1
FOR MORE INFORMATION: 020 3705 8825 || 07411037641 reo@purplepremium.com
2
Team & Credits Founder / CEO ‘Femi Okutubo Event Volunteers * Tolu Oyewole * Gbemi Okutubo * Tolu Shomoye * Shola Okutubo * Taiwo Okutubo * Kehinde Okutubo * Grace Okutubo * Mercy Okutubo * Victor Okutubo * Adunni Haruna Advisory Board * Adewale Adenaike * Alison Shoyombo * Kola Aregbe * Lola Okutubo * Gbenga Okutubo * Steve Mulindwa * Edgar Georgestone * Kunle Fakile Patrons * Prem Goyal (OBE) * Helen Grant MP * Dapo Williams Drinks Sponsor Kato Enterprises Print Sponsor Perfekt Print Design Partner heart‘n’design Audio / DJ Crystal Clear Sound Entertainment Lead Deoba Authentic Visuals LEAD Lanre Fasoranti Photography Adesons Photography MLL Photography
Let’s All Show Love
I
t is indeed a great honour and privilege to warmly welcome you to yet another edition of the Annual Gathering of Africa’s Best (GAB) Awards. Last year, we celebrated our coming of age - the 18th edition. The age at which a child is legally considered to be an adult and must become mature and responsible. We acknowledged that we all have a great responsibility to celebrate Africa and Africa’s Best. This year, we have entered the last of our teenage years. We celebrate the 19th Annual edition of this prestigious event. It is an advancement on our coming of our age. It is yet another reminder that we cannot shirk in our responsibilities in fulfilling the vision and ideals of this event. It is a reminder that in the midst of the negative news coming out of Africa, we must continue to celebrate Africa and the best that she has to offer. It is a task that requires all hands on deck. As Africans and Friend of Africa, Africa demands that YOU play your role - no matter how little, in this regard. As we celebrate the 19th edition of the GAB Awards, we are taking yet another bold step, by establishing the Manchester edition of the event. We have always wanted to expand the GAB Awards mantra beyond London and the United Kingdom - and GAB Awards Manchester is the first step in this direction. We believe the event will be yet another opportunity to celebrate the best of Africa and Africans, especially among sons, daughters and friends of Africa in North West England and its environs. In the midst of celebrating Africa and Africans, it is impossible to turn a blind eye to some grievous happenings within the Continent and the Diaspora. One of such happenings, is modern day slavery happening in parts of the Continent and even in our Diaspora communities. It is no longer just about domestic servitude and sexual exploitation - it is also about
3
man’s inhumanity to man. The horrific images from Libya’s Slave Market and the torturing, raping, maiming and killing of migrants must stop. We call on our leaders and the international community to do all within its powers to put a stop to these atrocities. Equally complicit, are our leaders and some followers with access to the wealth and resources of their respective countries, who have held its citizens captive through acts of stealing, embezzlement and corruption. There is a need for a fairer distribution of wealth to ensure that situations that lead to forced migration do not happen in the first instance. There is the need for good governance to ensure that the basics of life are not a luxury for the vast majority of citizens. I do not profess to have all the solutions to these challenges, but if we all show love: Love for God the Creator and owner of the Universe; and Love for our fellow citizens and co-travellers in this world; the world will indeed be a better place for us all. May God empower us all to do this and more. May I end by thanking everyone who has shown love in ensuring the success of this event from its inception to date. I love you all.
‘Femi Okutubo
Founder, GAB Awards
Goodwill Messages
I
would like to congratulate Trumpet Media on its Annual Gathering of Africa’s Best Awards.
These awards are an opportunity for us all to recognise the incredible achievements of successful African men and women across sectors including financial services, retail, media, the arts, science and technology and sport. I would like to congratulate the organisers and volunteers for making these awards such a successful event and wish everyone involved all the best.
Rt. Hon. Theresa May MP
Prime Minister of the United Kingdom
T
he concept behind the Gathering of Africa’s Best Awards sends out an exceptionally positive message about Africa and African People. It also provides enormous inspiration and motivation for others to bring out the best in themselves to achieve, to succeed, and to shine. Many congratulations to everyone who has been nominated for an award at this year’s event and as a Patron of the GAB awards, I look forward to continuing working with The Trumpet for the promotion of African people all around the globe.
Helen Grant MP
Patron, GAB Awards (2015 - 2018)
A
s a Patron, it is a privilege to welcome everyone to the Gathering of Africa’s Best (GAB) Awards, celebrating the fantastic feats achieved by Africa’s most gifted this year.
Since 2013, I have met many inspiring individuals who have made the United Kingdom their home and achieved spectacular things. African communities deserve to have their hard work and contribution recognised. I wish the very best to this year’s nominees and awardees and pray for the award ceremony’s continued growth and success. Together, we can fulfil our dreams.
Prem Goyal OBE JP
Patron, GAB Awards (2013 - 2016; 2017 - 2019)
A
s a Patron of the prestigious Gathering of Africa’s Best Awards (GAB), I am delighted to be a part of an organisation that celebrates excellence in our community.
Many congratulations to all the Finalists for this year’s event, and welcome to all guests.
Dr. Dapo Williams
Patron, GAB Awards (2015 - 2018)
4
17.30 – 18.20
19.30 – 20.00
* Arrival of Guests / Registration.
* Buffet
* GAB Carpet (Hosted by Comperes and Tolu Baruwa)
* Light Music / Entertainment / Networking
* Drinks Reception / Exhibition / Networking / Light Music
20.00 – 22.00
* Guests proceed to Quayside Suite for Awards Ceremony
* Speeches & Sponsors Showcase
* GAB Awards Reminiscence / Light Music
* Presentation of Awards
Order of Events
Comperes: MC Mark / GloriaAde
* Entertainment * Presentation of Awards
18.20 – 19.30
* Group Picture of the Award Recipients
* Opening & Welcome * Introduction of Special Guests / VIPs /Sponsors * Announcing the Finalists
22.00 - 23.00
* Entertainment
Award Recipients’ Celebratory Dance
* Speeches
Dance! Dance!! Dance!!!
* Presentation of Awards
Closing
Citation Voice: Bola-Wola “The Voice” Makinde
Coleslaw, onions and sultanas Tomato and red onion salad Rocket and mixed leaf Salad Selection of Dressings Bread rolls with Butter
Mains Jerk chicken Curried Goat Fried fish Penne pasta with tomato sauce Jollof Rice Seasonal vegetables
Desserts Chocolate Fudge cake Cheesecake Seasonal Fresh Fruit salad
5
Menu
Salads
Comperes
MC Mark (CUN)
GloriaAde
M
‘G
The Comedian of the United Nations (CUN) as popularly referred to by fans, because of the versatility of his jokes, he is famous for his spontaneity, charisma, spritely, and interactive style. Mc Mark “CUN” is certainly one to watch out for as he catches you unawares and makes you laugh against your wish most times. He has mentored other rising entertainment stars, and continues to support charities like Cancer Care, Sight Savers, Save the Children, UNICEF et al. as a way of giving back to the society. With the strap line: “tested positive to laffter...” he hosts his own show ‘Mark Alive’ on 26th December in London.
She has an amazing quality and flair in engaging with all audiences across diverse cultures and backgrounds breaking down cultural barriers whilst bringing an element of entertainment and fun!
ark Omotope Afolayan aka “MC Mark,” Comedy star, and charming compere, is the 2014 winner of the African Film Awards Best Male Comedian award, and a GAB Awards 2016 recipient, among many other awards.
loriaAde’ is a seasoned, classy fun and engaging international MC who has worked on hosting an array of events such as weddings, private and corporate events within Europe, the Caribbean and Africa.
W: www.mcmarkcomedian.org T: 07903 039076
With her classy and professional demeanour, GloriaAde has become one of the most sought after MCs in the industry working alongside award winning comedians and MCs such as the famous MC Mark (Comedian of the United Nations). She was recently nominated for the African Vendors Awards 2017 for the Wedding MC of the year. GloriaAde is also an accomplished motivational speaker and trainer working with young people across the UK inspiring them in making a meaningful difference and change in their lives.
E: mcmarkmi@yahoo.co.uk
GAB Awards acknowledges the support of numerous individuals and organisations including:
6
Guest Artistes
Angel SBL
U
ganda-born Angel Mugisha is also known by her stage name - Angel SBL.
She is a singer, song writer, performer and actor. Her music genre is Afrobeats and Afropop. She has been singing from a very young age in church, doing backing vocals. Last year, she officially released her first song called Makelele and has since gone on to release other songs called Nyash and Only You - with more on the way.
Em Prince
E
m Prince is a London-based international Afrobeats Singer and Naija Artist. He rose to fame when he released a hit song Feel UP featuring Oritsefemi which went up to the Top 10 music chart on iTunes.
In Sept 2016, he was awarded a Regional Winner of Open Mic UK music competition. He has appeared on Britain’s Got Talent UK.
Deoba
Authentic
H
is new vocal rendition is a fusion influence and can be described as soulful African. It is Nigerian afropop with deep creative articulation and warm vibrant tones. Deoba Authentic is able to brings the tropical fusion of Nigerian music together with British funk, house, garage and jungles it into the Afropop beats with ease. In listening to his music, you start off hearing a sonorous soul vibe that spills into funk, rhythm and blues with jazzy backtones also with all that hiphop/ reggae undertones and all of the aspects of music that make you want to move, groove, shake and sing along. Deoba Authentic feels music is a powerful tool of enjoyment and more importantly, a very strong medium that can carry information and also preserve it for years to come - such that others will be able to learn from it now and in the future. The award-winning DJ has won a number of awards including the GAB Award for excellence in Entertainment (2013). * Follow on Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat: @deobaauthentic or www. deobaauthentic.com
7
Guest Artistes
S
Sophy-Yah
ophia (stage name SophyYah) is a dynamic and anointed singer, who encourages and blesses the heart of people with her God given voice. The Nigerian-born artist now based in the United Kingdom (UK) was born-again at age 13 and immediately became passionate about the things of God. For 8 years, she suffered a great deal of persecution but God delivered her from them all.
Sophy-Yah started using her talent at a very young age and featured at Christian concerts, award ceremonies, seminars both in Nigeria and UK. Most noticeably, in 2012, she was a member of the choir that recorded the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) theme song title “First Step” at the legendary Abbey Road studio, UK for the 2012 Olympics. She has shared platforms with great gospel musicians like Chevelle Franklin, Noel Robinson, Bob Fit, Original King Arthur, Madeleine Kerzner, Sonnie Badu, Raymond & Co. as well as a host of other UK, African and American gospel artistes. Sophia’s purpose is to express her creativity in music to touch many lives and souls, in order to bring them back to right standing with God and to also inspire people of different age groups to reach their full potential. Her desire is to help people connect to the love that is eternal, which is the reason of our existence. Sophy-Yah is currently the Music Ambassador for London based: International Women of Power - www.iwomenofpower.com- (IWOP). She is a multi Awards winner and is happily married with a daughter.
The Brown Dancers
T
he Brown Dancers are self-taught dancers and choreographers from London. They have been dancing almost all their lives “because dance has our hearts... For us, dance is not a job, it is our passion and so we’re going all out and taking it all the way. We are not trying to be better than anyone, We are just trying to be the best in what we do.”
#thebrowndancers
Gbenga Crown
G
benga Crown is a UK based multi-talented musician and a renowned Saxophonist
Mr Crown as fondly called, was born in Ibadan but is a native of Idomila in Ijebu Ode, Nigeria. At the age of 7, he joined the Church’s Brigade where his musical talents were discovered. At Age 12, he had mastered playing the trumpet and then graduated to playing the piano, guitar, drums, accordion, harmonica, just to mention a few. He attended the Seventh Day Adventist Primary School and then later attended Government College Ibadan. He briefly attended the University of Benin to study Computer Engineering before relocating to the United Kingdom to further his education. He is a graduate of Computer Science from the University of Sunderland. Gbenga Crown and the Levites Band was formed in 2013 and has performed at many occasions ranging from Weddings, Award Nights, Birthday Ceremonies. He and his band have serenaded top dignitaries such as the Ooni of Ife, Donald Duke former Governor of Nigeria’s Cross River State, Pastor Matthew Ashimolowo, Pastor Benny Hinn and many others. His genres are Gospel, Jazz, Folklore, Highlife music from West Africa and RnB. He is available for bookings for all events He is married and was recently blessed with a baby girl.
8
GAB Award for Excellence Titilola Aboyade-Cole
A
Media
Community Development
s e a s o n e d customer service professional with over 25 years’ experience of roles in the UK and across Europe, her progressive appointments within FTSE 100 organisations, culminated in her professional CMICS qualification in 2002 from the Institute of Customer Service.
Pastor Michael Olufemi Adekoya Housing Advocacy
Princess Hannah Adedoyin Afolabi Law
Ms Naeema Ahmed Energy
Lady Oluyemi Akinola Media
Michelle O Akintoye Youth Empowerment
Bendel Schools Reunion Entertainment
Teju Chosen The Arts
Finalists’ Profiles
Bukola Olofinjana
Finalists for 2017 GAB Awards
She has been actively involved in the National Customer Service Awards and Customer Service Training Awards as a Judge, which has given her access to working alongside some of the industry’s most influential customer service gurus and undertaking extensive in-house research with a bias towards customer service and service management.
Jamil Eniola
Community Development
Tunde Lalude Health
Tommy Kallon Faith
She provides professional consulting services in customer service excellence to clients with a strong emphasis on Africa and the Caribbean - including, PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), Transport for London (TfL), Axa UK, Yahoo, and Citibank.
Mohammed Aslam Khan Lodhi Elderly Care
Isaiah S McAye Media
Marcia McLaughlin
Community Development
As a Master Trainer, she has maintained that all online facilitators must successfully complete the UK accredited qualifications that they are facilitating - to show that they have integrity and help maintain credibility in the programme. She has successfully attended and completed each one of the UK accredited Customer 1st International online qualifications to its highest standard.
Tinu Odunuga
Community Development
Lydia Tett Olet
Community Development
Bukola Olofinjana
Community Development
Oloye E Oloye
She is particularly interested in helping Africa raise its service bar in areas such as tourism and public services.
Entertainment
Blessing Olubanjo Gospel Music
Bukola Olofinjana is active within the Diaspora Nigerian community and has served on committees such as Nigerian Centenary Awards and the Uncelebrated Nigerians Awards. She is currently the Executive Secretary of Dayo Olomu Foundation and the General Secretary of Nigerian Diaspora Direct Investment Summit (NDDIS).
Praisetek Peter Oyebobola Gospel Music
Alhaji Tajudeen Salami Faith
Abass Abayomi Tijani (DJ Abass) Entertainment
A Mentor with Havering Business and Education Partnership, and Volunteer for Cancer Research UK, she is a former Chairperson for the Parents Teachers Association (PTA) of her son’s school where she led a dynamic team of parents and teachers with the sole aim of raising funds to provide extra activities and equipment for the children at the school.
GAB Special Recognition Award Rev. Esther Abimbola Ajayi Philanthropy
Hon. Alderman Erelu Lola Ayonrinde Community Development Pastor Alfred Oladipo Jegede Faith
9
Finalists’ Profiles
Pastor Michael Olufemi Adekoya
Olutunde Lalude
A
Housing Advocacy
Health
n old boy of Loyola College Ibadan, he graduated from the College of Medicine, University of Lagos with a MB,BS degree in 1985.
H
e believes that while Prayer is the key foundation to solving problems or challenges, it is equally important to take practical steps to tackle these.
Following Housemanship jobs in Ibadan and serving Nigeria under the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme, he worked in Ondo for 10 months before leaving for the UK.
As Minister-in-Charge of the Solution Centre Swanscombe (in Kent) branch of the Christ Apostolic Church, he has spiritual authority over the Church’s community project - Solution House, which was established in 2009. The team at Solution house work tirelessly to accommodate quite a number of homeless people covering a wide area of Greenwich, Bexley, Kent and Essex.
He undertook Basic Surgical training in Liverpool followed by Higher Surgical training in General, Colorectal and Laparoscopic Surgery in London including two years in research in Molecular Surgery. Following successful completion of the prescribed examinations, he was awarded the FRCSEd diploma and FRSCSEd (Gen Surgery) intercollegiate diploma by the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh.
Supporting residents in their tenancy is at the heart of the partnership of Solution House and Green Pastures. He and his team believe that “placing the residents in the property is simply the start. The support the resident receives is what really determines the success of the ministry we are engaging in. “Many of our residents will come to our project with large debts. Debt is often the cause of great anxiety and depression amongst our tenants, so one of the most effective ways we can love and serve them is to help them to get out of debt. Getting out of debt is a long process that may take years. So, we as the housing provider are in an almost unique position to help our residents tackle the long-term debt. We work a local church near us that has a Christians Against Poverty (CAP) Debt Advice Centre.” Pastor Michael Olufemi Adekoya adds: “As a Christian project, we know that all have fallen short of God’s standard, all of us have turned from Him and rebelled, all people, be they landlords or residents, need the saving grace of Christ. This is a great leveller. Ultimately our greatest need is to be reconciled to God through Christ, and that is a homeless person’s greatest need too. A friendly chat and a listening ear over a cup of tea and sharing a meal together. A variety of these and other examples add up to the resident being regularly loved. This means the resident is far more likely to settle well and see fruits in their lives. We all want to see really successful tenancies.”
In 2004, he was appointed Consultant Colorectal, General and Laparoscopic Surgeon to the Princess Alexandra Hospital in Harlow, Essex, UK - a 450 bed District General Hospital. Over the course of the appointment, he held several positions of clinical leadership including Clinical Director of the Emergency Business Unit, Lead Colorectal Surgeon and Head of Department of Surgery. He was also appointed a member of the London Colorectal Cancer Pathway Board. In 2006, he had the second lowest stay after bowel surgery in England as determined by ReducingLengthOfStay.org based at University College London Hospital (UCLH). His specialty interests include Colorectal Cancer, Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Proctology and Laparoscopic Surgery. He has had extensive involvement with the education of Medical Students, Surgical Trainees and International Surgical Fellows. He was appointed to the position of Group Medical Director, Chief of Surgery and member of the Board at The Reddington Hospital Group, Victoria Island, Lagos in October 2016 with a responsibility for Clinical matters in General and Surgery in particular across the group. He is an Honorary Consulting Surgeon to the Lagos University Teaching Hospital and a member of the prestigious Metropolitan Club in Lagos. He has been married for 28 years and they have one son.
10
Finalists’ Profiles
11
Finalists’ Profiles
Rev. Mother Esther Abimbola Ajayi
S
Philanthropy
he is an accomplished Christian leader, Philanthropist and Author with a real passion for the power of prayer and giving as foundational pillars in her life
her own church named: Love of Christ Generation Church C&S in London. In 2015, the church moved into a newly renovated Cathedral in Clapham, London, where she now pastors a congregation with hundreds of worshippers and thousands of social media followers everyday.
She has dedicated much of her life to supporting on the ground, grassroots initiatives which has seen her touch thousands of lives and receive over 20 awards in the last two years. She was born and grew up in Lagos Nigeria, where before dedicating her life to full time ministry, she excelled in the corporate world as a successful business woman. It was in Nigeria that she developed her Christian faith within the Cherubim & Seraphim Church. As an avid theologian and scholar of the Bible, she holds a BA degree in Biblical Theology from Faith Bible College Sango-Otta along with other academic honors. As a humanitarian and philanthropist, she has made significant contribution to the work of the church physically, financially and spiritually and across many denominations and many continents. She holds title of Matron and financial supporter in more than 50 churches in Nigeria and other countries of the world. She is also Grand / Life Matron to many charity organisations and various Non-GovernmentOrganisations across many communities in Africa. This work was instrumental to her carving a niche for herself across both secular and spiritual spectrums as a great philanthropist within many communities, including United Kingdom and across Sierra Leone, Ghana, Nigeria and other parts of Africa.
She is a great bridge builder across many communities especially in Nigeria. She influences Secular, Political and Traditional leaders positively and spiritually for the sake of good governance, equality and social justice within society and most importantly for mutual unity amongst all faiths and denominations. She is the Visioner and Sponsor of the Revival jointly powered by the Celestial Church of Christ and the Cherubim & Seraphim Church tagged: Celebrate The Comforter which was hosted last July at ExCeL London. A United States of America (USA) edition is billed for next year. Rev. Mother or Iya Adura as she is affectionately known, is author of several books including “Hidden Law of Prosperity” and Praying in Faith and the soon to be released, “Crazy Faith” and “The Divine Solution to Your Marital Problems.” After seeing her own personal transformation, Esther Abimbola Ajayi has become a crusader for healthy living across our communities. This year, she created The FitFaith Club, an initiative that provides free gyms, free personal instructors and free nutrition advice. Recently, she was honoured with the Freedom of the City of London - the most established Borough Freedom that is conferred in England which was first recorded in 1239. Rev. Mother Esther Abimbola Ajayi has been happily married for 35 years to Rev. Dr. Ademuyiwa Ajayi and they are blessed with two boys, two girls and an adopted daughter.
This has led her to establish her own charitable organisation - The Esther Ajayi Foundation to holistically cater for people in need of help, especially the homeless, poor and underprivileged. In 2007, she was led by God to start
12
Isaiah S McAye Media
- Unexpected Visitor by Lithuanian Director Calen Fox. - Conflict by Indian duo Pradeep Shahi and Harry Haroon. He has also worked on music films in Nigeria which have gone on to feature on TV stations like Soundcity TV, MTV Africa and Hip-hop TV Nigeria.
Lecturer who taught Mechanical Engineering at the University Of Lagos. At the age of 7, he moved to Nigeria with his family - where he later attended
He is a UK camera director for the entertainment gathering section of Channels TV Nigeria headed by Koye Shotade.
lower form, junior form and then high school. He returned to London in the 1990s where he briefly studied for a BSc Environmental Management at Birkbeck College, London. Due to his unwavering desires and deep love for Motion Picture and Media Production, he took up media full time as a discipline - especially since he was a Director & Pastor in charge of Media & Broadcast at a church in Jacksonville Florida. He later went on to work and study in New York City, Houston in Texas and in Orlando Florida in the USA. He has since gone on to study Sound and Audio Engineering at S.A.E London and later Film at The London Metropolitan University. He is creatively and technically gifted and has been an incredible asset in every area of work he has been involved in. He has filmed and worked with the BBC as a Freelancer and also as far as Bangkok in Thailand, Orlando and St. Petersburg in Florida, New York City, and Nigeria, just to name a few. The experienced Director of Photography (DOP) has several credits to his name. He has worked on a numerous number of film projects for clients and some of his professional work includes working as a Behind The Scenes Camera Operator for James Bond Skyfall (London Unit), DOP for Feature film Dead & Awake directed by British film director Alexander Fodor, DOP & Co-Director for Emem Isong’s Dead Awake, a short film produced as an awareness campaign highlighting rape in the African society. Earlier, he also worked on the award winning Jimmy Bendel film “Jand Hustle” by Ehizojie Ojeshebolo and team. He has worked on and scored the well acclaimed feature film Urban Rhythm by Michael Ibiayo.
A few short films he’s filmed and codirected which have gone on to win festival awards include:
The seasoned Wedding Cinematographer has been engaged in the art of incredible wedding cinematics since 2006. He has filmed many notable and prestigious weddings around the globe with over 280 weddings in his portfolio to date. His most recent work include: DOP and Creative director for music video by Modella (Don’t Let Me go 2016); Notting Hill Carnival Documentary for Lagos State (2016 - 2017); Formula 1 Live London for Ferrari F1 racing Team (2016); African Fashion Week London (2017); London Fashion Week (2017); The National Wedding Show UK (2017); The London Livery (Documentary for The Queens Lieutenant for a Charity 2017); and the recently premiered Rhoda Wilson Production titled “Miracles of the Christmas Angels”. His Instagram page “The_Rockwood_Factory” with over 15k followers is associated with prominent figures such as Andrea Iervolino a Hollywood film producer who recognises his works and pays particularly keen interest in his works and post. He is a mentor and speaker at the Barnet College where he has engaged actively in addressing myths, fears and more importantly the hopes of young individuals towards the goals and potentials of becoming creatives in the industry as a whole. Isaiah McAye - a gifted musician, proficient drummer, percussionist, and audio producer is a happily married family man. He is professionally trained as an Aerial cinematographer and is a honourable member of the National Union of Journalists.
13
Finalists’ Profiles
H
e was born in London in 1976 to British Nigerian parents - his mother now a retired professional Health Officer who specialised in Environmental & Occupational Health Therapy; and his father: a retired Senior
Finalists’ Profiles
Lady Oluyemi Akinola Media
S
he is the Presenter and Producer of PEOPLE AND PLACES a self-sponsored Tourism and Lifestyle programme on Sky Television Chanel 238 – BEN TV that highlights tourism potentials in Africa and the Caribbean.
in Osun State. Ile Ife Opa Oranmiyan. Olumirin Waterfalls and Idanre Hills in Ondo State, to mention a few.
A self-acclaimed Tourism Ambassador, she has won various awards and accolades for her work in promoting the tourism secret in the African Continent She has visited and showcased several Tourism sites and scenes in and around Africa both on Television and other social media outlets. Such sites include Dahomey or Port Novo as well as Cotonou in the Republic of Benin and Lome in the Republic of Togo. She has also showcased on her programme, the beauty and cultural diversity of areas in Nigeria that include Obudu Mountain Resort in Calabar, Slave Trade Trail in Badagry , Lagos State Osun Oshogbo Heritage Site
A Radio host and Producer of Feminine Matters, she has been able to empower Women of the Afro Caribbean ethnic group to speak up more on issues that affect them. She is the Founder of Voice of Hope Women Foundation, an initiative set up to act as a Voice for the Voiceless Women to encourage Women to take charge of their own destinies. The organisation has been privileged to support local African oriented groups and initiatives like Orphanages and Female Genital Mutilation Clinics both in the UK and in Nigeria. The Author of Empowering Women for Leadership, Lady Oluyemi Akinola has been able to harness her various platforms of the Media and Communication to project the positive image of the Continent of Africa.
Princess Hannah Adedoyin Afolabi
A
Law
seasoned banker, she worked in various management positions with First Bank of Nigeria for 15 years, from where she left to join a Finance House as its Managing Director.
through which one of her cases became a precedent on Article 8. As a Litigator, she has worked on contentious and non-contentious matters. She was involved in a lot of litigations in High Court Chancery Division, Court of Appeal and Supreme Court. One of the litigations she was involved in, was reported in ‘Times International’.
She later became the Managing Director of Savings and Loans (Mortgage) Bank at the age of 32 years. She relocated to United Kingdom in 1994 with her family, started her own business, running Princess Food and Wines stores with branches in Tooting and London’s West-end.
God has used her for many immigrants to regularise their immigration status in United Kingdom. Her clients cut across all cultures and race.
She went back to University to study law in 1999 and finished at Law School in 2004. She was called to the Rolls of Solicitors of England and Wales in 2007 and became a partner of a firm in April 2007.
Princess Hannah Adedoyin Afolabi is married to Prince Ali Afolabi and they are blessed with children - among whom are 2 Lawyers, a Banker, a Business Consultant, a Scientist, an Administrator and a Medical Doctor.
She joined Alpha Rocks Solicitors in May 2008 and retired in February 2017. She specialised in Immigration and Civil Litigation. She dealt with lots of judicial reviews, challenging unlawfulness in numerous immigration decisions of which she had a high rate of success.
The Princess who is a daughter of the late Prince Francis Ladejola-Oginni of Ataiyero ruling house of Ilesha, is a practising Christian who attends New Covenant Church in Streatham in London. Following retirement from Alpha Rocks Solicitors, she is now the Chief Executive Officer of Alpha Rock (Holdings) Limited - a Real Estate, Energy and Investment company located in London.
At the peak of her career as a lawyer, she was involved in taking cases to the European Court of Human Rights
14
Finalists’ Profiles
15
Finalists’ Profiles
H
e was born 1971 in Freetown, Sierra Leone, and is a former Head Boy of the Albert Academy and an alumnus of Fourah Bay College in Freetown.
Tommy Kallon Faith
Upon completing the Intermediate Year, he proceeded to the University of Newcastle in the UK where he obtained an honours degree in Accounting and Financial Analysis. He joined DMR Consulting Group on a Graduate Trainee programme where he trained as an IT Consultant, a profession he pursues to date. He has served on the Board of Directors and as a Trustee for several non-profit organisations including Humanity First (www. humanityfirst.org), an international charity organisation with UN recognition status for its worldwide disaster relief action and work in serving the needs of mankind irrespective of colour or creed. He also served as Head of Programmes in which capacity he has delivered various projects across Africa ranging from the provision of clean sustainable water supply in rural areas to the facilitation of vocational training for the underprivileged to the furnishing of school libraries and laboratories with books and science equipment. He is also a former National President of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth Association United Kingdom (www. khuddam.org.uk), the only African to have held this exalted office within this dynamic and vibrant youth group. As President, he helped foster interfaith dialogue, social cohesion and community integration between Muslims and the wider British society. Under his leadership, the youth association held high profile charity events raising hundreds of thousands of pounds for leading charities including the Royal British Legion and the Poppy Appeal. He also organised large scale blood donation drives, homeless feeding campaigns across the streets of Britain and various other social projects. He is the current President of the Pan-African Ahmadiyya Muslim Association (PAAMA) UK (www.paama.org. uk) an umbrella association comprising of all Ahmadi Muslims of African provenance in the UK whose Mission Statement is to unite, empower and inspire the African Ahmadiyya Muslim diaspora to serve Islam, society and Africa. With PAAMA UK, he recently organised a landmark Africa Peace Symposium at the prestigious Baitul Futuh
16
Mosque – the largest mosque in Western Europe – which brought together parliamentarians, diplomats, community and civic leaders as well as representatives from various charities and faith groups to inspire a unique yet concerted effort for lasting peace in Africa. As a firm believer in the philosophy of “Servant Leadership”, he leads by example and precept always maintaining a modesty of deportment as he continually exhorts the members of PAAMA UK to dedicate themselves to bringing about spiritual enlightenment and salvation to Africa, to reinforce righteousness among Africans and to defend the dignity of Africa.
As an acclaimed public speaker, he has delivered numerous speeches at various prominent events including the International Annual Convention of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community to live television audiences of millions across the world. Tommy Kallon is also a member of the Editorial Board for The Review of Religions (www.reviewofreligions. org), the world’s longest running Muslim magazine in English for which he has published dozens of articles and editorials.
Finalists’ Profiles
17
Finalists’ Profiles
Lydia Tett Olet
P
Community Development
roudly Kenyan, she is a real patriotic citizen and a Philanthropist who created Malaika Dance Unique (MDU) in 2008, after working and gaining experience and skills in a large number and wide range of performing arts organizations both at home and abroad. MDU provides creative educational and entertainment activity in schools and communities, in its quest to promote and create awareness of African culture and pride in mainstream UK. She has worked with TY Moore Concept Productions and Steve Nash Productions in acting, writing, making and producing Nollywood movies in London. She is writer of The Darkest Hours of Victory - a play about colonial Kenya. She completed her first movie Captivated with TY Moore Concept which took her afar to Nigeria where the movie was chosen
to be premièred. Her second movie titled 69 (Yoruba Movie) and her third TV Series titled Apostle Do Good have also premiered in London. She is the Assistant Director and a Presenter for Royal Greenwich online TV and won a number of awards from organisations such as the BEFFTA Awards, Miss Teen Africa Awards and the Kitenge Festival for support in the community. She is the CEO of the annual Kenya and Friends in the Park, and the Chief Editor of Karibu Kenyans In The UK magazine. Lydia Tett Olet works closely with three charities in Kenya: Good Hearted Friends in Kenya (Based in Kisumu); Fruitful Talented Centre in Kenya (Based in Kibera) and is an Ambassador for Children Markers Initiative (CMI) Residence Kenya (Based in Nakuru).
A new company with a difference Alpha Rock (Holdings) Limited is established to make a difference in many fields of business amongst which are Real Estate, Energy and Investment. The company aims to record a turnover in the excess of £25m in its first year.
Real Estate The Company buys, sells and develops properties.
Energy The Company supplies and installs solar and clean energy.
Investment The company advises on project finance and invests in bankable projects.
For more information, Contact:
Alpha Rock (Holdings) Limited
8 Arlington Parade, Brixton Hill, London SW2 1RH Tel: +44(0)20 7998 3540 | Fax: +44(0)20 7998 3540 Mobile: +44(0)7507 566 567 | Email: info@alpharock.co.uk Website: www.alpharock.co.uk
18
S
Community Development
he is a past Mayor, C o n s e r v a t i v e Councillor, Magistrate, Privileged Honorary Alderman of The London Borough of Wandsworth, an Ambassador of Peace and a Cross-Cultural Relationship Stress Consultant (CCRSC). She is a highly sought after Trainer on Diversity Management & Lifestyle with everyday experiences of being an employee and employer within British Governmental & NonGovernmental Institutions. She is internationally recognized as a practicing politician of conviction with an established ongoing practical support and encouragement for Self Help Non-Governmental Community Organisations and Voluntary sector groups in the UK, other countries within the European Union, Brazil and Nigeria.
source of light in a Universe Of Darkness. An ardent campaigner on the accurate practice of ancestral traditions, she is well known as a unique individual with a sound logistic understanding of the relevance of the norms values customs and traditions of the Yorubas. Hence, she singlehandedly triggered a major campaign to end customary rituals inappropriately linked with Installation and burial rites of Yoruba Monarchs. A Champion of a return to the True Tradition of the Yoruba Ancestors, Nigerian born Honorary Alderman Erelu Lola Ayonrinde, believes it is of paramount importance that the history, customs, heritage, and beliefs of Yoruba People of Oduduwa are accurately understood, communicated and practiced for future generations.
She believes in the practice of true justice, meaningful equity, and fairness for all. For decades, leadership and unwavering commitment to the stated goals, her tenacity, drive, and enthusiasm have been instrumental to numerous awards from local, national, and international organisations. The 1980s witnessed the beginning of her continued campaign for appropriate recognition of Africans from Africa as a legitimate and very diverse subsection of the Political group “commonly” known as “BRITISH BLACKS”. A believer in accurate and functional diversity, she believes COLOUR is not an accurate description of any human being. Born into a family of those at the forefront of the TransAtlantic slave trade, accurate representation of history is a top item on her agenda. She is an orthodox traditional individual with a high level of energy to enable others to contribute to the development of self, home, and country of abode. For these, she holds a number of Royal Chieftaincy Titles. Her political career both in the UK and Nigeria reflects her determination to ensure mankind seeks a life of doing the Right Thing The Right Way And At The Right Time. She has a track record of being a message bearer and a
19
Finalists’ Profiles
Honorary Alderman Erelu Lola Ayonrinde
Finalists’ Profiles
Mohammed Aslam Khan Lodhi
Having earlier met GAB Awardwinning Dame Betty Asafu Adjaye Elderly Care at a meeting of the Policy Research n 2006, following the unmet The Centre which registered as a Institute on Ageing and Ethnicity need of the communities in Charity in 2007, provides nutritious in the 1990s, a close working the provision of Day Centre luncheons, a drop-in facility, keep fit relationship was maintained between facilities, he and a number of like- classes, and organises summer trips. Basaira and the Dame’s Mission Dine minded people decided to start The members are predominantly in Club. Basaira Elderly Centre - a Day the age range 65 - 88. Some are house- He is a Committee member of AGE Centre for the communities in bound and many are isolated, live alone UK Lambeth and the Chair of the Lambeth and surrounding areas. Lambeth Forum For Older People. and have very little social contacts.
I
Blessing Urowoli Olubanjo Gospel Music
S
he was born in London with her twin sister in 1968. She was taken to Nigeria her roots, at the tender age of 4 - where she did early years education, primary, secondary school, and higher education before returning to the UK.
Michelle Akintoye bem Youth Empowerment
S
he is the owner of Castle Stars Educational Day Nursery and Founder / CEO of BRITAFRIQUE a not-for-profit organisation that supports and encourages young people in education to become mentors to younger children, whilst providing role models for the youths to work with. She is also the representative for Private, Voluntary and Independent Day Nursery for the Royal Borough of Kingston.
While growing up in Nigeria, at the age of 11, she gave her heart to Jesus Christ and started telling people about Christ. Most of her preaching was done through singing on the buses, taxis, on the streets and wherever she goes to.
The Chairlady of “The Conservative Friends of Nigeria,” is a member of Rotary International New Malden, and a member and Leader of Girls Guide Fulham branch. For over 12 years, she has been the Voluntary Director of Pro-Generation - a Youth Club and Supplementary School in Hammersmith and Fulham. She is also the coordinator of the Hammersmith and Fulham Appropriate Adult scheme which involves liaising with young offenders.
An Author and Publisher, she acts, sings, composes songs, dances, counsels, does graphic design and jewellery design, and more. Some have testified to the glory of God that they got saved and delivered by listening to her song. A lady in South Africa wanted to kill her, but said that as soon as she listened to the song “Your Story Will Change,” she was totally set free. A student testified that she was unable to do her assignment for some days but as she was listening to one of her music CDs, depression left her for good.
Through events she organises at the Houses of Parliament since 2013, she has provided a platform particularly for vulnerable adults, young people, children and their families to have their voices heard by the UK government.
She has won awards including the Praisetek Gospel Music Awards and the Akademia Music Awards She has trained and supported a number of gospel music artistes and choir groups. She is currently the Choir Coordinator of Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) Courtyard of Perfection, Higher Dimension International Gospel Centre Choir, and Glorious sisters.
Michelle Akintoye - the highly respected Community Leader, Teacher, Educator, Entrepreneur and role model to youths and young people, has had her contributions recognised in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list 2012 with a British Empire Medal (BEM).
Blessing Urowoli Olubanjo is happily married to Mr Olufemi Olusegun Favour Olubanjo, and they are blessed with three children.
20
Ms. Naeema Ahmed
Community Development
T
he Founder/ President of Hen Foundation, has been involved in United Nations Consulting, Conferences, Seminars and workshop around the world for the past
17 years establishing organisations and supporting initiatives for humanitarian and social justice. His Foundation’s objectives include provision of basic health, access to education, and empowerment for the needy. In 2017 alone, the Foundation’s achievements include: - Over 500 pupils in a primary school in Nigeria have benefited from his Maths skill programme. - Free University entry form, a free pre-tutorial class for University Matriculation Examination (UME) students for over 800 students in Lagos State, Nigeria. - Cancer Screening exercise in collaboration with the University of Ibadan and Femi Gbajabiamila Foundation in Nigeria. Eniola was among the early volunteers that rushed to help victims of the Grenfell Tower fire, and helped his local mosque (AL Amanah Mosque) which provided temporary shelter for survivors for several weeks at Westbourne Grove. A supporter of the Girl Child Network Worldwide, Women4Africa, Nigerian Women in Diaspora Leadership, Okwui Mask Scheme for survival of domestic violence, Fashionmixer charity fundraiser, Tawa Chillout domestic violence campaigner etc; he regularly volunters for Adiye Organisation which supports people struggling with English, new arrivals and education on British socio and cultural integration. The highly educated Jamil Eniola holds numerous qualifications including: a degree in Microbiology from the University of Ibadan, Nigeria; a Master’s degree in International Relations from Middlesex University; a Master’s degree in International Criminology from the University of Greenwich; an LLM degree in International Law from the University of East London; a double MA & M.Sc degree in International Relations from Queen Mary University of London and Royal Holloway, University of London, but to mention a few.
Energy
S
he is the Founder and CEO of Africa Alternative Energy Initiative (AAEI).
She previously worked as a Public Relations Executive with the Parliament of Ghana and as a Research Assistant to a Member of Parliament in Ghana. She was a Senior Business Development and Market Entry Consultant at LBC Africa. She holds an MBA in Oil and Gas Management from Coventry University, a Honours Degree in English Language and Political Science from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology Ghana and a Diploma in Human Resource Management from ICM-UK. She has hosted the Alternative Energy Dialogue focusing on Africa in the London Chamber of Commerce, UK House of Commons and the House of Lords, towards the investment in Africa’s Renewable Energy, Real Estate and setting a path towards the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 7 (SDG 7.) She strongly believes that Women and the youth have a significant role to play towards the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goal 7. This year, she has been leading the dialogue on achieving sustainable clean and affordable energy access for the African continent by hosting dialogues through her organisation and partnering with Coventry University London and the Energy Futures Lab of Imperial College London - towards the achievement of powering Africa’s Health sector and the inclusion of Local content in Alternative Energy Innovations and research She has been part of the panel of World Coal Association in their sustainable Coal Forum in deliberating on the role of Coal in ensuring affordable, clean and sustainable energy for all as well as delivering AAEI’s proposed approach at the Planet Earth Summit in London She is a strong advocate for affordable and accessible clean energy, Women and children in Africa. She serves on the board of GALS World - an organisation that mentors young girls. She is a volunteer for Africans Unite Against Child Abuse (AFRUCA).
21
Finalists’ Profiles
Jamil Eniola
Finalists’ Profiles
Pastor Alfred Oladipo Jegede Faith
H
e leads a congregation of Christians whose seed was first planted over 30 years ago when God commanded them to meet up for special prayers and worship.
Houston (Texas), Perugia (Italy) and Ikorodu (Nigeria); has been a trail blazer and shining light. The Youths of the Church have been hosted at the Nigeria High Commission, the House of Commons by David Lammy MP and Diane Abbott MP, and the UK Prime Minister at 10 Downing Street.
This congregation having gone through a transformative journey in the 1980s and 1990s, culminated in the New Covenant Cherubim & Seraphim Movement Church which was birthed in 2000. He has been the Spiritual Leader and a Trustee of the Church over the years.
The Church was blessed to acquire its own £2m glasshouse building in a prime location on High Road Wood Green.
After bagging a Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Business Studies and a Post Graduate Diploma in Management Studies from the United Kingdom over 40 years ago, he returned to Nigeria where he worked with a number of corporate organisations including Pharmaceutical giant Pfizer, and rose to the middle management cadre. God, no doubt, had a purpose for him in the United Kingdom - to which he returned in the 1980s. A fully-trained Minister of the Gospel, he undertook his Pastoral and Theological training at Oak Hill College London - one of UK’s largest seminaries. The Church he leads, which has branches in Manchester,
I
T
The Church, through its Community Initiatives team, has over the last 8 years, has participated in Haringey’s Winter Shelter project providing a refuge for homeless persons one night weekly over a 13-week period each year. In 2014, he was installed as a District Chairman (the equivalent of a Bishop) in the Cherubim & Seraphim Movement Church by His Grace Most Rev Dr Samuel Abidoye. He is a member of the Governing Council of the All Nations Bible College. Special Apostle Pastor Alfred Oladipo Jegede is married and they are blessed with children and grand-children.
A
-C
the families and help them to n 2006, due to frequent itilola boyade ole provide subsequent meals for negative portrayals of Media themselves. Africans in the media, she decided to take matters TAC Foundation also started a into her own hands and put weekly social media live broadcast together a television programme called “TAC Republic” themed: called ‘Podium’ showcasing the “Waging war against poverty” - which best Africa has to offer to the teaches aspiring entrepreneurs how rest of the world via BEN TV & to start and run successful businesses. Passion TV on the Sky platform. She also trains and coaches people Podium International Magazine on career development and capacity was later launched in the UK in building. It aimed to support and August 2008, followed by the develop 52 individuals to become Podium International Launch and successful business owners and this Podium Recognition Awards in disadvantaged families, especially was achieved by the middle of the Nigeria in 2010. widows and single parent families year when TAC had a networking On Christmas Day 2013, ‘A Meal A Day’ - an initiative of TAC Foundation was launched in Lagos. The initiative strives to provide
with food supplies to provide “one meal daily” for a month. It also provides training and apprenticeships or education that can empower
22
event and Launched Podium Radio in the UK.
23
24