The TEBA Foundation for Humanity, a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) has commended the contributions of expatriates to the growth of Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

The foundation in order to further encourage expatriates irrespective of their countries of origin is recognising them with ‘The Expatriates Business Awards’.

Speaking at the unveiling of the awards in Lagos, Director, Awards, TEBA Foundation, Miss Odunola Abayomi, said the project, powered by Pun Communications Ltd, aimed at rewarding entrepreneurial spirits of successful foreign personalities, groups, corporate firms and loyal migrants who now see and call Nigeria home.

According to her, the company was currently conducting public opinion polls, meticulous research, and reviewing nominations from the general public, insisting that the integrity of its selection process was sacrosanct.

Unlike other awards, Abayomi said the Expatriates Business Awards recognises only foreigners residing and establish companies in Nigeria.

She emphasised that the awards are in different categories like Expatriate Man of the Year, Expatriate Entrepreneur of the Year, Expatriate Woman of the Year, Expatriate CEO of the Year, Expatriate Product of the Year, Auto Company of the Year, Multinational Oil Firm of the Year and Construction Firm of the Year.

Others are Aviation Safety Champion of the Year, Aviation technology Pioneer of Award, Electronics Company of the Year, Expatriate Restaurant of the Year, Expatriate Eatery of the Year, CSR Brand of the Year, CSR Expatriate Group of the Year, Employment Friendly Expatriate Firm of the Year, Household Appliances Company of the Year and Expatriate Beverage of the Year.

Also recognised are Expatriate Airlines of the Year, Most Friendly Expatriate Group of the Year, Expatriate Telecommunication Company of the Year, Expatriate Financial Institution of the Year, Liquor Brand of the Year, Expatriate Beauty Product of the Year, Crossover Actor of the Year, Crossover Actress of the Year, Crossover Musician of the Year, Telecommunications Equipment of the Year, Consumer Goods Company of the Year, Dairy Product Company of the Year, Expatriate Revelation Award of the Year and Special Recognitions.

She said: “Unlike many conventional award platforms that focus predominantly on Nigerian nationals and enterprises, The Expatriates Business Awards—a fully trademarked initiative—is uniquely designed to recognize those who, though not born of this soil, have chosen to plant seeds here and watch them flourish.

Also commenting, the Head Samuel, the Head, Marketing Communication, Aero Contractors, Irene Samuel, one of the major sponsors of the awards, said the airline as a cultural ambassador, which encourages diversity, supported TEBA Foundation in recognising worthy persons who have contributed to the growth of the nation.