Zenith Bank Plc emerged as one of the biggest winners at the 2026 Toyota Awards and Customers’ Night, taking home the prestigious Evergreen Customer of the Year Award in recognition of its status as Toyota Nigeria Limited’s most consistent customer over the last five years.
The glamorous event, held at The Podium Event Centre in Lekki, Lagos, brought together customers, dealers, government officials, corporate partners, journalists, and other stakeholders to celebrate loyalty and outstanding contributions to the growth of Toyota Nigeria.
This year’s edition carried special significance as Toyota Nigeria marked its 30th anniversary, commemorating three decades of operations since its establishment in 1996.
In appreciation of Zenith Bank’s unwavering patronage, the Chairman and founder of Toyota Nigeria, Chief Michael Ade.
Ojo, presented officials of the bank with the keys to a brand-new Toyota Starlet Cross.
Another major highlight of the night was the highly competitive Customer of the Year Award, which was won by AGL Motors after recording the highest volume of Toyota vehicle purchases in 2025.
The Nigerian Army and Zenith Bank finished as first and second runners-up respectively in the category, with winners receiving office equipment worth millions of naira.
Toyota Nigeria also recognized outstanding media professionals whose reports and analyses have helped shape public understanding of the automotive industry.
Veteran motoring journalist Theodore Opara of Vanguard was named Journalist of the Year for his consistent coverage of the sector and insightful reports on automotive trends and innovations.
Mike Ochonma of Transport World emerged as the first runner-up, while Rasheed Bisiriyu of Newstrends was honoured as second runner-up for his contributions to automotive journalism, particularly in vehicle technology, mobility solutions, and market analysis.
Speaking at the event, Managing Director of Toyota Nigeria Limited, Mr. Kunle Ade-Ojo, described the annual gathering as a celebration of the enduring relationships that have sustained the company over the years.
According to him, the company has grown from modest beginnings into one of Nigeria’s most trusted automotive brands through a commitment to quality, reliability, and customer satisfaction.
“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, he said.
Ade-Ojo noted that Toyota Nigeria has invested heavily in a nationwide after-sales network to ensure a seamless ownership experience for customers and promised that the company would continue to innovate despite prevailing economic challenges.
He also expressed appreciation to Toyota Nigeria’s dealers, customers, suppliers, consultants, financial institutions, employees, and its global partner, Toyota Motor Corporation, for their continued support.
“Despite the challenges in the economy, Toyota Nigeria will continue to introduce customer-friendly initiatives that will enable Nigerians to enjoy their preferred auto brand—Toyota,” he assured.
