By Ephraim Oseji

The AfriHeritage Awards 2026 has officially recognized the visionaries shaping the continent’s economic landscape, naming Temitope Runsewe, Managing Director of Dutum Company Limited, as the African Business Titan of the Year.

The prestigious ceremony, which convened a high-level assembly of business leaders, policymakers, and industry practitioners, serves as a premier platform for celebrating leadership that drives sustainable development and institutional growth across Africa’s private and public sectors.

Under Runsewe’s leadership, Dutum Company Limited has evolved into a powerhouse of construction and civil engineering. The firm has become synonymous with critical infrastructure projects that facilitate urban development and economic activity. Recently, Dutum achieved a significant milestone by expanding its operations into Ghana, signaling a bold regional strategy and a commitment to bridging Africa’s infrastructure gap.

The award marks a poignant milestone in a journey that began over three decades ago. Dutum was originally founded in 1989 by Engr. Olatunde Runsewe. In 2007, Temitope Runsewe resigned from a promising career in the United Kingdom to return to Nigeria and scale the family legacy.

“Seventeen years ago, I returned to Nigeria with a conviction: to demonstrate that Africans have the capacity to build transgenerational businesses,” said Runsewe upon receiving the honor. “This recognition is a testament to the resilience of African enterprise.”

The technical excellence of Dutum’s portfolio was highlighted during the event by renowned journalist and lawyer Kingsley Osadolor, who served as the Master of Ceremonies. Osadolor shared a personal testimonial regarding Dutum’s work in Abuja—specifically the construction of four pedestrian bridges at the Mabushi, Sheraton, Northern Parkway, and VIO junctions.

“What struck me was the quality of execution—the conservation of space, the clean finish, and the structural solidity,” Osadolor remarked, noting his professional satisfaction in seeing such merit-based recognition.

The organizers of the AfriHeritage Awards emphasized that the platform remains dedicated to spotlighting leadership that prioritizes long-term impact over short-term gains. By honoring Runsewe, the awards draw attention to the vital role locally rooted companies play in driving large-scale economic transformation.

As Africa’s demand for world-class infrastructure intensifies, the 2026 AfriHeritage Awards underscores that visionary leadership and institutional continuity are the primary engines for shaping the continent’s future