CEO and Chairman of Nord Automobiles, Oluwatobi Ajayi, exemplifies what it means to be a pioneering leader in Nigeria’s emerging automotive industry. For this reason and more, he is the choice of the management of LEADERSHIP Newspapers as the CEO of the Year 2024 (Private Sector).
With an unyielding commitment to innovation and quality and a vision to establish a globally recognised Nigerian auto brand, Ajayi has transformed Nord Automobiles into a leading force within the sector. His journey and contributions to Nigeria’s automotive landscape have earned him well-deserved recognition as CEO of the Year 2024.
Ajayi’s passion for automotive excellence began early in his career. Born in 1988 and raised in Nigeria, he attended Nigeria Navy School for primary and secondary education before pursuing a Soil Science and Farm Mechanization degree from Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye.
His entrepreneurial journey took root during his tenure with Mercedes-Benz Nigeria, where he managed the Van Division, growing its market share from less than 1 per cent to an impressive 7 per cent between 2013 and 2015. Ajayi’s success earned him the Mercedes-Benz Best Sales Performance for Africa in 2013, cementing his place as a rising star in the industry.
After visiting Mercedes-Benz factories in Europe and Asia, Ajayi was inspired to establish a world-class Nigerian auto brand, driven by the belief that Africans could design and build vehicles that rival the best in the world. In 2015, he co-founded Jetvan Automobiles, serving as CEO until 2018. His ambition, however, was to create a brand that represented Nigeria, which led him to establish Nord Automobiles Limited. With a focus on building durable, cost-efficient, and elegant vehicles, Nord has since grown to be valued at over N4.2 billion, making Ajayi a leading figure in Nigeria’s auto industry.
He now assembles his own elegant, reliable, durable, and cost-efficient vehicles that are as good as any vehicle worldwide.
Ajayi’s contributions to Nigeria’s auto industry have not gone unnoticed. In 2018, Forbes listed him as one of Africa’s Most Promising Young Entrepreneurs, and in 2021, he became the first Nigerian to win the AMBA&BGA MBA Entrepreneur of the Year award. His accomplishments and Nord’s standing as one of Africa’s premier automobile brands are a testament to his vision for a self-sustaining Nigerian auto industry.
Ajayi’s leadership continues to drive Nord Automobiles forward, positioning it as a beacon of Nigerian ingenuity and resilience. His journey embodies the spirit of progress and inspires aspiring entrepreneurs across Africa.
Ajayi and 25 other distinguished individuals and organisations who have made exceptional contributions to governance, business, social impact, and public service in Nigeria were nominated by the LEADERSHIP Newspapers’ board of editors after extensive deliberations at a meeting held in November 2024 at the company’s headquarters in Abuja.
Ajayi and other nominees will celebrate their outstanding leadership, vision, and commitment to national development at the LEADERSHIP Conference and Awards ceremony next year.
Alhaji Aliko Mohammad Dangote, Nigeria’s foremost industrialist and philanthropist, won the Person Of The Year Award for immensely contributing to the nation’s economy. His philanthropic efforts make him a deserving recipient of this highest honour.
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, won the 2024 Quinquennial Award For Governance and Infrastructure, a rare recognition by the LEADERSHIP Group Limited.
Also, for 2024, six state governors were jointly nominated for the Governor of the Year award. They are Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State, Bala Mohammed of Bauchi, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno of Akwa Ibom, Mallam Umar A. Namadi of Jigawa State, Peter Mbah of Enugu State, and Ademola Nurudeen Jackson Adeleke of Osun State.
The governors were recognised for driving sustainable growth, infrastructural development, and policy innovations in their respective states.
Adams Oshiomhole (CON), former Governor of Edo State, won the Politician of the Year award for his political influence in the state, where he frontally led the campaign that led to the emergence of Governor Monday Okpehbolo as the governor and his advocacy for democratic growth in Nigeria.
Benedict Peters, founder and CEO of AITEO, won the Business Person of the Year award for massively investing in Africa’s mining and hydrocarbons sector. In contrast, Dame (Dr) Adaora Umeoji, GMD/CEO of Zenith Bank Plc, clinched the Banker of the Year award for her role in transforming the banking industry.
Alhaji Bashir Adewale Adeniyi (MFR), Comptroller-General of Customs, emerged as the Public Service Person of the Year for his exceptional leadership in improving the efficiency of Nigeria’s Customs Service (NCS).
Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Oil and Gas Free Zones Authority (OGFZA), Bamanga Usman Jada, clinched the award of the chief executive officer (CEO) Of the Year 2024 (Public Sector) by the management of LEADERSHIP Newspapers.
AVSATEL Communications Limited won the Company of the Year award in other award categories, while ARCO Engineering Limited is the Oil & Gas Local Content Champion of the Year.
The Social Impact Person of the Year award will be presented to Olori Ivie Atuwatse III for her tireless efforts in championing education and healthcare initiatives. OPAY won the Fintech Company of the Year award for promoting financial inclusion in Nigeria. At the same time, Alternative Bank clinched the Most Innovative Bank of the Year award for its pioneering work in digital banking.
Minister of Environment Balarabe Abbas Lawal will be honoured as Environmental Impact Person of the Year for his leadership in advancing environmental policies and addressing climate change.
The Outstanding Young Person of the Year 2024 award will go to the ENACTUS team from Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi. They are recognised for championing innovation and sustainability. Terra Cube will receive the Product of the Year award for its innovative solutions in sustainable living.