Support Sought for Inaugural Black African History Global Iconic Awards
Organizers of the Black African History Global Iconic Awards (BAHGIA) have called on business entities, government agencies, international organizations, and development partners to back this significant event. Designed to celebrate African excellence, the awards aim to promote unity and inspire youth across the continent. President Baghia and Ambassador Rabsupatra Ekufu emphasized that the awards will shine a light on the achievements of black Africans and people of African descent, which often go unrecognized globally. They stated, “We have observed that black individuals worldwide are underrepresented despite their significant contributions. The awards aim to honor excellence and elevate deserving individuals to the forefront.”
A Platform for Recognition
Nigeria’s former kickboxing and MMA champion commended the dedication of the organizing team, expressing confidence that the inaugural awards will establish a new benchmark for recognizing black excellence. “Trees cannot make a forest; this vision was made possible by a committed team that came together to realize it,” she noted. Scheduled for July 5, 2026, in Lagos, the awards will honor distinguished Africans and those of African descent who have made remarkable contributions across various sectors including sports, politics, business, education, arts, entertainment, and community development.
Strengthening African Unity
BAHGIA Vice President Charles Ezerime highlighted that the organization is actively engaging with pertinent government bodies, such as the National Sports Commission, the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, and security agencies, to ensure the event’s success. One of the primary goals of the awards is to enhance unity among Africans and individuals of African descent globally. “We are uniting people from various backgrounds—irrespective of religion, culture, or nationality. Our message is one of unity,” he stated, noting Nigeria’s selection as the host country due to its pivotal role in Africa and the need to elevate Nigeria’s global image.
The Role of Sports in Vision
BAHGIA Chief Strategist Olisa Chukwuma revealed that sports is integral to the award’s foundation. He mentioned that the founder, a globally recognized kickboxing champion known as the “Queen of the Cage,” has heavily influenced the organization’s direction. “Sports is central to our vision. Our founders’ backgrounds in sports have shaped much of our initiatives. We believe that sports, entertainment, and youth development are deeply interconnected,” Chukwuma noted.
Encouraging Youth Engagement
Board member Francis Joseph Emeka emphasized the initiative’s commitment to motivating young people to embrace education and positivity, particularly in an era when many are skeptical about the value of formal education. “Organizing such an event presents substantial challenges; we appeal to business organizations and government bodies for support. The positive impact on young people will be immeasurable,” he asserted. The event will also feature a conference focusing on pressing issues facing African youth, including security concerns and the diminishing regard for educational qualifications.
Lagos: The Ideal Host City
From Canada, Martin Luther King Prize Chairperson Pauline Christian highlighted Lagos as the perfect host city for this event due to its cultural significance and influence across Africa. “Lagos stands as the hub of creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurship on the continent,” she indicated. Christian, a proponent of black empowerment and youth development, believes the event serves as a bridge between Africa and its diaspora. “This is a historic moment for Africa and its diaspora to unite and celebrate our collective heritage. Lagos is a gateway to the world, and African excellence deserves a central place in global conversations,” she stated.
A Night to Remember
Organizers have shared plans for the awards ceremony to include daytime conference sessions, culminating in a gala night that will honor winners in over 20 categories. Attendees can expect engaging performances and presentations from notable figures across Africa and the diaspora. As preparations move forward, the organizing team is optimistic that this inaugural ceremony will transform into a prominent platform for celebrating African achievements and strengthening bonds among black communities globally. The first Black African History Global Iconic Awards is set to take place on July 5, 2026, at the Marriott Hotel, GRA Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria.
