By Ms Ruth Nnadi – The prestigious African Achievers Awards (AAA) is set to honour outstanding individuals and institutions at its 14th annual ceremony on July 13, 2024, at the House of Lords in the British Parliament. This year’s event, themed “Empowering Africa: Honouring Excellence in Leadership and Innovation,” promises to be a landmark celebration of African talent and achievement.
LORD OF CELEBRATIONS
Hosted by Baroness Verma, a distinguished Member of the House of Lords, the AAA has established itself as a premier platform for recognizing those who have made significant contributions to Africa’s development and progress. The awards have gained international acclaim, with past recipients including luminaries such as Archbishop Desmond Tutu, the Koffi Annan Foundation, and the Nelson Mandela Foundation; Rt Hon Dianne Abbott, the first black female member of UK Parliament; Lord Simon Woolley, the first black man to head a Cambridge or Oxford University College; Rev Jesse Jackson, the first black presidential aspirant of a major US party; Professor Chris Imafidon, the world record-holder in producing genius (via ExcellenceinEducation.org.uk) and head of Britain’s brainiest family as well as the world’s smartest clan amongst others.
ACHIEVERS
The 2024 nominations reflect a diverse array of accomplishments across various sectors. Notable nominees include Ms. Abena Opong-Asare, the newly appointed Minister for Implementation in the UK, highlighting the growing influence of African diaspora in global politics. In academia, Professor Charles Roddie of Cambridge University is recognized for his collaborative SUMMATIC scholarship program in African universities, underscoring the importance of international educational partnerships.
Innovation takes center stage with nominations for the University of Surrey’s educational technology award for keath.ai, and Sir Dozie Mbanefo’s contributions to innovation and manufacturing through the DLK group. The awards also acknowledge advancements in artificial intelligence, with a nod to Isatong, developed by an ex-NASA engineer.
Environmental leadership is represented by Sir Nelson Omenugha’s youth and ecology programs in Africa, while Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU) is recognized for its initiatives in climate change and educational leadership. The awards also celebrate inspirational figures like Bayo Alaba for youth leadership and as a role model for the BAME community.
In education, Apex Olive School in Ile-Ife is nominated for its innovative approaches, while Prince Mike Abiola is acknowledged for his contributions to journalism and entrepreneurship. The nominations extend beyond Africa to blacks world-wide, including Sam Shivute, Chairman of the Namibia Revenue Agency, and Hon. Robert Muchintha Chabinga, a Member of Parliament in Zambia, demonstrating the pan-African scope of the awards.
FUTURE GENIUS
A highlight of the event will be the keynote address by HRH Olori Atuwatse III, Queen Consort of Warri Kingdom, on “Reimagining Africa: Sustainability as a Pathway to a New Global Image.” This speech is expected to offer valuable insights into leadership and Africa’s future on the global stage.
Dr. Susan Fajana-Thomas, OBE, Chair of the AAA Board and a prominent figure in UK local government, will lead the opening ceremony, bringing her wealth of experience in community service and governance to the forefront.
The awards categories span a wide range, including African Business Leader of the Year, Outstanding Educational Institution, Lifetime Achievement Award, Excellence in Innovation and Technology, and Community Development Champion. This diverse recognition ensures that achievements across various sectors of African society are celebrated.
GENIUS IN AFRICA
Professor Chris Imafidon (chair of the ExcellenceinEducation.org.uk), a previous award winner renowned for his advisory roles to global leaders and his contributions to education, ecology and technology, emphasized the importance of celebrating African genius and the institutions that nurture talent irrespective of gender or nationality. His endorsement underscores the AAA’s role in inspiring excellence and fostering a new generation of African leaders.
Dr. Rex Idaminabo, Chief Executive of the African Achievers Awards, expressed enthusiasm for the event, stating, “This event is not just about recognizing excellence; it’s about inspiring the next generation of leaders to continue the journey towards a prosperous and empowered Africa.”
The AAA 2024 is set to be more than just an awards ceremony; it will be a showcase of African culture, featuring performances by African artists that highlight the continent’s rich heritage. This cultural element adds depth to the event, reminding attendees of the vibrant tapestry of African society that forms the backdrop to these remarkable achievements.
As Africa continues to assert its place on the global stage, events like the African Achievers Awards play a crucial role in highlighting the continent’s potential and the individuals driving its progress. By recognizing excellence across various fields, from politics and business to education and technology, the AAA not only celebrates current achievements but also sets the stage for future innovations and leadership.
The 2024 ceremony promises to be a powerful demonstration of African talent, resilience, and vision. As the world turns its eyes to London for this event, it will witness a gathering of some of the brightest minds and most influential figures shaping the future of Africa and its global relationships.
In conclusion, the African Achievers Awards 2024 stands as a testament to the continent’s ongoing journey of empowerment and excellence. It serves as an inspiration for Africans both on the continent and in the diaspora, encouraging them to strive for greatness and contribute to the collective progress of their communities and nations. As the awards continue to grow in prestige and influence, they reinforce the message that Africa’s potential is limitless, and its achievements are worthy of global recognition and celebration.
MS RUTH NNADI, a protégé of ExcellenceinEducation.org.uk and scholarly technologist and one of the pioneers of remote working in Africa. Ruth has over 12 years’ experience in network management with an excellent background in providing professional technical support. Experienced in monitoring, analyzing and maintaining network systems and infrastructures by effectively conducting preventative maintenance of critical information systems and equipment; ensuring effective coordination, control, and mitigation of risk to the organization. Proficient in providing Customer Service. Seeking a position to further expand my experience and knowledge. She has demonstrated the drive to deliver top performance as well as great team work qualities
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