By Chioma Obinna

The Managing Director of BUA Foods Plc, Dr. Ayodele Musibau Abioye, is set to deliver the keynote address at the 2026 Industry Summit, as stakeholders intensify calls for accelerated growth in Nigeria’s real sector.
Organisers of the summit, The Industry Newspaper, disclosed this in a press statement made available to the media yesterday, noting that the event is themed, “The Year of the Real Sector.”
According to the organisers, Abioye, a seasoned business leader and manufacturing engineer with over three decades of experience, will present a keynote paper titled, “Unlocking Value: BUA Foods’ Role in Transforming Nigeria’s Real Sector Through Innovation and Sustainability.”
The 7th edition of the Industry Summit/Awards is scheduled to hold on April 17, 2026, at the Civic Centre.
The Convener of the summit, Goddie Ofose, described Abioye as a transformational leader with a strong track record in delivering growth and operational efficiency across multiple sectors.
“Dr. Abioye is a results-driven leader with proven expertise in operations, manufacturing, supply chain management, and business development, with a track record of consistently delivering growth and profitability,” Ofose said.
He added that Abioye’s leadership at BUA Foods has positioned the company as a major player in Nigeria’s food industry and across Africa.
Abioye joined BUA Group as Chief Operating Officer in 2021, overseeing its food businesses before his elevation to Managing Director of BUA Foods Plc. Under his leadership, the company has recorded significant expansion and strengthened its footprint in the agro-industrial value chain.
The organisers also unveiled a lineup of industry experts and marketing professionals who will serve as panellists at the summit, including executives from leading multinational and indigenous firms such as Guinness Nigeria, UAC Foods, FrieslandCampina WAMCO, and Godrej Consumer Products.
Others expected at the event include senior government officials and policymakers. The summit will be chaired by the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, John Owan Enoh.
Special guests billed to attend are Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso; Senior Special Assistant to the President on New Media and Digital Communications, O’Tega Ogra; and Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Media and Publicity, Gboyega Akosile.
Ofose further highlighted Abioye’s academic and professional pedigree, noting that he holds degrees in Mechanical Engineering and Engineering Management, as well as a PhD in Manufacturing Engineering. He is also a registered engineer with the Nigerian Society of Engineers and COREN.
“He has extensive professional training and exposure locally and internationally across the United States, Europe and South Africa,” Ofose said.
He added: “Ayodele Abioye is passionate about business strategy execution for growth, leadership and governance, internal control, waste reduction, sustainability, and associates’ development.”
Industry stakeholders are expected to leverage the summit as a platform to explore strategies for strengthening Nigeria’s productive base, amid growing concerns over economic diversification and industrial competitiveness.