ORGANISED by the Commonwealth Business Council and AfricanBusiness magazine, the colorful African Business Awards ceremony, which took place at Grosvenor House Hotel, attracted political leaders and top business tycoons from different parts of the world. The list of guests included Nigeria's Alhaji Aliko Dangote, who himself was garlanded for his investments in Senegal.Delegates from Nigeria to the ceremony informed that the citation explained that the Innoson Group was considered along with other leading business organizations from the continent for The 2012 African Business Of The Year category, but the Nigerian Group 'towered above others, partly because Council's consultations and checks, showed that no fewer than 7, 000 people are employed by the companies'.Giving more insight into the factors that favoured Innoson Group, Mr Galib Virani of Afren International, an upstream oil and gas company, informed the guests that Innoson's investment record was not only outstanding, but raised the hope of economic growth and development in Africa. Virani remarked: 'Innoson Group represents the best of Nigeria, and obviously the Champion of Africa. It is a thing of pride to have such a high profile Group in the African continent.'Six distinguished business experts - Jean-Louis Ekra Runa Alam, Amadou Ba, Barbara James, Sir Samuel Jonah and Tim Turner, sat on the panel constituted by the Commonwealth Business Council and AfricanBusiness to vet the nominees and make recommendations to the organizers.The panel particularly noted in the Innoson Group's citation its remarkable growth into some of Nigeria's biggest motor vehicle and motorcycle manufacturing plants, from a small trading company started by young Chukwuma who had earlier in the 80s abandoned patent medicine sale for motorcycle parts trading.According to panelists' submission, 'there is no doubt that Africa especially Nigeria's improved reputation today is largely due to the achievements of leaders like Innoson Group, and we wholeheartedly cherish your exceptional contribution to the economic and social development of Africa continent.'This was coming barely four months after Chief Innocent Ifediaso Chukwuma, OFR, Chairman of Innosom bagged The Sun Businessman Of The Year award at a memorable ceremony in Lagos. But this time, Chukwuma was called onto a bigger stage, a world stage, to be honoured for his contributions to the development of Nigeria's economy of the country.But, this time, the big stage was in far away London, and the award: The 2012 African Business Of The Year, was specifically for his multi-branched Innoson Group with investments in the automotive industry, motorcycle manufacturing, motorcycle precision and household plastics making and sundry businesses.The Nigerian mission in London obviously agreed with the panel, for in a letter signed by Ambassador O.K. Lawal, the High Commission described Innoson as 'beacon of excellence'. A Deputy High Commissioner, Lawal said: 'With this award for excellence which was conferred by an eminent jury panel after considering so many contenders from our great continent, Innoson Group has raised the Nigerian flag far above our neighbours and has given hope to our people that diligence does have great rewards'.Following the withdrawal of subsidy on petroleum products by the Federal Government in January, 2012, Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing Company Limited was among the first auto makers engaged to build sundry buses for the mass transit scheme launched thereafter to sooth the effects of the exercise on the people.Though the auto plant (where other commercial vehicles and refuse compactors are also built), as well as the motorcycle assembly facilities, are both in Nnewi, Anambra State, the new General Tyres & Tubes Company Limited which manufactures motorcycle tyres with plans to start making motor vehicle tyres soon, is sited in Emene, Enugu, a walking distance from Innoson Technical & Industrial Company Limited, believed to be one of the largest plastics manufacturers in Africa.A media consultant, Mr Fred Nwosu, who attended the awards ceremony in London, said the organizers were also impressed with the success story of the plastics company; the summary of which was that Chukwuma bought the derelict plant, refurbished and transformed it into a manufacturer of wide ranges of industrial, household and utility products, like giant drums and refuse bins.Innoson was nominated for this year's African Business Of The Year award by the Bank of Industry, which last year officially declared the Group as its best customer in terms of reliability in financial transactions. The bank's Managing Director, Ms Evelyn Oputa, was also present at the London event.Responding to the international acclaim, Chief Chukwuma said it was 'overwhelming and pleasantly surprising'. He stated that he was not aware that people far and near had been watching with keen interest the strides his companies had been taking. 'I thank all who made it possible, and I can tell you that the honour will encourage us to contribute more towards the development of this country, especially in the manufacturing sector'.Featuring about 13 categories, the awards covered various segments relevant to the development of the African continent, particularly the creation of an enabling environment for businesses to thrive. The 2012 event coincided with the Second Commonwealth Economic Forum, which theme was on Reshaping Capitalism for Global Prosperity and Sustainable Growth.
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