…As Communications Minister wins Tech Leadership Award

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of SAO Energy, Omotola Agbi, has won the 2026 Tech Woman of the Year Award at a ceremony organised by the Nigerian Tech and Innovation Awards (NTIA).

The ceremony also saw the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani and Ayoola Salako bagging Leadership and Excellence in Marketing Awards, respectively.

NTIA, which has celebrated some of the individuals shaping Nigeria’s technology and innovation landscape, at the award ceremony noted that Omotola was recognised for her work in the energy sector, where innovation and technology are increasingly important to sustainability, energy access and economic development.

The organisers further said that her recognition highlighted the growing contribution of women building and leading businesses in technology-driven industries.

“As the energy sector continues to explore innovative approaches to meeting demand and supporting sustainable development, entrepreneurs working at the intersection of business, technology and energy are becoming increasingly important to Nigeria’s economic future.

“Agbi’s award also reflects the importance of recognising women whose work extends beyond traditional technology roles into sectors where innovation can have a direct impact on businesses, communities and everyday life”, the organisers added.

NTIA explained further that Tijani won the Leadership Award for his contributions to the country’s technology ecosystem and digital economy, noting that before his appointment as a Minister, he had co-founded Co-Creation Hub (CcHUB), one of Africa’s prominent innovation centres, which has supported entrepreneurs and organisations developing solutions to social and economic challenges.

Other winners at the ceremony held virtually online included Damilola Oluwole, who received Next Rated for his work applying technology expertise to business growth and global expansion; robotics engineer Silas Adekunle, named Tech Man of the Year; Elizabeth Anuoluwapo, Emerging Tech Woman of the Year; Miracle Amedu, Tech for Social Impact Award recipient, and Oga Duke, Tech Content Creator of the Year.