Africa Illustrious Awards celebrates 5 years of honouring Africa’s icons

Since its inception in 2020, the Africa Illustrious Awards has evolved into one of the continent’s most respected platforms for celebrating transformative leadership, innovation, and excellence.

More than an annual event, it has become a continental tradition — a reminder that “greatness is never accidental.”

Each year, men and women whose work, vision, and determination have shaped Africa’s story are honoured.

The organisers affirm: “If your name must echo through the halls of history, then your works must speak louder than your intentions.”

Among its most celebrated recipients is Dr Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, former President of Nigeria, hailed as “a symbol of peaceful leadership, democratic grace, and global statesmanship.”

Even after leaving office, Jonathan has remained a champion of peace across Africa. His leadership, often described as “a masterclass in humility and quiet strength,” stands as proof that “true greatness is not in how long you lead, but in how deeply you touch lives.”

Other political leaders recognised over the years include:

Dr Absalom Themba Dlamini, former Prime Minister of Eswatini

Dr Alfred Mutua, former Governor of Machakos County, former Minister of Foreign Affairs, and current Minister (Cabinet Secretary) for Labour and Social Protection, Kenya

Senator Uba Sani, Governor of Kaduna State

Mr Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, Governor of Lagos State

Public servants honoured include Dr Dasuki Arabi, Director General of the Bureau of Public Service Reforms; senior police officers DIG Ari Mohammed Ali, DIG Benjamin Nebolisa Okolo, DIG Magaji Ahmed Kontagora, AIG Adegoke Fayoade; and ACG Ibrahim Muhammed Basir of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency.

Corporate leaders have included Mrs Chizoma Okoli of Access Bank Group; Lady Dr Ada Chukwudozie of Keystone Bank; Dr Ben Ujoatuonu of Universal Insurance; Mrs Nkechi Vivian Obi of Techno Oil Group; Dr Emeka Adebowale Onyeokoro of 4core Integrated Services; and philanthropist Chief Dr Kessington Adebutu of Premier Lotto Limited.

Social innovators honoured include Mr Tunde Onakoya, founder of Chess in Slums Africa; Barrister Abiye Tam George, founder of Live Better Everyday Legal Literacy Initiative; Emmanuel Tuole of Liberia; and Miss Ngozi Mary Kekwaru, Integrity Award recipient and Emohua Local Government Brand Ambassador.

From technology to academia, winners include Dr Fene Osakwe, cybersecurity expert; Prof Charles Okechukwu Esimone, former Vice Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University; Prof Monique Oshame Ekpong, Nigerian Ambassador to Angola; and Prof Patrick Loch Otieno Lumumba, renowned African legal scholar.

Sports icons celebrated include Joseph Yobo, Emmanuel Emenike, Odion Jude Ighalo, Adarabioyo Oluwatosin, Coach Aliyu Zubairu, Chioma Ajunwa Opara, and Barrister Churchill Oliseh.

Media and entertainment honourees include Chief Raymond Anthony Aleogho Dokpesi (1951–2023), founder of DAAR Communications; Dr Reuben Abati and Rufai Oseni of The Morning Show on Arise TV; veteran broadcaster Prince Bisi Olatilo; publisher Chief Dele Momodu; Nollywood soundtrack maestro Mr Stanley Okorie; actor-lawyer Dr Kenneth Okonkwo; and comedian-entrepreneur Mr Alibaba Akpobome.

Posthumous Tributes
The Awards have also posthumously honoured:

Rashidi Yekini (1963–2012), Nigeria’s first World Cup goal scorer and all-time leading scorer

Sam Okwaraji (1964–1989), who died during a World Cup qualifier

Joe Blankson, who died saving 13 victims of a boat accident

CP Frank Odita, former Police Spokesman

Integrity in Selection

The organisers noted that winners are chosen through a transparent process led by an independent panel of journalists, academics, industry leaders, and public figures, ensuring fairness and credibility.

As the Africa Illustrious Awards marks its fifth anniversary, the organisers said it remains a symbol of hard work, honour, and the pursuit of excellence.

In the words of the organisers: “Let every African, young and old, rise to the challenge. Build something worthy. Lead with honour. Work with passion. The world is watching, and history will always remember.”