14th African Achievers Awards honors excellence, leadership across Africa

The 2014 African Achievers Awards (AAA) has rewarded remarkable achievements and relentless efforts of Africans dedicated to driving positive change and progress.

The event, which took place on July 13, 2024 at the House of Parliament, UK, brought together distinguished leaders, innovators, and change-makers from across the continent to celebrate excellence and leadership in various fields.

The prestigious event, renowned for recognizing and honoring outstanding individuals and organizations contributing to Africa’s growth and development, saw an array of inspiring recipients including the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III; Vusi Thembekwayo of South Africa; Nigeria’s Moses Bliss and Plateau State Governor, Caleb Muftwang, amongst others, conferred with awards in recognition..

Presented by a member of the House of Lords, London, Rt Hon. Baroness Verma, is the Leadership and Community Development award, conferred to the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III. Award for Leadership Coach Leader category was presented to founder/CEO, MyGrowth Fund venture partner, South Africa, Visu Thembekwayo, and the Excellent and Outstanding Leadership category to Governor of Plateau State, Caleb Muftwang.

Others include: Excellence in Contemporary Music category conferred on Moses Bliss; Michael Numa SAN and the Excellence in Leadership award conferred on Sam Shivute, Chairman, Namibia Revenue Agency and Member of Parliament for Mafinga Constituency, Zambia.

Established in 2011, The African Achievers Awards has consistently spotlighted those who have made significant impacts in sectors such as business, politics, education, philanthropy, and social enterprise. This year’s event was no exception, as it highlighted the remarkable achievements and relentless efforts of Africans dedicated to driving positive change and progress.

While Dr. Susan Fajana-Thomas, Chair of AAA Board, Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Regulatory Services and former Mayor of London Borough of Hackney, UK, will led the opening of the event, Queen Consort of Warri Kingdom, Olori Atuwatse III, rendered her keynote address themed, “Africa’s Sustainable Future: Redefining its Global Identity”

The Queen Consort emphasized the importance of recognizing and celebrating African excellence, stating, “Tonight, we honor those who have not only dreamed big but have also worked tirelessly to turn those dreams into reality. Their achievements inspire us all and remind us of the boundless potential that exists within our continent.”

She stated that it was imperative for the black continent to continue to propagate positive cultural and traditional values with the objective of reclaiming the identity of the continent.

She said since her husband, Ogiame Atuwatse III, the Olu of Warri, ascended the throne of his forebears, he had taken notable positive steps to change negative traditional connotations that portrayed others as inferior.

“As the king of the Warri Kingdom, he had long been burdened by how certain traditional terms of identity had taken on negative connotations promoting segregation. So, he boldly changed those long-used terms to ensure everyone is seen and identified as freeborn.

He also explained why redefining our communal identity mattered, and his words still echo in my mind.

She said that to address some of the challenges, she and her husband founded “Elevate Africa” to contribute their quota to efforts to channel African ideas into solutions for the continent and the world.

She advised other change-makers to come together and speak with one voice.

Baroness Verma, in her brief remarks, expressed joy that Africans has taken up the responsibility to shape the continent by telling their stories the way they should be and not as others want to see them.

This year’s edition is themed: “Empowering Africa: Honoring Excellence in Leadership and Innovation”.

According to the organisers, the 2024 AAA is dedicated to fulfilling its aim to highlight and celebrate the remarkable achievements of Africans who are driving positive change across various sectors, including business, politics, education, and social development.