African Bar Association (AFBA), the body of lawyers of African origin and those in diaspora, has named the Chairman of the Alliance for Economic Research and Ethics (AERE), Dele Oye, as a recipient of its 2026 Medal of Merit in recognition of his result-oriented leadership and transformation of Nigeria’s organised private sector.

In a letter conveying the decision, the association said Oye was selected following a review of his achievements in managing the organised private sector through the various leadership positions he has occupied, particularly as President of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) and chairman of the Organised Private Sector of Nigeria (OPSN).

The association, while noting that Oye has set a standard worthy of emulation across Africa, commended him for providing transparent and effective leadership, adding that the organised private sector under his watch had been free of financial mismanagement while recording growth that benefited members and collaborating organisations.

The conferment of the award is expected to take place on Monday, September 21, 2026, at the opening ceremony of the 2026 Annual Conference of the African Bar Association, holding at Hilton Cabo Verde Dos Hotels, SAL, Cape Verde, scheduled from 20th to 24th September 2026.