Obaseki’s aide, Igunbor, Minister of Comm, Tijani, Khalil Halilu, Ayra Starr, others nominated for Future Africa Awards

…Hilda Baci, Victor Isimhen, Tobi Amusan, Asake, others make list

Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation, and the Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani; a Senior Special Assistant to the Edo State Governor and immediate past chairperson of the Edo State chapter of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Sarah Igunbor; the Chief Executive Officer of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), Khalil Suleiman Halilu, and sensational singer, Ayra Starr are among outstanding young Africans who have been nominated for 2023 The Future Awards Africa (TFAA).

TFAA in its 17th edition celebrates young people between the ages of 18 and 31, who have made outstanding achievements in the year under consideration. It is recognized by Forbes as the “Most important awards for outstanding young Africans.”

While Tijani was nominated in the ‘Service to the Young’ category alongside international award-winning entrepreneur-missionary, entrepreneur, and coach, Melody Fidel, Sarah Igunbor and Khalil-Halilu were nominated in the governance category.

Igunbor’s recognition is on the back of her sterling performance and lofty achievements as the chairperson of the Edo NYCN where she led big, bold initiatives to advance youth development in the State. As an SSA to the Edo State Governor, Igunbor has been pivotal in shaping and implementing youth-centric policies, leading advocacies that have significantly increased youth participation in governance, youth entrepreneurship development and youth empowerment, among others.

Reacting to her nomination, Igunbor said, “The Future Project Award serves as a vital platform for acknowledging and celebrating young people who have challenged the status quo in their respective spheres of influence and have worked to build lifelong legacies that will transform generations for years to come.

“This nomination not only reflects my dedication to the principles of good and effective governance, but also serves as a call to more duty in the pursuit of a progressive society”.

She added, “I would like to extend my appreciation to our dear Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki for his support and the incredible youths of Edo State for their unwavering commitment, engagement, and resilience which serve as inspiration to take on challenges and be impact-driven. This is a call to do more for my dear young people of Edo State.”

Other nominees for the governance category awards are Rukayatt Shittu, a 27-year-old journalist and lawmaker representing Owode/Onire constituency in Asa Local Government of Kwara State House of Assembly; Seun Olufemi White, a lawyer and deputy director of new media for the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Presidential Campaign; Hakeem Onasanya, Head of Startups, and Mustapha Isa Ozo, Managing Director of TimeTell Nigeria, a Public Relations and Digital Communication Company.

Also, sensational singers, Ayra Starr, Asake, Libianca, from Cameroonian, Aya Nakamura and Tay C were identified for recognition in the music category.

Listed on ‘Young person of the year’ category are Hilda Baci, Guinness world record holder; Oluwaseyi Moejoh, Climate change and youth development activist; Victor Osimhen, Professional Footballer; Ena Wakama-Coach of D’Tigress; Precious Eniayeka, Founder at Stellar Initiative and Enioluwa Adeoluwa, Content creator.

In the sports category are Victor Osimhen – Footballer, Tobi Amusan -Nigerian track and field athlete, Asisat Oshoala – Footballer, Michelle Alozie – Footballer, Mary Busayo Olatunji- Squash Player and Ese Brume- Athlete.