18 Africans honoured at GAB Awards London

Eighteen distinguished sons and daughters of Africa, who have excelled in their various spheres of influence, were honoured at the 25th Annual Gathering of Africa’s Best (GAB) Awards 2023 held in London.

The GAB Award Recipients include: Governance Practitioner – Ms Bamidele Farinre; Former Managing Director of Nigerian Communications Satellite Ltd (NIGCOMSAT) – Dr Abimbola Alale; English Barrister and International Family Law expert – Dr Onyoja Momoh; Nigeria’s Ekiti State Government’s Director-General of Diaspora Relations - Barrister Mrs Adeola Adeleye-Fasubaa; and accomplished Scholar, Journalist and Media Practitioner – Dr Reuben Abati.

Other recipients include: Nigeria Police Force’s Assistant Inspector-General and former Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) – Ibrahim Magu; and Chair of Nigeria’s Senate Committee on Housing and Urban Development - Senator Aminu Tambuwal.

Nigeria’s Acting High Commissioner to the United Kingdom – Ambassador Dr Cyprian Heen commended organisers for sustaining the Awards and implored all to continue to excel in their various areas.

In a goodwill message to organisers, British Prime Minister – Rishi Sunak said: “I was delighted to discover that the event is now in its Silver Jubilee, which since inception has recognised and rewarded the incredible talents of over 300 individuals and organisations, promoting a positive image of Africans around the world. This is a fantastic achievement, which all connected with the awards are rightly very proud of.”

The Chairman and CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) – Hon. Abike Dabiri said: “I congratulate and commend you for a great job. What you have been doing is amazing. I say with confidence that the GAB Awards is one of the very best programmes ever organised for the Diaspora Community and by the Diaspora Community. It has showcased the excellence of a lot of people in the Diaspora.”

Founder of the GAB Awards and Publisher of Trumpet Media Group – ‘Femi Okutubo stated that:  “The GAB Awards has become an institution, showcasing the richness of our culture, the brilliance of our minds, and the strength of our collective spirit. It has become a platform for voices that resonate far and wide. We are proud to assert that the GAB Awards serves as a reminder that Africa's future is bright, and its potential is limitless.”

In inaugurating the maiden edition of the Future Gems cohort of the GAB Awards, Okutubo noted that: “We must nurture the dreams of the next generation, inspiring them to reach for the stars and contribute to the continued growth and prosperity of our beloved continent. The GAB Awards – Future Gems showcases an array of talents and future gems under the age of 35.”

The GAB Awards which was instituted in 1999 by UK-based Trumpet Media Group to combat the negative stereotypes against Africa and Africans around the globe, rewards excellence among those contributing to the positive image of Africa and Africans around the world.

The 25th Annual GAB Awards was held at the Hilton London Kensington and guests included the Mayor of Southwark – Councillor Michael Situ and the Mayoress – Mrs Itunu Ajeigbe; Southwark Councillor – Sunny Lambe; Publisher of African Voice – Prince & Mrs Mike Abiola; Chair of Trumpet Media’s Board of Advisers – Pastor Kolade Adebayo-Oke; GAB Patrons – Otunba and Princess Femi Adenuga; Youth Empowerment Motivational Speaker – Jackson Ogunyemi (a.k.a Action Jackson); Singer and Songwriter – Ben Ofoedu; and Producer, Singer and Songwriter – Kule T.

The GAB Awards 2023 recipients are:

GAB FUTURE GEMS

  1. All Things Christian                                           - Community Cohesion
  2. Mr David Laditi                                                  - Youth Development
  3. Ms Anjola Adebowale                                       - Technology

GAB Excellence

  1. Barrister Mrs Adeola Adeleye-Fasubaa      - Community Cohesion
  2. Ms Remi Bisi Oke Amusan                         - Health
  3. Ms Esther Fajoye (MBE)                             - Social Work
  4. Mr Babatunde Falode                                 - Philanthropy
  5. Ms Bamidele Farinre                                  - Governance
  6. Hon. Mrs Patricia Kenneth-Divine              - Diplomacy & Protocol
  7. Mrs Joy Ogeh-Hutfield                               - Coaching
  8. Prof. Isaac Ojutalayo                                 - Facilities Management
  9. Shoggy Shoggz                                         - Entertainment
  10. Dr Reuben Abati                                        - Media
  11. Dr Onyoja Momoh                                     - Law
  12. Dr Abimbola Alale                                     - Satellite Technology
  13. Al Mustapha Liman                                   - Information Technology

GAB PLATINUM

  1. AIG Ibrahim Mustafa Magu                          - Anti-Corruption
  2. Senator Aminu W Tambuwal (CFR)             - Law Making