Eric Opah Named The Sun’s Entrepreneur Man of the Year

The Group Chief Executive Officer of Fortune Global Shipping and Logistics, Dr Eric Opah, has been honoured as Entrepreneur Man of the Year by The Sun Newspaper in recognition of his more than two decades of leadership in shipping, logistics and supply chain management.

The award was presented at a high-profile ceremony in Lagos attended by senior figures from Nigeria’s business, financial, legal and political communities. According to the organisers, the honour celebrates Opah’s role in building Fortune Global into a leading player in Africa’s logistics sector with expanding international footprints.

Founded over 20 years ago by Opah, Fortune Global Shipping and Logistics has grown steadily in a highly competitive industry, navigating regulatory shifts, market volatility and global trade disruptions. In 2013, the company was ranked among Africa’s fastest-growing firms, a milestone cited at the event as evidence of sustained growth, innovation and resilience under his stewardship.

In his remarks, Opah dedicated the award to his team, describing the recognition as a reflection of collective effort, discipline and long-term vision. He reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening Africa’s participation in global trade and supply chains, stressing the need for improved institutional frameworks, infrastructure development and sustainable business practices across the continent.

The ceremony drew a distinguished audience from the energy, shipping, finance, manufacturing and technology sectors, alongside representatives of government agencies and regulatory bodies. Observers noted that the turnout underscored Opah’s cross-sector influence and strong standing within Nigeria’s corporate community.

Among dignitaries present were; wife of the awardee; Mrs Christina Opah, Founder and Group Managing Director of Rainoil Limited; Chief Gabriel Ogbechie (OON), MD/CEO of Mainland Oil & Gas; Prince Chris Odinaka Igwe,

Prof. Sam Erugo (SAN) and Barr. Mrs Rita Erugo, Chairman of Signal Alliance Technology Holding; Mr Collins Onuegbu and Executive Director at UBA Group, Dr Alex Alozie.

Also in attendance were the Senator representing Abia Central; Augustine Akobundu, CEO of PGA Limited, Dr Tony Anonyai, MD/CEO of CE-Stalong; Mr Stanley Egege, Managing Director of Mega Equities; Mr Sam Onukwe, MD/CEO of Kinethrone Private Jets; Dr Obioma Orji, Founder/CEO of Comester Manufacturing Ltd; James Uduji (OON), Registrar/CEO of the Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN), Kingsley Igwe, CEO of Bucch Energy; Mr Bright Ajaegbu and Paul Ananaba (SAN).

Senior officials of the Nigeria Customs Service were also present, alongside executives from Samsung Heavy Industries, Seplat, Cummins West Africa, leading banking and insurance institutions, and major logistics conglomerates.

Beyond his corporate achievements, Opah is widely recognised for his thought leadership on global trade and supply chain issues, where he has consistently advocated policies that enhance Africa’s competitiveness and integration into international markets.

The Sun Newspaper’s Entrepreneur Man of the Year award is one of the publication’s flagship recognitions, aimed at spotlighting individuals whose enterprises demonstrate measurable impact, resilience and long-term contributions to economic development.