Bennett Oghifo
Zenith Bank Plc has emerged as one of the major winners at the 2026 Toyota Awards and Customers’ Night, clinching the prestigious Evergreen Customer of the Year Award in recognition of its position as Toyota (Nigeria) Limited’s most consistent customer over the last five years.
The annual prestigeous awards held last Friday at The Podium Event Centre in Lekki, Lagos, brought together customers, dealers, government officials, corporate partners, media practitioners and other stakeholders to celebrate outstanding patronage and contributions to the growth of the auto company.
The event serves as a platform to reward loyal customers, recognise strategic partners and reinforce the company’s customer-centric philosophy.
This year’s edition of the awards carried special significance as Toyota Nigeria celebrates its 30th anniversary, marking three decades of operations since its establishment in 1996.
In recognition of the Zenith Bank’s huge patronage, the Chairman and founder of Toyota (Nigeria) Limited, Chief Michael Ade.Ojo, presented the bank officials with the keys to a brand-new Toyota Starlet Cross.
Another keenly contested category was the Customer of the Year Award, which went to AGL Motors for purchasing the highest volume of Toyota vehicles in 2025.
The Nigerian Army and Zenith Bank emerged as first and second runners-up respectively in that category. The winners received office equipment worth several millions of naira.
In keeping with its tradition of recognising excellence across its business ecosystem, Toyota Nigeria also honoured outstanding automotive journalists whose reports and analyses have helped shape public understanding of developments in the industry.
Veteran motoring journalist, Theodore Opara of Vanguard, was named Journalist of the Year for his consistent coverage of the automotive sector and insightful reporting on industry trends and Toyota’s innovations.
Mike Ochonma of Transport World emerged as the first runner-up, while Rasheed Bisiriyu of Newstrends was recognised as the second runner-up for his contributions to automotive journalism, particularly in the areas of vehicle technology, mobility solutions and market analysis.
Earlier in his keynote address, Managing Director of Toyota Nigeria Limited, Mr Kunle Ade-Ojo, described the annual gathering as a celebration of the enduring relationships that had sustained the company over the years.
“Tonight is a moment of reflection, celebration and renewed commitment,” he said.
“For us at Toyota Nigeria, this annual gathering is more than a tradition. It is a deliberate expression of our enduring philosophy of putting the customer first. It provides a unique platform to honour the loyalty, trust and partnership that have defined our journey over the years.”
According to him, Toyota Nigeria has evolved from modest beginnings into one of the country’s most trusted automotive brands through a relentless focus on quality, reliability and service excellence.
“Since commencing operations in 1996, our journey has been defined by resilience, growth and transformation. Our progress has been anchored on one unwavering principle—creating value for our customers.
“Beyond delivering vehicles that meet diverse mobility needs, we have invested significantly in building a nationwide after-sales ecosystem designed to provide a seamless and premium ownership experience.”
Mr Ade-Ojo assured customers and stakeholders that Toyota Nigeria would continue to innovate and improve its products and services despite prevailing economic challenges.
Several dealers and business partners used the occasion to commend Toyota Nigeria for its continuous investments in dealer development, training initiatives and workshop upgrades aimed at improving service delivery nationwide.
The Managing Director expressed gratitude to Toyota Nigeria’s extensive network of stakeholders, such as dealers, customers, suppliers, consultants, financial institutions and employees.
“The journey thus far would not have been possible without the unwavering support and contributions of our stakeholders,” he said.
The Managing Director also acknowledged the support of the company’s principal partner, Toyota Motor Corporation, as well as the board of directors led by Chief Michael Ade. Ojo.
He further assured customers that Toyota Nigeria would continue to introduce customer-friendly initiatives designed to make vehicle ownership more accessible despite economic headwinds.
He said, “Despite the monumental challenges in the economy, Toyota Nigeria will continue to devise means that will enable our customers to enjoy their preferred auto brand—Toyota.”
