The annual African Achievers Awards was hosted this year the 28th of February 2014 at the State House Banquet Hall, Accra Ghana. This year’s event drew recipients from all over the continent of Africa who are making a tremendous difference in Africa. The event which was anchored by BBC personality Savannah Nightingale and ‘Nigeria’s Got Talent Host’ Andrea Blaze Henshaw was kicked off with the singing of Ghana’s national Anthem which was led by the Ghana Group- Rythms. This ushered in a series of performances, first a speech was made on behalf of the Principal Partner African Achievers Award Tonye Rex Idaminabo by Amb. David James Egwu (Director for Public and Government communication for AAA) an Opera performance by Blessing an Opera Singer, a soul performance by the high profile singer Saiks and a poetry performance by the African Poet Sally Williams.

This year’s award categories included Business and Enterprise, Community and People, Education and training, Governance, Media and Entertainment, and Emerging Achievers. Each category drew recipients from all over the continent of Africa who are making a tremendous difference in Africa. Among these recognised were; the Mandela Rhodes Foundation whose endeavours in empowering African youth includes their Scholarship program - the Mandela Rhodes Scholarship which is more than a bursary, offering young Africans who exhibit academic prowess as well as broader leadership potential an educational opportunity of quality standard. While pursuing their chosen post-graduate degree, each Scholar benefits from access to leadership development programs, rooted in the principles underpinning the Foundation. They were awarded Charity Organisation of the Year.

Charlotte Simon, Mother of Congo a trustee of the Tatana Give Out Foundation whose aim is contribute to the restoration of women, girls and families who have been the victims of violence in the North Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo working closely with the grass-root organisation, treating and counselling victims while raising awareness of their plight in local communities were awarded with the Recognition Award for Excellence in Diaspora.

Also under the Category the Moggesukkel Foundation, is a non-profit company which aims to be a friend in need to both people and organizations, providing shelter and home care to destituteresidents and people who are either struggling with addiction or have lost everything due to unforeseen circumstances.They received the award for Charity Organisation Making a difference in Africa.

Under the Media Entertainment Category, Channels TV Mr John Momoh received an award for African Best TV of the Year. John Momohhas won many laurels – including “News Anchor of the Year”, of the maiden edition of the prestigious Nigerian Media Merit Award (NMMA)”, all which attest to his venerated professional status. Channels Television of which he is Chairman/CEO is ‘seven time’ winner of the “Television Station of the Year” Award (2000, 2001, 2003 and 2004, 2008, 2010 and 2012).

Hollywood Actor Oliver Lithondowhose career started in broadcast journalism as correspondent with BBC and DeutcheWelle. Oliver co-produced with AlakieMboya, a hit National Theather Stage production “The Muntu”, starring Oliver Litondo and BeldinaAuma in 1967. He also starred in the movie “Sheena: Queen of the Jungle” in 1984. In 1988 he starred in “The Lion of Africa” with Bryan Danahy and in “Ivory Hunters” starring James Earl Jones and John Lithgo. The latest movie release in 2010, “The First Grader” directed by Justin Chadwick, starring Oliver Litondo and Naomie Harris. The movie was inspired by Maruge’s (played by Oliver) courage to start first grade at 84.He received an award for African Award for movie excellence.

The late BBC World News anchor, Komla Afeke Dumor was given a posthumous award for Excellence in Broadcasting; he joined the BBC African service in London as host of the Radio program Africa. From 2008 to 2012, he presented the World News. In 2013 he was named as one of the hundred most influential Africans. At the time of his death Duma was the only West African News reader on the BBC World news. His award was received on his behalf by Stratcomm CEO, Esther Cobbah, who was a spokesperson for the family during his funeral.

Mr Tony Akiotu, GMD Daar Communications (parent company of AIT International) was also awarded African Journalist of the Year.

Under the Education and Training category, Professor Tolly Mbwette of the Open University (Tanzania) received the Award for Education personality in Africa.

Hamza Ibrahim Nasko CEO of the HMG Group was named African Young Achiever of the Year. His ability to diversify in business has turned the company into the successful conglomerate it is today. The medical sector has been his most recent venture with HMG GmbH, A German based company he founded responsible for delivering world class medical services. Under this category Esther Cobbah CEO of Stratcomm Africa, a company she has grown from a study table into a well-respected total communication agencyemphasizing on Innovation and Creativity was awarded Female Role Model of the Year.

The award for Creativity and Enterprise was presented to Managing Director of the Federal Mortgage Bank for his innovation in business and Strategy. Also under the category for Business and Enterprise, the Creator and developer of VIP Express Sandra Isabella Wilcox, a business model based on multi-level networking marketing and vacations which allows individuals to earn a residual income and travel the world at the same time, was awarded for Organization making a difference in Africa.

Under the category of Governance, African Achievers Awards recognised a number of Executive public officers who are leading the way in transforming their constituencies through the policies they are implementing. Among such named were Ambassador KemaChikwe, She became the Minister of Transport and then of Aviation. Currently she holds the position of the National Women Leader of the ruling Party- People’s Democratic Party.

This grand occasion was graced by many dignitaries and celebrities of the the Republic of Ghana including Ghana’s own star Actress Nadia Buari who received a Special Recognition Award for her impact in her community through the Nadia Buari Foundation and for being a role model to rising female stars across Africa.

The media houses present to cover the event included; BBC, Bloomberg TV, Channels TV, CCTV, Wats app TV, AIT International, Vox TV among many others giving the grand success of the evening event nothing short of a prolific coverage resounding all across the globe.

By the African Achievers Awards Team.

Thank you.

Akpah Prince

akpahprince@ymail.com

akpahprince.wordpress.com