‎Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Ganiyu Obasa; Chairman of CINI Holdings, Akosin Habeeb Okunola, and other prominent Nigerians have been honoured for their contributions to leadership, business, entrepreneurship, governance and community development at the 11th MAYA Awards Africa.
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‎A total of 39 personalities were recognised at the awards ceremony held in Ibadan, in an edition that also spotlighted emerging young leaders and the need to translate recognition into opportunities and lasting impact.
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‎Among the other honourees were Oyo State Commissioner for Public Works and Infrastructure, Hon. Mojeed Mogbonjubola; Mrs. Zainab Amoah of Nikkeys Fresh; Ajia-Balogun of Ibadanland, Oloye Adenrele Lekan-Salami; Chairman of Ilaji Group, Chief Dotun Sanusi; Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Lagos State Development and Property Corporation, Mr. Ayo Joseph; and Bashorun Dapo Sofowora of RudderBlade.
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‎They were joined by 31 other young achievers whose accomplishments across different sectors were recognised as part of MAYA Awards Africa’s effort to promote the next generation of African leaders and changemakers.
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‎The 11th edition, held under the theme, “Beyond Applause,” sought to move the awards beyond the celebration of individual achievements to a broader emphasis on influence, opportunity and social impact.
‎Speaking on the event, Founder, MAYA AWARDS AFRICA, Ademola Ajibola, said the organisation had never regarded the awards as being solely about trophies, stressing that what followed recognition was more important.
‎Ajibola said the organisation was deliberately building an institution that celebrates excellence, inspires young people and creates pathways for them to become more.
‎He explained that the decision to recognise established leaders alongside emerging talents was intentional, noting that Africa’s future requires both role models worth celebrating and a new generation prepared to take responsibility.
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‎As part of activities surrounding the awards, MAYA AWARDS AFRICA also marked International Youth Day with a visit to Agodi Correctional Centre, Ibadan, where young inmates received donations and educational support.
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‎Five male inmates were sponsored for the November/December GCE examinations, while female inmates and inmates with vocational skills also received support.
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‎The organisation also unveiled the MAYA DevHub, a youth development initiative designed to nurture leadership, enterprise, skills, mentorship and opportunity, with the guiding philosophy of moving young people from potential to power.