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FALA 2020: A Beacon of Hope For Africa Development
The 8th edition of the Future Africa Leaders Awards (FALA) Foundation, an initiative of Rev. Chris Oyakhilome (PhD), founder and President of LoveWorld Incorporated, also known as Christ Embassy, has been described as a beacon of hope for Africa development as it unveils star winner for 2020 FALA award.
The award has produced 80 winners overall across Africa since inception in 2013. The foundation identifies young leaders who are positively impacting and developing their communities, society across Africa.
At the media briefing for the 2020 winners, nine top winners and the Star winner for year were unveiled. The winners reel out their impactful programmes and dreams for the African continent and how they emerged winners.
The Star Award Winner, a 22-year-old social activist, Gwei Michael Wawa from Cameroon received a grand prize of $25,000 as a show of encouragement and $10,000 each for other winners.
FALA’s seeks to recognize and reward young men and women whose exemplary leadership skills have been utilized in developing solutions to issues addressed in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals: no poverty, no hunger, quality healthcare, quality education, gender equality, sanitation and hygiene, renewable energy, jobs and economic growth in Africa.
According to the Coordinator of the award, Mrs. Olajumoke Akinsanya during the during the media briefing held yesterday in Lagos noted that the award
is to impact African youths all around the world through it’s mentorship programs that enable the youths to tackle prevalent challenges in Africa.
According to her, “FALA awards is notably established to encourage different endeavors of African youths and also to encourage people who are looking up to them in their communities.”
Also speaking at the briefing the head of FALA, Dave Opaka, who posits that the foundation is open to all young people between the age of 16 – 23, who are passionate about development of Africa irrespective of their religious background.
In his words, “Don’t forget, in the foundation, all Africans, irrespective of who you are, where you have your religious background is just open to all African to take responsibility, develop your immediate environment, and give back to your community”.
Dave argued that the best is coming from Africa as the foundation is modeling great African leaders for tomorrow to take responsibility from today.
“We used to wait for people to come from outside, you know from the Europe from the US to Develop Africa but now the future Africa Leaders Foundation, the young people are taking a stand now”
“they are saying we are going to build Africa for Africa, we’re going to make Africa even better. We don’t need to run out of Africa, Africa belongs to us. And with the degree and level of encouragement we are getting we are going to make Africa great” he noted.
Meanwhile, other top nine (9) winners from different countries in Africa includes; Tebogo Moroe from South Africa, Aicha Elhaj Mahamat from South Africa, Avante Susan Mafusire from Zambia, Christian Majeed Kwesi from Ghana, Mayamiko Banda from Malawi, Victor Emeka Mba from Nigeria, and Elsa Cethia Milandou from Congo.
The Lagos State Government, in its continued effort to promote cultural heritage and deepen tourism footprints, has concluded plans to host the Lagos Cultural Weekend.
A three-day cultural extravaganza, scheduled to take place across multiple strategic locations, including the J. Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History, Freedom Park, National Theatre, Badagry Heritage Museum, Lekki Arts and Crafts Market, and Tafawa Balewa Square, from November 14th to November 16th, 2025.
This weekend-long celebration will spotlight the richness of Nigeria’s traditions through curated events that blend history, culture, and local artistry.
Speaking on the initiative, Special Adviser to the Governor on Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Mr. Idris Aregbe, noted that the event is a key part of a broader framework of the Lagos Cultural Mission.
“We aim to use the Lagos Cultural Weekend as a true reflection of Lagos culture, a herescope for tourists and visitors from across the globe to witness just how rich our culture is.
“The three days will be a cultural baptism, a deep, meaningful introduction to who we are. As a government, we now understand prioritising cultural representation as a driver for economic growth.
”On the initiative’s impact, the Special Adviser explained that it goes beyond showcasing culture, but investing in cultural artisans, talented enthusiasts, and key stakeholders to foster real engagement and growth.“Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration values collaboration and inclusiveness, which is why we want to work closely with Lagosians who truly understand our culture to help us achieve these goals.
“From the historians, to creatives, curators, artisans, culinary experts, performers, fashion designers, community leaders, and traditional institutions, we need them to join us in making a lasting impact.“So that, in the end, our guests and friends from many nations will carry home an authentic story of Lagos and enriched cultural literacy,” Mr. Aregbe said.
Attendees will enjoy array of activities, including live music performances, DIY sessions, contemporary art exhibitions, traditional dance showcases, fashion shows, culinary tastings, and craft demonstrations.
Also lined up are symposiums and cultural lectures designed for tourists and enthusiasts who wish to dive deeper into the Lagos cultural identity.
The weekend will be animated by diverse local performance groups representing the rich ethnic landscape of Lagos, with a special emphasis on language, literature, and indigenous storytelling.
Lagos Cultural Weekend 2025 reaffirms the state’s commitment to building a thriving creative economy while celebrating the depth of Nigerian traditions.
Through strategic partnerships, corporate sponsorships, and community engagement, this initiative will set a new benchmark for inclusive cultural programming in Lagos and Africa at large.
Lagos Cultural Mission….Preserving Our Heritage, Advancing The Future
Aare Adetola Emmanuel King Congratulates Hon. Adesola Ayoola-Elegbeji on Election Victory
The Chairman/CEO of Adron Group, Sir Aare Adetola Emmanuel King KOF, has congratulated Hon. Adesola Ayoola-Elegbeji on her resounding victory in the just-concluded by-election for the Remo Federal Constituency seat in the House of Representatives.
In a goodwill message issued by him, he described the victory as “a historic moment for the Remo people, coming at a time when the constituency yearns for a leader with vision, courage, and genuine commitment to service.”
He noted that the outcome of the election was an attestation to the trust and confidence reposed in Hon. Ayoola-Elegbeji by the people, adding that her sterling qualities, integrity, accessibility, and compassion for the grassroots had endeared her to the electorate.
“The overwhelming support you garnered at the polls is proof that you are the right voice at the right time to carry the aspirations of Remo to the national stage,” he stated.
While acknowledging that the by-election followed the painful demise of the late Hon. Adewunmi Oriyomi Onanuga (Ijaya), Aare Adetola Emmanuel King said Hon. Ayoola-Elegbeji’s emergence symbolizes the continuity of purposeful representation. He expressed confidence that she would not only sustain the legacy of her predecessor but also surpass it with new energy, innovative ideas, and progressive leadership.
The Adron Group Chairman further prayed for divine wisdom, strength, and compassion for the Member-Elect as she assumes office, expressing confidence that her tenure will usher in meaningful development, economic empowerment, and greater opportunities for the people of Remo Federal Constituency.
Olowu Celebrates Former Military President, Ibrahim Babangida, At 84
Olowu of Kuta, HRM Oba Dr Hammed Oyelude Makama, CON, Tegbosun III, has congratulated former military president, Gen Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, rtd, who is 84 today.
Olowu, in a statement he signed, eulogised the former military ruler for his modest achievements while he was in power.
According to Olowu, ” IBB is an enigma. He has carved a niche for himself as a former military president. His tenure witnessed the completion of many monumental legacy projects that are still visible today. His Hill Top Mansion in Minna has become a Mecca of sorts for those who aspired to lead Nigeria.”
Olowu, who described Gen Babangida as being grossly misunderstood, said history would be kind to him.
He said, “The launch of Gen Babangida’s Autobiography: ‘A Journey In Service’, and the testimonies from the likes of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, Tony Elumelu, Jim Ovia, Abdusalam Rabiu, Oil Magnate, Arthur Eze, and many others, testified to his goodwill despite leaving public office three decades ago.
” On behalf of myself, my Oloris and Olowu-In-Council.
All members of the defunct IBB Vision 2003 and Vision 2007, I wish President Ibrahim Babangida, rtd, a happy birthday. I also wish him all the best as he aged gracefully,” Olowu added.
Born on August 17, 1941, Gen Ibrahim Babangida, rtd, ruled Nigeria from 1985 to 1993.
His presidency was marked by significant political and economic reforms.
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