It was an historic night for Nigeria at the Kempinski Accra Hotel in Accra – Ghana where nine of its nominees at the Forty Under Forty Awards ceremony won their respective categories.
The Awards which was conceptualized to identify, honor, and celebrate a cross-section of the continent’s most influential and accomplished young business icons under the age of forty who are committed to business growth, professional excellence, and community service. The nominees who were selected from different African countries have excelled in politics, banking and finance, energy, agriculture, theatre and arts, journalism, fashion, law, sports, event management, health, technology, and innovation amongst others.
The Awards which was organized with the support of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Ghana initially had 163 nominees, which was pruned down to 63 nominees, and the following nine (9) winners from Nigeria:
Ayokunle Ayoko (Law)
Chinenye Ebele Onuorah (Education)
Edirin Edewor (Authorship and Creative Writing)
Efe Ukala (Social Support)
Emmanuel Ezima (Fashion)
Folabi Edward Obembe (Digital Education)
Janet Tayo Faremi (Sales and Marketing)
Pelumi Aribisala (Agriculture & Agro Processing)
Santiago Roberts (Industry and Lifestyle)
Last year’s aspirant in the Ugandan Presidential elections, Mr. Bobi Wine, won the Government and Governmental agencies category.
Speaking after the awards, Santiago Roberts, Head, Events, Linda Ikeji TV expressed satisfaction at the quality of nominees and the recognition given to future leaders who are making an impact across Africa.
Chinenye Onuorah (Regalo Hope Foundation) and Janet Tayo Faremi (Ambassador Stores Nigeria) both expressed disbelief they would make it this far and the win was a crowning moment for them. Chinenye also recounted her tough and beautiful journey in providing succor for the African Child and the award gave her renewed vigor to do more.
The winner in the Law Category, Ayokunle Ayoko (Kaizen Academy Limited) also expressed appreciation to the organizers and expressed optimism about the future of Africa.
In his words, “It is reassuring that the future of Africa is in good hands. The massive strides African youths are making in sports, entertainment, and other areas of endeavor mean that we are witnessing a reawakening of the African continent and the future is bright.”
