SIRA: Celebrating African Excellence Beyond Borders

Africans have been major players in the shaping of the world’s magnificent existence. From the pains of the past to the thrive of the present, this race has their prints on the sand of time. Apart from this, being present has not been enough, but the showcase of grit, resilience, excellence, and talents, has singled out the race. However, racism, discrimination, among others keep making little of the efforts of Africans in the diaspora, hence, SIRA’s emergence. Also, while this may not play as obvious, that they are not in their ecosystems may be a factor for not being appreciated as expected.

Savvy Initiative started out as a non-profit organization in 2014, and a decade after, SIRA was established. Savvy Initiative Recognition Awards is one that is built differently from other award-giving organizations. One of their main goals and objectives has been visibility of impacts of Africans in the diaspora. Founded in 2024, the organization is a visionary brainchild of the Savvy Initiative that aims for longevity, the creation of systems and a space not for expression alone, but belonging and inspiration. While this may be a platform to award Africans in the diaspora, it is like a giant book with many filled inspiring pages for children, and growing Africans to read from. 

It is a call for the founder as he starts to realize that names of excellent Africans in the fields of technology, health, medicine, mathematics, business, philanthropy, among others in the diaspora are not mentioned enough. This is not because they are not relevant as their white counterparts, but because they are not being celebrated enough. Whereas, these people should be visible role models to children in their communities, and also for the ones at home. 

SIRA has been consistent in these past few years of being established. The first edition of Sira was held at a Frank Gehry building, Memory Alive Event Center in Las Vegas, Nevada, 2024. The second edition was held in 2025 at the Moonlight Studios, Chicago, Illinois. SIRA keeps juggling up diverse activities for the 2026 edition. The third edition, SIRA 2026 is slated for October 17, 2026 and will be held at The Luxtrium in Houston, Texas, another American city known for its cultural diversities and “giant” landscapes. While SIRA aims to hold in different cities, the dream is to also have cities in Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Canada and other parts of the world. 

Apart from the consistency, another major milestone achieved by SIRA is the level of trust and return participation they have received. There has been about a 60 to 70 percent return rate from people who attended previous editions, and that is quite enviable. It is an evidence that people are not just in attendance, but also connecting with the vision. Also, with over 500 attendees from all walks of life and 10 million impressions online, SIRA has made marks in a few years. Another inspiring story from SIRA is how Manny Ohonme, an awardee, and CEO of World Shoes, a shoe business that gives shoes to children all over the world connected to Jussoul through their teams after Jussoul’s performance at SIRA. Today, Jussoul is a brand ambassador at World Shoes.

Over the years, SIRA has awarded Africans like Joyce Agbanobi, Dr. Joseph Hackett, Irene Xanderena, Bola Adeniyi, Almaz Negash, Coach J. Gabriel Olokunwolu, Manny Ohonme, Mikka Mosby, Emil Ekiyor, Lara Ezobi, Hugh Molotsi, and Kenn Collier, among other eminent Africans in the diaspora. Apart from celebrations, the restoration, and preservation of Africans’ pride abroad is essential. 

Among SIRA’s biggest challenges has been the building and upholding of its credibility. SIRA rewards legacy and nothing less should be mentioned of the organization. The intentionality with the criteria, and awardees’ selection process has been a countermove to this challenge. Also, with the issue of funding, another big problem, SIRA has leveraged more on sponsorships, partnerships. SIRA has received from Haska LLC, AJumoke Awopetu , Medianat Bankole , Hausseinat Abdulsalam ,Oyenike Atinuke, Ngozi Kalu, Queensley Ibe  from sponsors such as Serenity Health, Acobs Lighting, Sam Uloho, Haskell LLC, and other organizations and individuals who believe in the vision. Not leaving out received personal donations from supporters such as Houssnsnat Abdul Salam, Medinat Bankole, Oyenike  Atinuke, Queenly Ibe, Jumoke Awopetu, and others. They keep being resilient also to overcoming diverse other challenges. 

While SIRA to many people is aiming to become the Grammys and Emmys of the African community for people doing amazing things beyond sports and entertainment , SIRA is aiming to be that authority within the African community, for impact, advocacy, intelligence, excellence, service, and meaningful contribution to the African community in the diaspora. It has a dream to BECOME! To become a household name in the African community and across the world. Also, this is to keep pushing Africans in the diaspora to do more, and also inspire those at home.These are the diverse shades of SIRA’s future plan.

The Savvy Initiative Recognition Awards, founded by Savvy Initiative the brainchild of Ayodeji AGOD Savage, is one of Africa’s exports, recognizing Africans’ excellence in the diaspora and at HOME. SIRA keeps blazing the trail by connecting Africans together abroad and Collaborating with  the ones back home. SIRA belongs to everyone. It does not belong only to the founder and CEO, Ayodeji AGOD Savage. It is for the African community. This is for the people whose stories deserve to be seen, and the children who need beacons of hope and excellence.