Winners MOI AWARDS 2025: Two Men of Steel Raising the Bar for African Businesses

At the just-concluded MOI Awards 2025, held at Landmark Event Centre in Lagos, the spotlight did not only shine on brands and companies.

It also rested on two men whose work has quietly shaped cities, industries, and opportunities for many people:  Dr. Ani Wellington, Group Chairman & CEO of Falcon Oil and Gas, and Paul Onwuanibe, CEO of Landmark.

Both men received the Man of Steel honour — a recognition given to leaders who keep building, even when the journey is hard, and who use their power to create value for others, not just for themselves.

Dr. Ani Wellington: A Business Leader with a Burden for Nigeria

Dr. Ani Wellington leads in a sector that is central to Nigeria’s economy. His position comes with pressure, risk and high expectations. Yet, beyond business, what stood out at the MOI Awards was his heart for the country and his humility.

He was not even meant to be in the room that night. He had travelled, his schedule was tight, and it would have been easy to send a representative. But he chose to fly in that evening to be there in person. On stage, he did not focus on himself. Instead, he spoke about Nigeria’s pain, the need for prayer, and the need for real action. He also shifted the spotlight to his team, making it clear that he did not get there alone.

For many people listening, his words sounded less like an acceptance speech and more like a quiet call to responsibility.

While receiving the award, Dr. Ani said…

Distinguished guests, leaders of industry, ladies and gentlemen, I am honoured to be here.

I was actually far away when I got the call about this award. My schedule was tight and I first thought I would send someone to represent me. But there is a Gloria who has been on my case, and I decided to be here today. I flew down this evening for this award, and I like what I see. I am happy I am here, and I know that more needs to be done.

So thank you so much. To the organising committee of MOI, you have done a great job. I am happy to be here.

At this time, our country Nigeria is having a challenging time. I believe today is a day to ask every one of us to pray for this country. A lot is going on. We stay outside and we see things, and sometimes we don’t believe it is the same country.

Ladies and gentlemen, this is the time not just to pray, but to take action.

For this award, I dedicate it to my team. Without them, I would not be here. To all my friends and everybody in this hall, thank you so very much, and God bless you.”

Paul Onwuanibe: The Builder Who Puts His Team First

Paul Onwuanibe is known for building spaces that have changed how people see Lagos – from business events to leisure and waterfront experiences. But on the MOI stage, he did something very simple and powerful: he brought the focus back to his team.

Like Dr. Ani, Paul also rushed in for the event, flying in that same night. He could have let his team collect the award without him, but he chose to be physically present. And when he got on stage, he did not talk long about his own achievements. He asked his team to come out and gave them the credit for the work people see.

While receiving the award, Paul said…

“Thank you very much, MOI.

I wasn’t actually meant to be here today. I literally just rushed in. I flew in tonight and my team are here. They were meant to stand in for me.

Team, come out here.

In many ways, I am accepting this award on behalf of my team because I stand there and I take all the praise, but the truth is hard work, integrity and excellence really do work, and it is my team that have done this all.

Thank you very much. I really appreciate it. Thank you, sir. Thank you.”