By Peter Oriri
The African Icon Awards, a subsidiary of Face of African Concept and one of Africa’s most prestigious platforms for recognizing outstanding achievements, celebrates its 10th anniversary, marking a decade of honoring individuals and businesses that have significantly contributed to the continent’s development.
Reflecting on this milestone, Amb. Abraham Lawal, Project Director of the African Icon Awards, expressed profound appreciation to the partners, sponsors, friends, and family members who have consistently supported the vision and growth of the awards since 2015. Despite various challenges, their unwavering commitment has solidified the event’s status as a premier platform for celebrating African excellence.
Amb. Abraham Lawal, Director of Projects, Face of African Icon Awards
Since its inception, the African Icon Awards has honored African leaders, young achievers, community builders, and captains of industry. By recognizing their contributions, the awards have become one of the continent’s most prestigious gatherings of influential and global African leaders.
Among those who have played significant roles in fostering Africa’s growth are Kolawole Adeniji, CEO of Niji Group Nigeria, and Amb. Azonobi Kingsley Mike, Chairman/President of Domak Group. Their contributions to industry and entrepreneurship exemplify the spirit of innovation and leadership that the awards seek to highlight.
Kolawole Adeniji, CEO: Niji Group Nigeria
Each year, the African Icon Awards serves as a platform for unity and innovation, bringing together visionary Africans who are driving change. Beyond recognizing individual achievements, the event fosters collaboration and inspiration among young leaders, ensuring that Africa’s next generation continues to thrive.
Amb Azonobi Kingsley Mike, The Chairman President Of Domak Group.
Organizing a continental event of this scale has not been without its challenges. However, the African Icon Awards has remained steadfast in its commitment to recognizing and celebrating Africans making a difference in their communities and industries.
Notable figures such as Jenneh Jemima Barclay, CEO of Eco Spring Mineral Water, Jenneh Barclay Foundation, and Jenneh Barclay Online TV, have been instrumental in advancing philanthropy and community development, reinforcing the core mission of the awards. Similarly, Amb. Dr. Hillary Emoh, Founder of Leaders Without Borders Development Centre and Royal Advisor on Strategic Partnerships & Investment to His Highness Sheikh Ahmed Bin Faisal Al Qasimmi, Royal Family Office, Dubai, UAE, has demonstrated exemplary leadership in global business relations.
Jenneh Jemima Barclay, CEO: Eco Spring Mineral Water, Jenneh Barclay Foundation, & Jenneh Barclay Online TV.
The event has been hosted in multiple African countries, including Nigeria and Ghana, further broadening its reach and impact. As a continental platform for African excellence, the awards continue to spotlight those driving progress in governance, business, and humanitarian efforts.
Amb. Dr. Hillary Emoh, Founder; Leaders Without Borders Development Centre & Royal Advisor on Strategic Partnerships and Investment to His Highness Sheikh Ahmed Bin Faisal Al Qasimmi, Royal Family Office, Dubai, UAE
The success of the African Icon Awards over the past ten years has been made possible by the dedication of many remarkable individuals. Among them is Amb. Dr. Mathew Godwin Mario, Co-Founder of Myles Leadership University, a humanitarian, educationist, and philanthropist whose passion for education and leadership development has inspired many.
Amb. Dr. Mathew Godwin Mario, Co-Founder; Myles Leadership University, Humanitarian , Educationist , Philanthropist
In the media and communications sector, leaders such as Alex Nwankwo, CEO of Amity Global Network (AlexReports), and Peter Oriri, Publisher of Naija Voice News, have played key roles in amplifying the stories of African achievers. Their contributions ensure that the impact of the awards extends beyond the event itself, reaching audiences across the continent and beyond.
Alex Nwankwo, CEO: Amity Global Network (AlexReports)
Peter Oriri, Chief Executive Officer, Naija Voice News
Additionally, Amb. Dr. Chris Oko Odey, Global President & Founder of the International Women Power Conference (IWPC), and Amb. Eno Praise, FCIML, have been instrumental in empowering women and promoting gender equality, aligning with the awards’ mission to celebrate excellence across all sectors.
Amb. Dr. Chris Oko Odey, Global President & Founder: International Women Power Conference (IWPC).
Amb. Dr. Eno Praise; fciml
Other notable contributors to the success of the African Icon Awards include: Amb. Badamasi Sadiq Ibrahim, DG of the Global Peace Advocacy and Empowerment Initiative, Uzoma Ehiemere, CEO of Zamarjesty, Amb. Desmond Agboola, CEO of Aso Multi Media, Amb. Kingsley Tolu Agboola, Executive Director of Aso Multi Media, Rockland Akinbayode Daniel, CEO of Rockland Apparel and Temitope Joseph Olanipekun, CEO of Groovy Media
Amb. Badamasi Sadiq Ibrahim, DG Global Peace Advocacy and Empowerment Initiative.
Uzoma Ehiemere, CEO Zamarjesty
Amb Desmond Agboola- CEO Aso Multi Media
Amb Kingsley Tolu Agboola- Executive Director- Aso Multi Media
Their dedication and support have been pivotal in ensuring that the African Icon Awards continues to recognize, reward, and celebrate excellence across Africa.
As the African Icon Awards embarks on its next decade, its vision remains clear: to honor, celebrate, and inspire African excellence. More than just an award ceremony, it is a movement that fosters innovation, leadership, and unity across the continent.
Rockland Akinbayode Daniel, CEO Rockland Apparel
With the continued support of visionary leaders, corporate partners, and dedicated supporters, the African Icon Awards is poised for even greater growth, expanding its influence and recognizing more remarkable Africans shaping the future.
Congratulations to Amb. Abraham Lawal and the entire African Icon Awards team on this remarkable 10-year milestone!
TEMITOPE JOSEPH OLANIPEKUN, CEO Groovy Media
