The International Institute of Professional Corporate Entrepreneurship and Leadership (IIPCEL) on Saturday, June 7, 2025, conferred its highest professional honour — the prestigious Grade of FELLOW — on Mr. Denzel Henry Akogwu, President and CEO of Elipse International Ltd.

The special investiture ceremony which took place at the Plateau Club, Jos, coincided with the Sallah holiday. The event also featured the recognition and celebration of two distinguished fellows of the institute — Lt. Col. Aminu Yusuf Sangari (FPCEL, MNIM) and Dr. Gabriel Osiwomequin Aiso (FPCEL, Ph.D.) — in honour of their exceptional contributions to entrepreneurship and leadership.

Delivering remarks at the ceremony, the Director-General and CEO of IIPCEL, Mr. Godwin E. Urhie, emphasized the significance of the Fellow Grade, describing it as the pinnacle of professional recognition within the institute. “This award is reserved for individuals who have demonstrated exceptional performance as entrepreneurs and leaders. Mr. Akogwu is a young visionary who has made a profound impact in the mining sector, managing hundreds of employees and showing exemplary leadership in a challenging industry,” he stated.

Mr. Urhie highlighted IIPCEL’s commitment to wealth creation through innovation, networking, and leadership development. He added that the institute provides theoretical and practical training for aspiring entrepreneurs and business leaders, with professional grades ranging from affiliate to fellow, as well as corporate membership for organisations.

In his citation, Mr. Akogwu was lauded as a “chronic achiever” and key contributor to Nigeria’s business landscape. A graduate of Imo State University with a degree in Business Administration and holds an MBA from the University of Jos. Since founding Elipse International Ltd. in 2008, Akogwu has led the company to national prominence and global recognition in the mining sector.

He has also received numerous awards, including the Job Security Personality Award (2024), Icon of Wealth Creation and Empowerment (2022), and the NIMG Excellence Award in Mineral Exploration (2021), among others.

Described as a devoted family man, community leader, and philanthropist, Mr. Akogwu’s work through the Elipse Foundation has positively impacted countless lives. His conferment as FELLOW of IIPCEL marks another milestone in his distinguished career.

Shortly after being conferred, Mr. Akogwu expressed delight at receiving the award. He described the recognition as a great honour and a motivation to do more. As one of the youngest individuals to be conferred the Grade of FELLOW, he assured that he would bring renewed innovation, energy, and drive to IIPCEL and its mission.

Attendees at the event included IIPCEL members, invited guests, family and friends of the honourees, and members of the public. The institute reaffirmed its mission to empower professionals through training, mentorship, and strategic partnerships, including with the Bank of Industry, SMEDAN, and the Industrial Training Fund (ITF).

The Director-General encouraged aspiring entrepreneurs and professionals to join the institute, noting that IIPCEL is open to Nigerians and individuals across the globe seeking growth in corporate entrepreneurship and leadership.

For more information on IIPCEL and membership opportunities, visit http://www.iipcelglobal.org/