Founder of Aiteo Group, Benedict Peters has won the ‘Africa’s Oil and Gas Leader of the Year Award’ at the Forbes Best of Africa Gala, which was held at Forbes Headquarters, New York City, on 27 September, 2018.
The award was in recognition of Peters’ immense contributions to the oil and gas development in Africa, as well as his commitment to bettering the lives of people and societies across Africa by philanthropic engagement.
Presenting the award, the Chief Executive Officer and Vice-Chairman of Forbes Media, Mike Perlis said: “Recipients were singled out for their works in bringing prosperity to all 55 countries of the African continent.”
According to the Editor, Emerging Markets for Forbes, Paul H. Trustfull, “Peters’ ascendancy in Africa’s Oil and Gas sector has been exemplary and revolutionary.”
According to him, Aiteo has thrived for about two decades – going from a downstream start-up to becoming a leading integrated energy conglomerate with strategic investments in hydrocarbon (or commodities) exploration and production.”
“Peters raised himself in times of great personal challenge. He resurrected his identity and reputation while battling injustice and proved that inspirational leadership in a difficult industry is possible.” Trustfull added.
Responding, Peter dedicated the award to all Aiteo employees worldwide, he said: “The acknowledgement by Forbes as Oil and Gas Leader of 2018 is inspiring. It means a lot to me and the entire Aiteo Group. I am delighted that the International community recognises our contribution towards Africa’s self-sufficiency in energy and our aspiration to become a reference point for indigenous capacity in oil and gas. This award motivates us to broaden our vision for the continent, despite all odds, and accelerate her economic transformation.”
“We believe that Africa has what it takes to lead the world and we would continue to push the frontiers of development through our investments in people and technology. The success of our Oil and Gas Upstream subsidiary proves that the future we envision in Africa rests to a large extent in the hands of Africans,” he concluded.
