Diana Chen, chairman of Choice International Group (CIG) and vice chairman of the China-Africa Business Council (Nigeria), has been recognised for her outstanding role in deepening ties between China and Africa through enterprise, innovation, and leadership.
The CIG chairman was honoured recently in Lagos by business and policy leaders who celebrated her journey of being a leader and investor, fostering trade, empowering entrepreneurs, and championing cross-cultural collaboration in sectors ranging from transportation and education to renewable energy and agriculture.
The event, which also marked her birthday, emphasised her journey from China to Nigeria, her resilience, and impact on global enterprise and cross-cultural leadership.
Ram, chief finance officer of CIG Motos, said that Chen is not just a business leader, but an architect of cross-continental progress, noting that as vice chairman of the China-Africa Business Council, she has championed over $2 billion in investments into Africa.
This, according to him, demonstrates her leadership standard that demands excellence and delivers profound impact, perpetually aspiring to make a difference rather than simply a living.
The event brought together CEOs, bank managing directors, and pioneers from diverse sectors, all gathering to pay tribute to a woman whose influence stretches across continents.
Two thoughtfully curated panel sessions offered rare and intimate insights into the person behind the title, providing a seamless conversation with the celebrant.
The first, “Home Away from Home: The Journey of a Cultural Bridge,” anchored by Toyosi Etim-Effiong, featured Chen alongside two close friends-turned-sisters according to her: Iyabo Soji-Okunsanya, executive director of Access Bank Corporate & Investment Banking, and Chinyere Almona, director general of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI).
The discussion illuminated her unwavering positivity about Nigeria, her intentional approach to life, and her unique ability to foster a sense of being heard without imposing her thoughts, constantly exploring new horizons.
“Her cultural adaptability and commitment to building relationships, dedication, and resilience, highlighted by her business ventures and community involvement, have made her a respected figure in the country,” Almona said.
The second session, “Legacy and Creative Impact: Beyond Business & Borders,” hosted by Osarogie Ogbonmwan, delved into Chen’s expansive vision of legacy, leadership, and her unwavering passion for creativity and culture.
Featuring insightful contributions from Temi Popoola, group managing director/CEO of the Nigerian Exchange Group, and Ademola Ogunbanjo, president/CEO of Oando Clean Energy.
Popoola reflected on his relationship with Chief Diana Chen, describing her as a strategic thinker, generous mentor, and someone who consistently challenges him to think broadly about the future of Nigeria and his purpose.
From idea-sharing to late-night calls and tea-fueled strategy meetings, he shared stories that revealed Chen’s relentless energy, emotional intelligence, and genuine care for others.
He celebrated her as someone whose impact extends beyond financial success, noting her cultural fluency, global relationships, and influence on Nigerian students in China.
Another highlight was the presence of students from Yaba College of Technology, who are direct beneficiaries of the Silk Road International Fellowship Program, a transformative initiative Chen passionately supports, and have enabled them to study automobile engineering in China.
Jubril Arogundade, executive director of CIG Motors, in his closing remarks, said that Chen has shown greatness is built not only in boardrooms but in moments of courage, compassion, and purpose.
“Chief Diana has reminded us that power lies not just in titles or achievements, but in authenticity, resilience, and service to others. Her story is a call to lead with more heart, to dream bigger, and to lift others as we rise,” Arogundade said.
