Toyota Nigeria Celebrates Excellence and Resilience in Auto Industry at 2025 Awards Night
By Daphne Uduneje
Toyota Nigeria Limited (TNL) hosted a memorable evening of celebration, gratitude, and reflection during its 2025 Awards Night held recently in Lekki, Lagos. The event brought together customers, dealers, government officials, and media representatives, all of whom have played vital roles in Toyota’s sustained growth and prominence within Nigeria’s automotive industry.
In his keynote address, Mr. Kunle Ade-Ojo, Managing Director of Toyota Nigeria Limited, expressed profound appreciation for the company’s loyal customers and strategic partners, emphasizing their importance as the foundation of Toyota’s enduring success in Nigeria.
“We have journeyed a long way together,” Ade-Ojo stated. “Our relationship with our customers is built on mutual benefit and shared progress. We value your loyalty and patronage, and we are committed to continually enhancing our services and responding swiftly to your evolving needs.”
He reiterated Toyota’s unwavering commitment to delivering a “measurable and memorable motoring experience” through the provision of quality vehicles, dependable after-sales service, genuine spare parts, and an extensive dealer network—the largest in Nigeria’s auto industry.
“In fact, we are the only automotive brand in Nigeria with such a comprehensive and strategic dealer network,” he highlighted. “This network allows us to establish multiple customer touchpoints across the country, especially within the after-sales segment.”
Ade-Ojo credited Toyota Nigeria’s achievements to a highly trained and dedicated workforce and reaffirmed the company’s identity as a proudly Nigerian and socially responsible corporate organization.
“Over the years, we have made significant contributions to Nigeria’s economy—fulfilling our civic responsibilities and supporting government agencies and institutions,” he said. Notably, he praised the Nigerian Customs Service, acknowledging their leadership in facilitating smoother business operations.
“We are grateful for the current Customs leadership, which has made business easier. Please join me in applauding their efforts,” he added.
The Managing Director assured attendees of Toyota Nigeria’s ongoing commitment to nation-building, emphasizing, “We will always do our part to support Nigeria’s development and progress.”
He also extended heartfelt thanks to the company’s stakeholders—including partners, dealers, employees, and motoring journalists—highlighting their indispensable roles.
A special tribute was paid to Toyota Nigeria’s board chairman, Chief Michael Ade.Ojo, whom Ade-Ojo described as “a living legend” and the visionary force behind the company’s success.
“This company—this iconic model of enterprise—has flourished under your leadership,” he praised. “Your business acumen, discipline, diligence, and innovative spirit have inspired generations. We pray for your continued good health as you guide us toward even greater achievements.”
The evening also featured award presentations, with Zenith Bank Plc named the Evergreen Customer of the Year for consistently purchasing the highest number of Toyota vehicles over five years. Zenith Bank received a brand new Toyota Rumion valued at over N40 million.
Other winners included the Enugu State Government (second runner-up), awarded N5 million; Mota Engil (first runner-up), with N7.5 million; and AGL Motors, crowned overall winner, receiving N10 million.
To recognize excellence in automotive journalism, three outstanding journalists—Theodore Opara of Vanguard, Rasheed Bisiriyu of Newstrends, and Frank Kintum of Transport Day—were honored for their dedication and contribution to the industry.