Abike Dabiri-Erewa to speak at CANUK ceremony

NHS Boss, Zuriel, Others Up For GAB Award
The Chairperson of the Nigerian Diaspora Commission, Honourable Abike Dabiri-Erewa and Nigerian Ambassador to the Court of St James’s (United Kingdom) Ambassador Sarafa Ishola, will be special guests at today’s celebration of Nigerian Uniqueness themed Gala Dinner organised by the Central Association of Nigerians in the United Kingdom, CANUK.

While CANUK is holding their event in North London, a galaxy of top achieving Britons of Nigerian and African descents will also receiving honours at the 24th annual Gathering of Africa’s Best (GAB), some hundreds of miles away.

Those on the shortlist of the prestigious GAB awards holding at the Hilton Hotel, Canary Wharf, East London, include Mrs Chinyama Okunuga, Chief Operating Officer of Whittington Health NHS Trust, an integrated care organisation with over 5000 employees across multiple sites.

Prior to being appointed to the top post in September, the mother of two had in her over 20 years career within and outside the National Health Service, held positions such as Project Manager at London Ambulance and the then Surrey Ambulance Services -now South East Coast Ambulance Service.

Child and girls’ education activist, Zuriel Oduwole is also among shortlists for this year. Oduwole, who showcases herself as an example of what an educated girl can do, has addressed more than 50,000 in-school and out-of school youths in 19 countries including Nigeria, the USA, Mexico and of course, in the United Kingdom.

In a statement by GAB founder and Chief Executive Officer, Femi Okutubo, the prospective awardees “will be honoured for contributions to the promotion of the positive image of Africa and Africans around the world” in various fields of endeavour.”

Omega Live TV and Vox Africa TV are also among the shortlist, as well as Councillor Thelma Odoi. Before becoming a Newham Borough councillor, Odoi’s professional career included teaching mathematics in countries all over the world, including Namibia, Botswana, Zambia, Ghana, South Africa, Rwanda, Romania, and Hong Kong.

Also nominated for the GAB awards is a Redeemed Christian Church of God Pastor, Gbolahan Bright, MBE (Member of the British Empire – an honour bestowed on him by the late Queen Elizabeth II in 2015). Four Labour Party Councillors have been produced at his Master’s Sanctuary Parish of the denomination, which he pastors with his wife, Labour Party Councillor, Folashade Bright.