The much-anticipated 2024 edition of the Global Excellence Awards for Debt Recovery Business Leaders and Asset Managers in Africa has been announced today at the institute’s August 2024 edition of new membership orientation. Organised by the Institute of Debt Recovery Practitioners of Nigeria (IDRPN) in collaboration with the Association of Debt Recovery Agents (ADRA), the annual conference and award ceremony celebrates and reflects on the efforts of business leaders across Africa over the year. According to the Dean of Award Selection Committee, Dr. Chinyere Egeonu Okolo, FIDR, “This prestigious event transcends a typical awards ceremony, serving as a pivotal platform to unite innovation, entrepreneurship, and strategic industry resources in Africa”.

This year’s conference has been scheduled to take place on Friday, December 6th, 2024, at The Oduduwa Hall, located at Lagos Airport Hotel, 111 Obafemi Awolowo Way, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria. The Awards’ mission, which is to establish and maintain a positive reputation for the debt recovery sector by championing business education, advocacy, borrowers’ integrity, and asset management, is expected to bring together top business leaders across various sectors in Africa. At a time when this industry plays a crucial role in maintaining financial stability and economic growth, the event is a beacon for stakeholders committed to ethical and effective debt recovery practices.

In his earlier interview with our correspondent on July 14th this year, the institute’s registrar, Dr. Akintunde Opeodu, highlighted some of the unique features of the annual international conference and award ceremonies to include a competition targeting overseas innovation and entrepreneurship talents with the objective is to attract global talent and promote international projects within Nigeria, thereby boosting the digital economy of debt recovery.

According to Dr. Opeodu, “Award recognition at the conference places recipients on equal footing with international awardees, creating a level playing field across borders”. When asked about the award qualifications and eligibility, Dr. Opeodu replied, “Award nomination is open to both corporate bodies and individuals, within Nigeria’s business and debt recovery sectors and globally, especially those who work closely with the financial, accounting, business, debt recovery, and asset management industries.”

He continued, “Which means you can nominate your friend who is the Head of Customer Service at Nestle or Access Bank.” The event also involves the induction of new members into various membership categories of the institute.

This initiative aligns with the country’s digitisation goals, as the debt recovery industry adopts digital tools to increase transparency, efficiency, and customer engagement. It provides an influential networking forum that fosters partnerships, innovation sharing, and talent development, all of which are essential for evolving the sector’s capacity and professionalism.