Excitement and jubilation filled the air in Lagos over the weekend as the African Humanitarian Fair and African Humanitarian Awards took center stage in Surulere and Ikeja, respectively. The two-day event was to celebrate excellence in humanitarian service and honour the unsung heroes making a difference in African communities.
In attendance were humanitarians and philanthropists from the host nation, joined by international delegates from Malawi, South Africa, Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, Burundi, and a US citizen whose foundation is making a transformative impact in Kenya.
The first day of the event showcased kindness and compassion as several NGOs converged on the National Stadium, Surulere, to provide succor to the less privileged at Africa’s inaugural Humanitarian Fair. A beneficiary card system ensured crowd control and facilitated the efficient distribution of relief items and humanitarian services to vulnerable populations.
Specifically, the event brought joy to various groups: school children received school bags, exercise books, and scholarships; parents were given food items and cash; pregnant women and nursing mothers received baby kits; senior citizens underwent free medical eye tests; youths were gifted clothes; and a wheelchair was donated to a disabled child.
These selfless acts of generosity left attendees in awe, with Mr. Samuel Akinyemi, the event convener, expressing heartfelt gratitude to the NGOs for utilizing the platform to bring joy to the most vulnerable members of society, kindling hope, and inspiring transformative change.
With a milestone achieved at the National Stadium, Surulere, the spotlight shifted to the Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja, for the highly anticipated African Humanitarian Awards. The humanitarian awards ceremony was characterized by splendor, with dignitaries, humanitarian leaders, and change-makers from across Africa gathering to honour outstanding contributions to humanitarian service. It featured the national anthems of every represented country, inspiring stories, soulful performances, and heartfelt tributes, all honoring the selfless individuals and organisations being recognised for their distinguished service to humanity.
The event also marked the official launch of ‘The Story of African Compassion Stride,’ a seminal book chronicling the remarkable stories of 60 philanthropists, NGOs, and foundation owners who have made a profound, transformative impact on the African continent. Hon. Cecilia Bolaji Dada, the Lagos State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, indeed had the honour of launching the book, marking a groundbreaking moment.
The award categories were diverse and inclusive, encompassing: Art for Humanity, Healthcare Champion, Environment Sustainability, Youth Empowerment, Women and Girls Champion, Poverty Alleviation, Humanitarian Innovation, Special Recognition, and Lifetime Achievement.
Among the esteemed award recipients in various categories were: Sen. Dr. Jewel Howard-Taylor, Liberia’s former Vice President, Senator and First Lady; Ida Puliwa Mwango, founder of Othakarhaka Foundation in Malawi; Cynthia Dinalane, founder of a shelter for abused women and girls in South Africa; Sylva Marhegane, founder of PRAX Communities in Burundi; Xenia Huegel, founder of Sounds of Hope International; Rebecca Riviera, founder of Baby Ruth’s Safe Haven, Dr. Olusegun Musa Alade, founder of Widescope Foundation; Dr. Lola Odeyale Ayo-Fashida, founder of Outpour of Fragrance Initiative; Hon. Cecilia Dada, Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Mobolaji Ogunlende, the Lagos State Commissioner for Commissioner for Youth and Social Development and founder of Real Acts of Kindness (RAK) Development Foundation; Princess Ajike Ajewole Okenla, founder of Princess Ajike Less Privileged (PALP) Foundation; Oba Dr. Sulaimon Adeshina Raji-Ashade, Ilufemiloye Oniba-Ekun of Iba Kingdom; and Oba Dr. Adeoriyomi Oluwasesan Abdul-Akeem Oyebo, Obateru of Egbin Kingdom.
Akinyemi conveyed his deep satisfaction with the award recipients, urging them to continue their remarkable work transforming lives and communities across the continent. He also assured attendees that a future edition of the African Humanitarian Awards would recognise and celebrate more outstanding change-makers making a positive impact across Africa, thereby bringing the inaugural edition of the humanitarian awards to a successful close.
