MIPAD announces 2018 recipients

As part of activities to celebrate the 100th birthday of former South African President, Nelson Mandela, the Most Influential People of African Descent (MIPAD) will recognise some young people in its Class 2018 of Nigerians Inside Africa /Across Diaspora. 

The honorees, which have been picked will by September join others form different parts of Africa and the world to witness proceedings and receive their awards at the floor of the United Nations General Assembly, New York.

Kicking off in Nigeria with “Celebration of Excellence,” on August 31, at the floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), the honorees will have the privilege to ring the closing bell of the market.

Categories for this year’s edition are: Politics and Governance,Business and Entrepreneurship, Media and Culture, and Religious and Humanitarian.

Recipients in Politics and Governance category include: Abiola Afolayan, Fiona Onasaya, Kemi Olukemi, Olufunto Adegoke Badenoch, Hadiza Bala, Seun Omobo, Tolu Ogunlesi and Yemi Kale.
 
Business and Entrepreneurship has Chike Ukaegbu, Chinonso Emehelu, Esther Alade, Gbolahan O. Okubadejo Dr., Nichole O. Yembra, Obia Ewah, Tolulope Ayomide Agbeyo, and Vivian Osayande, Ada Osakwe, Amy Jadesimi, Audu Maikori, Ayiri Akpieyi Oladunmoye, Bella Adenuga Disu, Bosun Tijani, Chukwuka Monye ,Dapo Olagunju, Ibiene Ogolo and Iyioluwa Aboyeji.
 
Media and Culture: ChiChi Nwoko, Dakore Akande, Daniel “Dbanji” Oyebanjo, David “Davido” Adeleke, Eunice Omole, Folarin “Falz” Falana, Omotola Jalade Ekeinde, Banky W Olubankole Wellington, Adesua Tolulope Etomi, Seyi Tinubu, Stella Damasus and Yemi “Mama Africa’ Alade, while Religious and Humanitarian are: Chinelo Njaka, Chude Jideonwo, Niniola Soleye, Somachi, Chris
Asoluka, Yemi Adamolekun and Zuriel Oduwole.

Speaking on the initiative, CEO, Nigerian Stock Exchange, Oscar Onyema, said: “It is estimated there about 200 million people who have identified themselves as being of African descent in the Americas and many more millions across the globe outside the African continent.

Among these millions are thought leaders who have distinguished themselves in different fields.

It is important to showcase their success stories to encourage young people of African descent, aside making them link with their peers to explore ideas for the growth of the African content and Africans in the Diaspora.”