By Prince Osuagwu

CEO of Main One Cable Company, Ms. Funke Opeke, has been adjudged  the  2012 CNBC All Africa Businesswoman of the Year Award (AABLA) winner.

Opeke received the award amid  thunderous ovation at a ceremony that held at the Vodadome in Midrand, South Africa at the weekend.

The event in South Africa was the grand finale of the annual award, which features regional winners across Africa who had been previously selected. The AABLA is an initiative of CNBC Africa which serves as a platform to discover business leaders that are creating a culture of entrepreneurship, developing best practices and carving powerful and sustainable business models in the African and global economy.

Ms. Opeke was the only Nigerian winner on the night as she edged out Jeniffer Barassa, CEO of Top Image Ltd, Kenya for the coveted award.

Speaking on the award, she described the recognition as a reflection of the pioneering work that Main One has done towards transforming the Nigerian and African broadband landscape since it commenced operations.

According to her, “Main One Cable company was founded five years ago with a passion to bridge the digital divide by improving Internet access and reducing cost in West Africa, especially for young people. Since our cable was launched in 2010, we have started making tremendous impact on businesses and communications in Nigeria, Ghana and other markets. However, we are not there yet and we will keep working towards realizing our vision of a better-connected Africa.  We are sure it will make for a better tomorrow’, she noted.

She however dedicated the award to her shareholders, particularly the seed investors in the development company, Main Street Technologies, whom she described as writing the cheques when the company had nothing.

CNBC Africa, organisers of the award congratulated Opeke and other award winners, saying that it was important to recognise business leaders across Africa who are making giant strides in their respective areas towards achieving economic development and empowerment of Africa.