MIPAD Crowns Rite Foods’ Seleem Adegunwa as Africa’s Most Influential FMCG Executive
The Most Influential People of African Descent (MIPAD) has honoured Mr. Seleem Adegunwa, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Rite Foods Limited, with the coveted Most Influential FMCG Executive of the Year Award at the 2025 MIPAD End of Year Dinner & Awards in Victoria Island, Lagos.
MIPAD described the recognition as a tribute to Adegunwa’s “leadership which continues to inspire excellence across Africa’s business landscape.” The global civil society initiative, aligned with the United Nations’ International Decade for People of African Descent (2015–2024 & 2025–2034), celebrates individuals whose influence transcends borders and generations.
Under Adegunwa’s leadership, Rite Foods has risen to the forefront of Nigeria’s food and beverage industry, with a portfolio of award-winning brands including 13 variants of Bigi Carbonated Soft Drinks, Bigi Table Water, Sosa Fruit Drink, Fearless Energy Drink, and its popular Bigi Flex, Rite Spicy, and Bigi Beef Sausages.
Co-Founder of MIPAD, Tope Esan, noted, “MIPAD recognises individuals whose impact transcends borders and generations, and Adegunwa’s commitment to excellence aligns with our vision.”
The prestigious event brought together visionary leaders, policymakers, media icons, politicians, and industry experts to celebrate outstanding contributions to Africa’s development. Past honorees include global figures such as Barack Obama, Trevor Noah, Beyoncé, Lewis Hamilton, Chimamanda Adichie, Usain Bolt, and Naomi Osaka, underscoring the calibre of recognition.
Adegunwa’s achievements have also earned Rite Foods multiple accolades, including three distinguished honours at the 2025 Edge Awards: Outstanding Carbonated Soft Drink Brand of the Year (Bigi Apple), Outstanding Sausage Brand of the Year (Bigi Beef Sausage Roll), and Outstanding FMCG Corporate Brand of the Year (Rite Foods Limited).
With MIPAD’s latest recognition, Adegunwa and Rite Foods further cement their reputation as trailblazers in Nigeria’s fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector, driving innovation, excellence, and global visibility.
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