It was a gathering of some of Africa’s finest yesterday at Radisson Blu in Victoria Island of Lagos, during the Africa Illustrious Award organised by My Media Africa. Different categories of awardees graced the occasion from different African countries.
Award categories include; leadership and public service, entertainment, tech invention and innovation, academia, business and entrepreneurship, as well as integrity awards. The event also featured unveiling of the latest edition of My Media Africa magazine.
In leadership and public service category, Dr. Alfred Mutua the Governor of Machakos County in Kenya, was recognised and honoured as Africa’s best performing governor for the year 2021, and he was at the venue to receive his award with his entourage, in company of Sen. Ladema, a serving senator in Kenya.
Also in this category are Rt. Hon. Pascal Agbodike, the Deputy Speaker of Anambra State House of Assembly, who was honoured with an award as the Most Outstanding Deputy Speaker in Southeast Nigeria. Hon. Agbidike is also the Chairman of Council of Southeast Deputy Speakers. Still in this category, Hon. Afam Mbanefo Anambra State Commissioner of transport was recognised and awarded the Most Resourceful Commissioner. Both Agbodike and Mbanefo were duly represented.
High point of the event includes the virtual speech by Prof. Patrick Lumumba, though brief, yet as persuasive as ever. Prof. Lumumba was also represented by Dr. Amb. Williams Wallace, Ambassador of Antigua to Nigeria, who also graced the occasion and delivered the keynote speech on Africa’s development prospects, options and what Africans must do to seize their own present and future. Dr. Wallace received Prof. Lumumba’s award as Pan-Africanist of all time.
Another high point of the event was the recognition of Joe Blankson, who drowned trying to rescue those that were drowning following their boat’s capsize in Port Jarcourt, Rivers state last year. The posthumous award given to him was presented with a cash of N500,000 Naira. Others in this category include
Rasheed Yekini whose award was also presented with a cash of N500,000 Naira. Finally in this category was Samuel Okwaraji, ex Nigerian international, whose posthumous award was equally presented with a cash of N500,000 Naira. Members of their families were around to receive the award and the cash price.
In business category, Chief Akai Egwuonwu was recognised as the Southeast Businessman of the year and the award was received on his behalf by his representative.
Ousman Touray, a popular young Pan-Africanist from The Gambia was honoured with an award as the young Pan-Africanist of the year and he was at the event to receive his award, which was followed by a beautiful, well measured speech. Then also, Emmanuel Tuloe from Liberia who became popular for returning the sum of $50, 000 USD he picked, was awarded Young Integrity Icon of the year. Emmanuel was accompanied to the venue by The Gambian diplomatic corps in Nigeria.
Other awardees include; Dr. Adaku Jennifer Agwunobi a very radiant and passionate digital entrepreneur and singer, who received an award as the Digital Entrepreneur of the year. Adaku came in from the UK to receive her award.
Others are Dr. Charles Hackman from Ghana, who was equally present.
In the entertainment category, Shirley Igwe was awarded Nollywood personality of the year. Ameh Ada, Spiff, Stan Eze, and others were also at the event which was anchored by nollywood veteran actor, Segun Arinze and assisted by OTB of Naija Fm in Lagos.
Some side attractions include music performance by Prince Angel Nwaebube, and music performance by Dr. Adaku. The Army band was also present to spice up the event with musical interludes.
