Prince Innocent Anaele receives Time Africa Man of the Year Award, bags honorary doctorate

Prince Innocent Anaele, Managing Director of Rinotech Facilities Nigeria Limited, was honoured with the Time Africa Magazine 2024 Man of the Year Award at a prestigious ceremony held at the Nigeria National Merit House in Abuja on Wednesday, 13th November.

Earlier that same day, Anaele was also awarded an Honorary Doctorate Degree in Business Management from the Academy of Human Resource and Management Practitioners, UK

The award celebrates Anaele’s exceptional leadership in both the public and private sectors, as well as his remarkable impact on the African business landscape and his commitment to social responsibility.

Anaele, who was also named the Who’sWho Africa Award, was commended for his unwavering dedication to excellence and his transformative leadership philosophy, which focuses on practical results, integrity, and the betterment of society.

His career has been a testament to his ability to merge business success with a strong sense of social responsibility, which has earned him respect not only in Nigeria but across the African continent.

Born into a family with a strong emphasis on education, discipline, and community service, Anaele was instilled with a sense of purpose early on.

This foundation guided him through his academic journey, where he excelled in Project Management. Anaele’s education was grounded in his belief in the power of organized, effective solutions to drive positive change, particularly in Africa.

After starting his career in 1990 at Delatre Bezon Nigeria Limited, Anaele’s leadership skills quickly came to the fore.

His work in public relations and crisis management laid the groundwork for his entrepreneurial success.

In 2001, he founded Rinotech Facilities Nigeria Limited, a company specializing in facilities management. Under his leadership, Rinotech has grown into one of Nigeria’s most respected firms in the sector, renowned for its innovative and sustainable solutions.

In addition to his business achievements, Anaele has been a passionate advocate for education and youth development. Through various philanthropic initiatives, he has supported disadvantaged communities and inspired young Nigerians to pursue their goals.

His commitment to community development has earned him several prestigious awards, including the Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Platinum Award and the Leadership Excellence Award.

Earlier that same day, Anaele was also awarded an Honorary Doctorate Degree in Business Management from the Academy of Human Resource and Management Practitioners, UK, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to business and community development. This dual recognition marks a significant milestone in his career, further cementing his status as one of Africa’s most influential business leaders.
Anaele’s Speech at the Award Ceremony
Upon receiving the Time Africa Magazine Man of the Year Award, Anaele delivered an emotional and inspiring speech, reflecting on his journey and the values that have guided him throughout his career.

“I am deeply humbled and honoured to receive the Time Africa Magazine Man of the Year Award, and equally proud to accept the Honorary Doctorate Degree today. These recognitions are not just a celebration of my individual achievements, but of the hard work, dedication, and collective effort of everyone who has been part of this journey.”

“I was fortunate to be raised in a family that instilled in me the importance of discipline, education, and community. These values have been my guiding light throughout my life. I have always believed that true leadership is not about titles or accolades, but about making a meaningful impact in the lives of others. This is the philosophy I’ve embraced in my business and in my personal life.”

“As I stand here today, I am reminded that none of this would have been possible without the support of my team at Rinotech, my family, and the communities I’ve had the privilege of serving. This recognition is a reflection of the collaborative efforts that have brought us here.”

“Leadership, for me, is not just about achieving success—it’s about creating opportunities, uplifting others, and contributing to the greater good. I have always strived to lead by example, to empower those around me, and to champion causes that align with sustainable development and social responsibility.”

“This award is not an endpoint but a call to action. It is a reminder that we must continue pushing for excellence in everything we do, particularly in uplifting our communities and creating lasting change. I dedicate this recognition to all those who believe in the power of vision, resilience, and the strength of collective effort to bring about positive change.”

“Finally, I would like to thank Time Africa Magazine for this tremendous honour, and to everyone who has been part of this journey. This is not just my achievement—it is a shared victory, one that I hope will inspire others to continue striving for greatness in their own fields and to make a difference in the world around them.”