Taopheek Babayeju, a prominent figure in project management industry, has been awarded the prestigious Person of the Year honor.
Gatekeepers News reports that while giving his acceptance speech, Babayeju announced a new initiative aimed at empowering young professionals across Africa.
Babayeju, known as TAB in professional circles, reflected on the African proverb, “It takes a village to raise a child,” attributing his success and this significant recognition to the collective effort of various communities and individuals who have supported him throughout his career.
The CEO of iCentra and founder of National Project Management Conference (ProMaCon) said, “This Person of the Year award is not mine alone—it belongs to the many communities that shaped and supported me.”
“Success, at its core, is a collective effort.”
The Person of the Year awardee expressed gratitude to his family, colleagues, and organizations that have supported his vision over the past two decades.
He specifically mentioned the Project Management Institute, where he has been a member since 2007 and previously served on the board.
Babayeju recalled receiving his first award in 2010 for the “Most Outstanding Contribution to Project Management in Nigeria,” highlighting his long-standing impact in the field.
He also highlighted the #ProMaCon initiative, which he co-founded 15 years ago. This project has significantly impacted the trajectory of project management across Nigeria and Sub-Saharan Africa.
Leveraging the platform provided by his Person of the Year recognition, Babayeju revealed #Project1500, a new initiative coinciding with his company iCentra’s 15th anniversary. The project aims to empower 1500 young professionals, with a focus on Africans, by providing them with skills in Project Management, Agile methodologies, and Digital Transformation.
Addressing the next generation of project managers, he said, “To the young, aspiring professionals striving to succeed in their careers, I see you. I can relate to your journey.”
The announcement of #Project1500 marks a significant step towards nurturing talent and expertise in the field of project management across Africa.
Interested individuals are encouraged to follow Babayeju’s social media channels for updates on this and other initiatives.
As the project management landscape continues to evolve, initiatives like #Project1500, led by recognized leaders such as Person of the Year Taopheek Babayeju, promise to play a crucial role in shaping the future of the profession in Africa and beyond.
