By Collins Yakubu-Hammer
Mr Niyi Fatogun, Special Assistant to the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo, has urged winners of The Expatriates Business Awards (TEBA) to project Nigeria’s positive image.
Fatogun made the call at the 2026 Edition of TEBA Awards in Abuja.
The event, themed “Celebrating the Global Spirit Driving Nigeria Forward,” was organised by the TEBA team and supported by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Nigerian Airspace Management Agency, Nigerbird Engineering, Xejet and others.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that TEBA is a platform where Expatriates who have distinguished themselves in Nigeria are rewarded and appreciated.
Fatogun explained that a lot of Nigerians in other countries faced different experiences, especially in the area of perception.
“People usually migrate all over the world. However, it is instructive for us to recognise Expatriates who are doing well in Nigeria.
“We may have bad press in some parts of the world, but these Expatriates are here in Nigeria, and are also telling the world that Nigeria is not negative as some use to say.
“So it is good to honour them and for them to know that Nigeria is a good country and open for investments.
“I advise them to continue to strive to tell others that Nigeria is a friendly country, open to foreigners and ready for them,” Fatogun said.
Also speaking, the Director of TEBA Awards, Ms Odunola Abayomi, said the event was dedicated to celebrating individuals who had crossed borders and embraced Nigeria.
“They built businesses, created opportunities, transferred knowledge, promoted culture and in their own unique ways, contributed to the growth and development of our great country.
“TEBA is an evening of appreciation, music and comedy; a vibrant fusion of culture and commerce, where handshake of diplomacy meets the heartbeat of Nigerian creativity.
“Every award presented tonight is more than a trophy. It is a public salute to individuals, organisations and communities whose contributions have strengthen the Nigerian economy and enriched our society.
“When Expatriates investors, entrepreneurs, professionals and community leaders feel seen, valued and appreciated, they are encouraged to deepen their roots, expand their investments and even do more for the country they have chosen to call home,” Abayomi said.
Similarly, the Lead Consultant of the Nomination Committee, Mr Tunde Moshood, appreciated the sponsors for given them the confidence, dignity and strength to deliver.
NAN also reports that the 2026 TEBA awardees included Ruby Ross Maribao, who won Expatriate Entrepreneur of the Year; IOM UN Migration, which clinched the CRS Brand of the Year award; and Mira Worgotter, who won Diaspora Revelation of the Year.
Others were Farida Mirzebalaeva, who won Best Cross-Over Artist; Charmaine Hayden, who received the Cross-Cultural Talent Award; and Hannah Lindgren, who received the Heritage Embrace Award for her marriage to a Nigerian and ability to speak Yoruba.
Other awards went to Aurelio Giraudo of Abuja Continental Hotel, who received the Outstanding Expatriate Hospitality Executive of the Year award.
Similarly, the Brazilian Embassy, Sharon Dimanche, Borja Cortez, Emilija Vucelic and Gregory Eden received special recognitions for Trade and Investment Promotion, Service to Humanity, Expatriate Media Personality, Female Journalist and Aviation Safety Champion, respectively.
The event attracted officials from the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Aviation and Areospace Development, and other relevant stakeholders. (NAN)