The Most Influential People of African Descent (MIPAD) has recognized Mr. Seleem Adegunwa, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Rite Foods Limited, with the prestigious Most Influential FMCG Executive of the Year Award at the 2025 MIPAD End of Year Dinner & Awards.
According to MIPAD, the award is in recognition of Adegunwa’s “leadership which continues to inspire excellence across Africa’s business landscape.”
MIPAD is a global civil society initiative in support of the United Nations’ First and Second International Decade for People of African Descent (2015–2024 & 2025–2034), dedicated to celebrating individuals whose impact transcends borders and generations.
Adegunwa’s inspirational leadership has positioned Rite Foods in the league of market leaders in Nigeria’s Food and Beverage industry, with award-winning brands such as the 13 variants of Bigi Carbonated Soft Drinks, Bigi Table Water, the award-winning Sosa Fruit Drink, Fearless Energy Drink, and its range of delicious Bigi Flex, Rite Spicy, and Bigi Beef Sausages.
Tope Esan, Co-Founder of MIPAD, stated, “MIPAD recognizes individuals whose impact transcends borders and generations, and Adegunwa’s commitment to excellence aligns with our vision.”
Held recently in Victoria Island, Lagos, the MIPAD Awards brought together visionary leaders, policymakers, media icons, politicians, and industry experts to celebrate outstanding contributions to Africa’s development.
According to MIPAD, past honorees include “President Barack Obama (USA), Vice President Epsy Campbell (Costa Rica), Trevor Noah (South Africa), Larry Madowo (Kenya), Mia Mottley (Barbados), Beyoncé (USA), Lewis Hamilton (UK), Chimamanda Adichie (Nigeria), Usain Bolt (Jamaica), Naomi Osaka (Japan), and many other visionary leaders shaping global discourse.”
Adegunwa’s achievements have earned Rite Foods several awards, with three recent distinguished awards at the 2025 Edge Awards (formerly Marketing Edge Awards), where it clinched the Outstanding Carbonated Soft Drink Brand of the Year – Bigi Apple; Outstanding Sausage Brand of the Year – Bigi Beef Sausage Roll; and the Outstanding FMCG Corporate Brand of the Year – Rite Foods Limited.
MIPAD’s Award adds to Rite Foods’ string of accolades, solidifying its position as a leading player in Nigeria’s fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector.
