The National Entrepreneurship Honors has named its recipients for the Innovative Business Leader of the Year Award, recognizing entrepreneurs whose work demonstrates what organizers call strategic innovation and sustainable execution.

The annual award goes to one recipient selected through evaluation by investors, enterprise policymakers, and development experts. Selection criteria focus on long-term relevance, measurable outcomes, and alignment with national innovation goals.

Ifunanya Ejimofor received the 2024 award. She joins previous recipients, including Tolu Bakare (2023), Chima Nworie (2022), Aisha Sule (2021), David Ogunleye (2020), Grace Nnadi (2019), and Olamide Esan (2018).

The award evaluates candidates on their contributions to technology-driven development across sectors. NEH organizers describe it as recognition for leaders who build systems designed to solve practical problems while scaling sustainably.

Past recipients have worked across various fields, including public infrastructure, digital inclusion, and enterprise growth tools. The common thread, according to NEH, is solving problems with measurable impact and sustainable approaches.

The selection process involves multiple evaluation rounds. A panel reviews candidates based on innovation track records, sector contributions, and development outcomes.

NEH positions the award as a benchmark for what it terms integrity-driven innovation—balancing creativity with discipline and vision with practical execution.

The award recognizes work that extends beyond invention to include implementation and long-term sustainability in Nigeria’s technology and business sectors.