The prestigious Human Heroes Awards 2025 celebrated eight exceptional Nigerian leaders at the grand finale of the Visionary Leadership Conference (VLC), held on November 8, 2025. The event recognized individuals who have demonstrated remarkable commitment to leadership, equity, and social impact across the continent.
Celebrating Africa's Finest Leaders
The dinner event was a heartfelt celebration that brought together innovators and changemakers from across Africa. It honoured those whose work deeply reflects the core values of empathy, integrity, equity, and innovation. The convener of the Visionary Leadership Conference, Debola Deji-Kurunmi (DDK), reaffirmed the mission of the awards, highlighting that the honorees span diverse sectors including social impact, financial services, gender equity, and enterprise development.
Meet The 2025 Human Heroes Award Winners
Fela Durotoye, a renowned leadership expert and global speaker, received the Chief Sponsor Award for his exceptional dedication to opening doors and elevating emerging leaders.
Abosede George-Ogan, founder of Women in Leadership Advancement Network (WILAN) Global, was honoured with the Voice of Equity Award for her courageous advocacy in advancing women’s leadership and pushing for policy reform.
Other distinguished awardees included Kola Oyeneyin, CEO of Venia Group, who received the Exemplary Leader Award for his integrity-driven approach and transformative influence on new entrepreneurs.
Temilola Adepetun, Founder and CEO of SKLD Integrated Services Ltd, was presented with the Legacy Leader Award for her visionary stewardship and focus on enduring leadership succession.
Odunayo Sanya, Executive Director of the MTN Nigeria Foundation, was honoured with the Empathy in Action Award for her significant impact across education, healthcare, and youth empowerment.
Temi Dalley, Chief Human Resources Officer at Sterling Bank, was recognized as the Wellbeing Champion for redefining people-first leadership within corporate institutions.
Uche Lotanna-Anajemba, a seasoned human capital executive, received the Inclusive Innovator Award for her groundbreaking work in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) leadership and systems design.
The Sickle Cell Advocacy and Management Initiative (SAMI) was honoured with the Resilient Institution Award for its unwavering commitment to sickle cell advocacy and community-centred healthcare.
A Call for Value-Driven Leadership
In a powerful keynote address, awardee Fela Durotoye emphasized the collective responsibility of leaders to reshape national and continental narratives. He critiqued leaders who prioritize assets over people and managers who disregard the well-being of their staff.
Durotoye stressed the urgent need for the transformative power of sponsorship and value-driven leadership, calling for a new generation of leaders who are dedicated to elevating others. Throughout the evening, the award stories highlighted leaders who have not only achieved professional excellence but have also shaped cultures, inspired communities, and expanded possibilities for countless lives across Africa.
