By Ruth Olagungu

The Supply Chain Innovation Excellence Award by Art of Technology, Lagos, stands as a distinguished hallmark within the realm of supply chain management. As an unparalleled accolade, this award illuminates the accomplishments of individuals who have exhibited extraordinary leadership, innovation, and transformative impact in the field. 

The Supply Chain Innovation Excellence Award serves as a catalyst for innovation, motivating top executives in supply chain management to embrace technology and drive transformative change. By celebrating exemplary achievements, the award inspires industry leaders to adopt innovative practices, elevating their portfolios and setting new standards. This intersection of technology and supply chain management has ignited a wave of innovations, transforming the industry landscape in Nigeria and Africa, and inspiring a new era of leaders to drive change and progress.

At the heart of this prestigious honor are the esteemed members of the selection committee, each nationally recognized for their expertise and contribution to the industry.

The selection committee comprises a panel of influential professionals, each bringing a wealth of experience and knowledge to the table. Among them are:

• Dr. Fiona Okonkwo – Chief Executive Officer, Center for Supply Chain Innovation
• Prof. Samuel Eke – Director, Institute of Advanced Logistics and Procurement
• Engr. Aisha Abdullahi – Chairperson, Supply Chain Integration Initiative
• Dr. Michael Oluwole – Director of Standards, Technology & Innovation, Lagos Innovations Board.
• Dr. Patricia Nwosu – Head of Supply Chain Research, Nigerian Institute of Logistics and Procurement (NILP).

These eminent individuals play a crucial role in meticulously evaluating nominees and selecting the deserving recipient of the Supply Chain Innovation Excellence Award.

The legacy of the Supply Chain Innovation Excellence Award is exemplified by remarkable individuals who have made indelible contributions to the industry. Notable past awardees include:

• Felix Igbadigi: Chief Procurement Officer at Stellar Technologies Inc (Winner of Supply Chain Innovation Excellence Award 2021)
• Amarachi Ruby Nze-Ekpebie: Head of Supply Chain Management at PrimeLink (Winner of Supply Chain Innovation Excellence Award 2020)
• Ruth Adefoowora: Director of Logistics and Distribution at WalNG. (Winner of Supply Chain Innovation Excellence Award 2019)
• Chinonso Eze: Head of Supply Chain Strategy at Titan Manufacturing Group (Winner of Supply Chain Innovation Excellence Award 2018)
• Amara Okoli: Chief Supply Chain Officer at Infinity Logistics Solutions. (Winner of Supply Chain Innovation Excellence Award 2017)

Their visionary leadership and pioneering initiatives have set new benchmarks for excellence in supply chain management.

Since its inception, the Supply Chain Innovation Excellence Award ceremony has evolved into a highly anticipated event, gaining widespread recognition and attracting an illustrious array of dignitaries and industry luminaries. From its inaugural year, where it was honored by the presence of the Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Governor of Lagos State Special Adviser on Economic Affairs to the President, to subsequent editions graced by esteemed guests such as the Director of the Nigerian Institute of Logistics and Supply Chain Management (NILSCM), Chairman of the Africa Supply Chain Consortium, Chairman of the National Supply Chain Improvement Program (NSCIP), Director of Standards Organization of Nigeria (SON), and the Minister of Technology in Nigeria, among others, the event has become a cornerstone of the industry calendar.

The popularity garnered by the award ceremony has transcended mere recognition, paving the way for strategic collaborations with leading institutions such as the Africa Supply Chain Consortium. Moreover, the event has secured sponsorship from prestigious organizations including the Nigerian Bar Association – Section on Business Law (NBA-SBL), Lagos State Government, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), and others. These partnerships underscore the widespread industry support and validation of the award’s significance within the supply chain community, solidifying its reputation as a pinnacle of excellence in the field.

The Supply Chain Innovation Excellence Award by Art of Technology, Lagos, transcends being a mere accolade; it is a symbol of excellence and a driving force for positive change in the supply chain management industry. With a distinguished selection committee, illustrious past awardees, growing prominence, strategic partnerships, and a profound impact on inspiring innovation, this award continues to shape the future of supply chain management in Nigeria and Africa.