Institute recognises Babayeju’s role in advancing project management profession

For advancing the project management profession across the globe, Taopheek Babayeju has been named the Person of the Year 2024, making him the first African to receive this prestigious honour.

The Project Management Institute (PMI), USA announced this at PMI’s Global Congress in Los Angeles, California, recently.

Babayeju was presented with the highly coveted Eric Jenett Award in recognition of his extraordinary contributions to the project management profession, his technical expertise, strategic leadership, and business acumen.

In his acceptance speech, Babayeju said, “It takes a village to raise a child,” crediting his success to the community that supported him. In the truest sense, no one is truly self-made. Success is a collective effort, and this award belongs to the many communities that shaped and uplifted me.”

For over a decade, Babayeju’s contributions to the project management profession have left an indelible mark, transforming practices not just in Nigeria but across Africa. His visionary leadership first came to the fore in 2009, when he spearheaded Nigeria’s inaugural National Project Management Conference, an event that has since become a cornerstone of the industry in Nigeria.

Babayeju’s drive to create a platform for honest dialogue and sustainable solutions revolutionised the project management landscape and set new standards of excellence.

His work has earned him numerous accolades, including the 2010 Most Outstanding Contribution to Project Management in Nigeria by the PMI Nigeria Chapter.

In closing his acceptance speech, Babayeju announced a new chapter in his journey: #Project1500, an initiative aimed at empowering 1,500 young professionals, especially Africans, with critical skills in Project Management, Agile, and Digital Transformation.

“This is not just my story; it’s our story. Together, we will continue to thrive, achieve, and bequeath lasting legacies,” he said.