising Star Award. Oyinda Akanbi, CFO of Synlab, was crowned Female Finance Personality of the Year.
“I’m excited and thrilled, it’s wonderful to be recognised in the industry for my hard work. Finance people are often forgotten because we’re behind the scenes keeping the numbers straight,” Akanbi said.
The evening concluded with a networking session, allowing finance professionals to connect, share insights, and celebrate their collective achievements. Duplo’s CEO Yele Oyekola expressed optimism about the future of finance leadership in Nigeria.
“Tonight is more than an awards ceremony,” Oyekola told Condia. “It’s a testament to the resilience, innovation, and strategic thinking of Nigeria’s finance professionals. In an era of unprecedented economic challenges, these leaders are not just managing numbers—they’re driving business transformation.”
