Sports development, youth empowerment and the celebration of African excellence will take centre stage when the inaugural Black African History Global Iconic Awards (BAHGIA) holds on July 5, 2026, in Lagos.

Organisers of the prestigious awards have called on corporate organisations, government agencies and development partners to support the initiative, describing it as a unique platform designed to honour outstanding Africans and people of African descent who have made remarkable contributions in sports and other sectors.

President of BAHGIA, Ambassador Lovethpatra Ekufu, a former Nigerian kickboxing and Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) star, said the awards were established to recognise Black Africans globally whose achievements have not received adequate attention.

According to Ekufu, the vision behind the awards is to spotlight excellence and inspire younger generations through the stories of successful Africans across different fields.

“We discovered that Black people across the world are under-celebrated despite their outstanding contributions. This award is designed to honour excellence wherever it is found and bring deserving individuals to the forefront,” she said.

The former combat sports champion commended members of the organising committee for their commitment to the project and expressed confidence that the maiden edition would become a major platform for recognising African excellence.

“A tree cannot make a forest. This vision became possible because of a dedicated team working together to bring it to life,” she added.

The awards ceremony, scheduled for the Marriott Hotel, GRA Ikeja, Lagos, will recognise distinguished individuals in sports, politics, business, education, arts, entertainment and community development.

Speaking on preparations for the event, Vice President of BAHGIA, Charles Ezerime, disclosed that the organisers have engaged key government institutions, including the National Sports Commission (NSC), the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, security agencies and the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism.

He noted that one of the key objectives of the initiative is to strengthen unity among Africans and people of African descent through the celebration of excellence.

“We are bringing people together under one umbrella irrespective of religion, culture or nationality. Whether in Nigeria, South Africa, Senegal or the diaspora, we are one people,” Ezerime said.

He added that Nigeria was selected as the host nation because of its strategic role in Africa and its growing influence in sports, entertainment and culture.

Head Strategist of BAHGIA, Olisa Chukwuma, revealed that sports played a significant role in the conception of the awards.

According to him, the sporting background of the founder was instrumental in shaping the vision of the organisation.

“Sports is central to our vision. The founder’s achievements in kickboxing inspired much of what we are doing today. We believe sports remains one of the strongest tools for youth empowerment, social development and continental unity,” Chukwuma said.

Board member Francis Joseph Emeka stressed the importance of using sports and education as vehicles for positive social change.

He explained that the event’s conference segment would address critical issues affecting young Africans, including insecurity, unemployment and declining interest in education.

“Sports and education have the power to transform lives. We want young people to understand that success comes through hard work, discipline and legitimate opportunities, not shortcuts,” Emeka stated.

Canada-based President of the Martin Luther King Awards, Pauline Christian, described Lagos as the ideal host city for the event because of its influence as a hub for African creativity, innovation and enterprise.

She said the awards would also strengthen connections between Africa and its diaspora while promoting positive narratives about the continent.

“This is a moment for Africa and the diaspora to come together and celebrate our shared heritage. African excellence deserves global recognition, and Lagos provides the perfect stage for that celebration,” Christian said.

The inaugural Black African History Global Iconic Awards will feature a daytime conference, sports and youth development discussions, entertainment performances and a gala night during which winners in more than 20 categories will be honoured.

Organisers remain optimistic that the event will evolve into one of Africa’s leading platforms for celebrating sporting achievements, leadership excellence and the contributions of Black communities around the world.

The inaugural Black African History Global Iconic Awards (BAHGIA) will hold on July 5, 2026, at the Marriott Hotel, GRA Ikeja, Lagos