In a bid to recognise individuals making significant contributions to enterprise development and economic progress across the continent, The AfriHeritage Awards 2026, has named Managing Director of Dutum Company Limited, Temitope Runsewe, as African Business Titan of the Year.

The organisers emphasised that the awards aims to continually draw attention to African enterprises demonstrating that locally rooted companies can drive infrastructure development and economic transformation at scale.

Runsewe leads Dutum Company Limited, construction and civil engineering firm with an expanding footprint across Nigeria and beyond. Under his direction, the company has delivered infrastructure projects that support urban development, strengthen connectivity and enable economic activity across communities. More recently, the company extended its operations to Ghana, reflecting its growing regional outlook.

His journey with Dutum began not as a new venture but as a continuation of a legacy. The company was founded by his father, Engr. Olatunde Runsewe in 1989, and Runsewe returned to Nigeria in 2007 after resigning from a position in the United Kingdom to join and grow the business.

Speaking after receiving the award, he said, “Seventeen years ago, I resigned from my job in the United Kingdom and returned to Nigeria with a conviction, to demonstrate that Africans have the capacity to build transgenerational businesses.”

Lawyer and broadcaster, Kingsley Osadolor, who served as Master of Ceremonies at the event, recalled encountering Dutum’s work in Abuja, where the company constructed four pedestrian bridges at Mabushi, Sheraton, Northern Parkway and VIO junctions. He noted that the quality of execution, conservation of space, clean finish and the structural solidity of the bridges were not able in the projects.

Organisers of the AfriHeritage Awards said the platform remains committed to recognising leadership that places long-term impact at the centre of business practice. They noted that the event aimed to highlight leadership that is driving sustainable development and long-term institutional growth on the continent