The chairman, Seaport Terminal Operators Association of Nigeria (STOAN), Princess Vicky Haastrup, has received the African Female Business Leader of the Year Award in London, the United Kingdom.
Haastrup, who is also the executive vice chairman/CEO of ENL Consortium, and patroness of the Customs Officers Wives Association (COWA), defeated Beata Habyrimana of Rwanda's BK Group; Sibongile Moyo of Zimbabwe's Nedbank; Kadijah Amoah of Ghana's Pecan Energies and Seinye Lulu-Briggs of Moni Pulo Nigeria to clinch the prestigious award organised by UK-based African Leadership Magazine.
The award is coming a few weeks after the STOAN Chairman was conferred with the Leadership Award of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN). The African Business Leadership Awards was organised to recognise and celebrate outstanding business leaders in Africa.
Haastrup was particularly recognised for making significant contributions to Africa's development through her leadership, innovation, and dedication through the maritime sector.
"I want to say a big thank you to Africa Leadership Magazine for this award. This is not the first or second award, and I can't but dedicate it to God almighty for making me to be the strong woman that I have grown to be today.
"I grew up in a very small village in Kwara State, Nigeria. I grew up as a normal child from a very humble beginning. I never knew I could be who I am today but I thank God for his strength in my life.
"I dedicate the award to my husband who has allowed me to spread my wings and fly as much as I could, and to my wonderful management team at ENL Consortium. "My wonderful management team has supported me to excel. ENL Terminal has been one of the best terminals in the sub-region, and we wouldn't have done that without their support. I am grateful to Africa Leadership Magazine for the recognition that you have accorded me," Princess Haastrup said shortly after receiving the award.
Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters
Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox
She advised African women to be resilient, hardworking, resolute, and determined in their professional pursuits.
"For every girl-child who does not have hope, there is hope for women in Nigeria; you can be anything you want to be. Don't devalue yourself, don't allow anyone to put you down. There is no limitation to a woman's growth in Nigeria; just spread your wings and fly," she said.
In addition to her numerous contributions to the development of the maritime sector, Princess Haastrup has been involved in empowering women and supporting capacity building in the sector.
She serves as the President of the Certified Institute of Nigeria (CISN) and as a role model for members of the Women in Logistics and Transport (WILAT).
The African Leadership magazine, which organises the Africa Business Leadership Awards, is published in the UK by African Leadership (UK) Limited. It focuses on bringing the best of Africa to a global audience, telling the African story from an African perspective, while evolving solutions to peculiar challenges being faced on the continent.
