Celebrating Diversity and Excellence at the Expatriates Business Awards 2025
The Expatriates Business Awards (TEBA) 2025, held on July 6, 2025, at the prestigious Oriental Hotel in Lekki, Lagos, was a remarkable event that showcased Nigeria’s vibrant multicultural economic landscape. The evening was graced by a distinguished lineup of guests, including the Honourable Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, Turkish Airlines executive Lokman Balkan, and celebrated actresses Lilian Bach and Ronya Man. Renowned Ghanaian broadcaster Riyah Abdul was also among the prominent awardees, highlighting the event’s commitment to recognizing diverse contributions to Nigeria’s economy.
A Night of Glamour and Recognition
The black-tie ceremony attracted a wide array of attendees, from diplomats and corporate leaders to international investors and global professionals. This gathering underscored the strong ties between Nigeria and the global business community, creating an atmosphere ripe for networking and collaboration. As the Chief Guest, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa emphasized the importance of such events in fostering inclusivity and business diplomacy, positioning Lagos as a hub for multicultural investment and innovation.
Co-Hosts and Cultural Fusion
The event was co-hosted by Egyptian-born media advisor Rania Elewa, who also received the Diaspora Trailblazer Award, and Cameroonian comedian and musician Danny Green, known as 237 TownCryer. Their dynamic presence added a layer of entertainment to the evening, making it a vibrant celebration of global entrepreneurship and cultural fusion. The event featured cultural displays, exhibitions, musical performances, and comedy, all wrapped in a glamorous setting that emphasized unity and excellence.
Honoring Economic Diversity
Unlike traditional award ceremonies that focus solely on local entities, TEBA is a registered platform dedicated to honoring Nigeria’s economic diversity. The awards recognize the significant contributions of migrant professionals and ethnic enterprises to the nation’s GDP and overall development. This unique approach highlights the essential role that expatriate communities play in Nigeria’s progress, reinforcing the idea that collaboration across cultures can lead to greater economic success.
Award Highlights
The night was filled with memorable moments as various individuals and organizations were honored for their outstanding contributions. Turkish Airlines was awarded Expatriate Airline of the Year 2024/25, while leading actress Lilian Bach received the Diaspora Distinction Award. Ghanaian-born broadcaster Riyah Abdul was named Diaspora Revelation of the Year 2024/25, and actress Ronya Man took home the Cross Over Actress of the Year 2024/25 award.
Other notable winners included Avsatel Communications Ltd., owned by Austria-born Georg Eder MBA, which was recognized as Aviation Safety Champion of the Year 2024/25. MACE Industries Ltd., led by Mr. Manoj Tagjiani, was named Aviation Technology Company of the Year 2024/25. Comedian Danny Green won the Cross-Border Talent of the Year 2024/25 award, while innovative entrepreneur Pascale Olumayowa Rafqa was honored as Expatriate Entrepreneur of the Year 2024/25.
Celebrating Culinary and Cultural Contributions
The awards also recognized culinary excellence, with Mrs. Alice Adetona (Oyinbo Olonje), a Polish-born chef, celebrated as the Inter-Cultural Culinary Ambassador. Zainab Fatty, a Gambian beautician, earned the title of Serial Entrepreneur of the Year 2024/25, while Mrs. Janice Udogu, a Swiss national married to a Nigerian, received the Heritage Embrace Award for her dedication to Nigerian traditions.
A Platform for Collaboration
A key feature of the evening was the premium exposure granted to partners and sponsors before a high-profile audience of influencers, policymakers, and business leaders. This aspect reinforced the significance of public-private-international collaboration, showcasing how such partnerships can drive economic growth and innovation.
Establishing a Premier Platform
TEBA 2025 has firmly established itself as a premier platform for celebrating cross-cultural achievements, business excellence, and international collaboration within Nigeria’s corporate and entertainment spheres. The event not only highlighted the contributions of expatriates but also served as a reminder of the rich tapestry of cultures that make up Nigeria’s economic landscape. As the evening concluded, the spirit of unity and excellence lingered, setting the stage for future collaborations and successes in the years to come.
