This year’s edition of Ernst & Young’s ‘Entrepreneur of the Year award 2012’ has been launched in Accra with the promise of another round of exciting moments.
The awards, which were introduced to West African countries last year, have been adjudged a huge success by participants in both Nigeria and Ghana.
The yearly event is designed to recognise and honour entrepreneurs who through ingenuity, hard work and perseverance have created and sustained successful businesses.
To further expand the scope of the programme, entrepreneurs in Liberia and Sierra Leone will be participating in this year’s edition.
The winner of the 2011 Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year (West Africa Edition) — Master category Mr. Aigboje Aig – Imoukhuede, GMD Access Bank will be representing West Africa at the prestigious World Entrepreneur of the Year Award taking place in Monte Carlo in a few weeks time.
According to Ernst & Young Regional Managing Partner for West Africa, Mr. Henry Egbiki, the Entrepreneur of the Year award programme was brought to the region to motivate and encourage entrepreneurs in West Africa to maximise their potential.
Ferdinand Gunn, Managing Partner for Ghana, said the programme is evidence of the strides entrepreneurs, business leaders are making in this part of Africa. Mr. Gunn remarked: “Africa’s progress has been phenomenal as the continent has remained the most attractive for investment in recent times.
“Entrepreneurs change the world. They dare to dream that life could be different. They have the courage and passion to make their dreams a reality — to build something of lasting value that benefits us all. These special people have created many of the world’s most dynamic and successful companies.”
The Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of The Year Award celebrates their remarkable achievements. That’s why it’s the world’s most prestigious business accolade – it recognises the most exceptional among a unique group of people.
Ernst & Young has brought this award to the West African region, driven by the need to motivate and celebrate entrepreneurs within the region; to support them to meet and interact with their counterparts across the Globe.
Speaking on this year’s edition, Mrs. Bunmi Akinde, a Senior Partner in Ernst & Young Advisory Services, Nigeria office and the Entrepreneur of Year leader for West Africa, described the initiative as a ‘welcome development’ in the region — noting that the inclusion of Liberia and Sierra Leone in its second year is proof that the programme is making vivid progress.
