The Most Influential People of African Descent, MIPAD has honoured the Managing Director of Rite Foods Limited, Mr. Seleem Adegunwa, with the Most Influential FMCG Executive of the Year Award.
According to MIPAD, the recognition is in acknowledgement of Adegunwa’s leadership and its far-reaching impact on Africa’s business landscape, particularly within the fast-moving consumer goods sector.
MIPAD is a global civil society initiative aligned with the United Nations’ First and Second International Decade for People of African Descent (2015–2024 and 2025–2034), with a mandate to celebrate individuals whose influence transcends borders and generations.
Under Adegunwa’s leadership, Rite Foods has grown into one of Nigeria’s leading food and beverage companies, driven by a strong portfolio of brands including the 13 variants of Bigi Carbonated Soft Drinks, Bigi Table Water, the award-winning Sosa Fruit Drink, Fearless Energy Drink, as well as Bigi Flex, Rite Spicy, and Bigi Beef Sausages.
Speaking on the honour, MIPAD Co-Founder, Tope Esan, said the organisation recognises individuals whose work promotes excellence and sustainable development, noting that Adegunwa’s commitment to innovation and quality aligns with MIPAD’s vision.
The 2025 MIPAD End of Year Dinner and Awards, held in Victoria Island, Lagos, brought together business leaders, policymakers, media personalities, politicians, and industry experts to celebrate outstanding contributions to Africa’s development.
MIPAD noted that past honourees include former United States President Barack Obama, former Vice President of Costa Rica Epsy Campbell, Trevor Noah, Larry Madowo, Prime Minister Mia Mottley of Barbados, Beyoncé, Lewis Hamilton, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Usain Bolt, and Naomi Osaka.
Adegunwa’s recognition adds to Rite Foods’ growing list of accolades. At the 2025 Edge Awards, formerly known as the Marketing Edge Awards, the company won Outstanding Carbonated Soft Drink Brand of the Year for Bigi Apple, Outstanding Sausage Brand of the Year for Bigi Beef Sausage Roll, and Outstanding FMCG Corporate Brand of the Year for Rite Foods Limited.
The MIPAD award further consolidates Rite Foods’ position as a leading player in Nigeria’s FMCG sector, underscoring its reputation for innovation, quality, and strong corporate leadership.