Since it began in 2020, the Africa Illustrious Awards has become one of the most respected events on the continent. It celebrates men and women whose work, vision, and determination have made a lasting difference in Africa and beyond. It is more than just a yearly event — it is a reminder that “greatness is never accidental.”
Every year, leaders, innovators, and role models from all walks of life are honoured. The organisers say, “If your name must echo through the halls of history, then your works must speak louder than your intentions.”
One of the most celebrated recipients is Dr Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, former President of Nigeria. He is described as “a symbol of peaceful leadership, democratic grace, and global statesmanship.” Even after leaving office, he has continued to work for peace in Africa. His leadership is called “a masterclass in humility, stability, and the strength that comes with quiet power,” proving that “true greatness is not in how long you lead, but in how deeply you touch lives.”
Other leaders honoured over the years include Dr Absalom Themba Dlamini, former Prime Minister of Eswatini; Dr Alfred Mutua, former Governor of Machakos County, Minister of Foreign Affairs and current Minister (Cabinet Secretary) for Labour and Social Protection; Senator Uba Sani, Governor of Kaduna State; and Mr Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, Governor of Lagos State.
In the public sector, winners have included 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, and AIG Adegoke Fayoade; and ACG Ibrahim Muhammed Basir from the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency.
The private sector has seen leaders like Mrs Chizoma Okoli of Access Bank Group; Lady Dr Ada Chukwudozie of Keystone Bank; Prince Stanley Williams of Monarch Group, Dr Ben Ujoatuonu of Universal Insurance; Mrs Nkechi Vivian Obi of Techno Oil Group; Dr Emeka Adebowale Onyeokoro of 4core Integrated Services and Chief Dr Kessington Adebutu of Premier Lotto Limited, who was also recognised for his philanthropy.
In social enterprise, honourees include Mr Tunde Onakoya, founder of Chess in Slums Africa; Barrister Abiye Tam George, founder of Live Better Everyday Legal Literacy Initiative; and Miss Ngozi Mary Kekwaru, Integrity Award recipient and Brand Ambassador for Emohua Local Government.
Technology and 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, African legal scholar.
Sports icons honoured include Joseph Yobo, Emmanuel Emenike, Odion Jude Ighalo, Adarabioyo Oluwatosin, Coach Aliyu Zubairu, Chioma Ajunwa Opara, and Barrister Churchill Oliseh.
In media, winners 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; Prince Bisi Olatilo, veteran broadcaster; Chief Dele Momodu, publisher and humanitarian; Mr Stanley Okorie, Nollywood soundtrack composer; Dr Kenneth Okonkwo, actor and lawyer; and Mr Alibaba Akpobome, comedian and entrepreneur.
Posthumous awards have honoured, Football legends, Rashidi Yekini (1963–2012) Nigeria’s first World Cup goal scorer and all-time leading scorer and Sam Okwaraji (1964-1989) who collapsed and died during a World Cup qualifier against Angola at the National Stadium , Joe Blankson, a contractor who died while saving 13 victims of a boat accident, and CP Frank Odita, a former Police Spokesman.
Winners are chosen through a fair and transparent process by an independent panel of journalists, academics, industry leaders, and public figures from different backgrounds. This ensures the Awards remain free from bias.
As the Africa Illustrious Awards marks its fifth year, it continues to stand for hard work, honesty, and excellence.
“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.”
