Last night, 31 organisations and sons, daughters and friends of Africa, bagged the much-coveted GAB award at a glamorous and inspiring ceremony held in London.
The 20th Annual Gathering of Africa's Best (GAB) Awards took place at the Hilton Hotel in Canary Wharf - London's financial district.
Each Recipient received an Award for Excellence for outstanding contribution to the promotion of the positive image of Africa and Africans around the world.
Chief Bimbo Folayan wins his second GAB Award
The categories for which laurels were given included: Philanthropy, Media, Beauty, Sport, Health, Food & Drink, The Arts, Entertainment, and Community Development. Others were: Youth Empowerment, Entrepreneurship, Property, Gospel Music, Business, Information Technology, Faith and Education
The journey to announcing the Recipients last night, began a few months ago with over 150 nominations received. The nominations were whittled down to 46 Finalists from which the Recipients emerged.
In his address at the event, Founder of the GAB Awards - 'Femi Okutubo encouraged all "to continue to raise the bar of excellence and take giant strides that will lead to a better and greater society that will benefit humanity - all to the glory of God." He also reported on the first edition of the GAB Awards in Manchester which took place last January, remarking that it took place "with a brilliant start."
The High Commissioner of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to the United Kingdom - H.E. Ambassador George Adesola Oguntade CFR, CON who attended with his wife - H.E. Mrs Modupe Oguntade, commended the diligence shown by Trumpet Media Group - organisers of the event, over the last 20 annual editions of the GAB Awards. He also congratulated the Award recipients.
The GAB Awards was supported by Yanga! TV, KATO Enterprises, Perfekt Print, Adesons Studios, Femade (UK) Ltd, Ultimalt, African Voice, Heritage TV, RSA, Otunba (Dr.) Dapo Oshun-Wiliams, Ades Foods, Bantuway, Esther Ajayi Foundation, Tropical Sun, Purple Premium and PK Sales and Lettings.
The ceremony was hosted by Ram The MC and Miss K, while the GAB Carpet was hosted by Nollywood Star - Roseline Sanni-Ajose. Performers at the event included: Kingdom Rascal, ISAT and Deoba Authentic.
The 2018 Award Recipients are:
Oluwafunmike Abdulazeez - Beauty
Ades Ltd - Food & Drink
Ms. Seyi Akiwowo - Youth Empowerment
Mrs. Dentaa Amoateng MBE - Community Development
Mrs Adebunmi Apanishile (a.k.a Bunmi West MC) - Entertainment
Ms. Micah Dandaula - Business
John Emore - Entrepreneurship
Emprince - Entertainment
Chief Bimbo Roberts Folayan - Community Development
Prince Chidiebere Ifoh - Youth Empowerment
Prof. Rotimi Jaiyesimi - Health
Candy Kisseih - Community Development
Klaasen & Co - Food & Drink
Nina Kristofferson - The Arts
Labake Labake - The Arts
Toyin Lawani - Entrepreneurship
Princess Angelique Monet - The Arts
Caroline Namugabi - Youth Development
Mrs Titilayo Odunaiya - Beauty
Akpos Ogagbe - Entertainment
Prophetess Teleola Atoke Martha Oganla - Faith
Yemisi Banjoko Ogunyemi - The Arts
Juliana Olayinka - Media
Mayowa Sunday Oluyede - Property
Chief Christopher Ikenna Onumonu - Philanthropy
Tony Oshinibosi - Information Technology
Pastor Peter Oyebobola (Praisetek) - Gospel Music
Sophy-Yah - Gospel Music
Nigel Stewart - Education
Princess Titi Thomas - Community Development
Drew Uyi - Sport