The BOND Awards will return for its 2025 edition on September 12 in Mississauga, Ontario, with organisers stating that this year’s ceremony will shift attention toward deeper narratives of impact, resilience, and legacy among Nigerians in the diaspora.

According to the founder, Mrs. Modupe Ehinlaiye, the 2025 event will reflect on the theme “Boldness isn’t just branding – it’s legacy,” and is expected to move beyond ceremonial recognition to emphasise substance and social responsibility.

“This isn’t just about awards,” Ehinlaiye said. “It’s about amplifying stories that matter – stories of resilience, purpose and leadership in spaces where our voices haven’t always been heard.”

Established by Ehinlaiye, a Canadian-based lawyer, media host, and former immigration adjudicator, the BOND Awards were conceived to honour Nigerians abroad who demonstrate not only professional achievement but also moral clarity and community-minded leadership.

The organisers say the upcoming edition will introduce new award categories and curated storytelling segments, aiming to convey what it means to build lives and careers rooted in purpose. Past honourees have included professionals and advocates across business, law, media, and public service who have shown consistency in mentoring others and contributing to systemic change.

Ehinlaiye said the initiative was born from her observations of a gap in how diaspora contributions were acknowledged.

“I wanted to create a platform that honours more than success,” she said. “I wanted to honour substance.”

Preparations are underway for the event, which has evolved from a small gathering into an annual celebration attended by members of the Nigerian diaspora community in North America and beyond. While specific honourees for the 2025 ceremony are yet to be announced, organisers say the selection process continues to prioritise individuals whose leadership is grounded in character and community engagement.