100 young persons of African descent under 40 years have been recognized as the Most Influential People of Africa Decent 2022 by the Most Influential People of African Descent (MIPAD), a global civil society initiative in support of the UN International Decade for people of African descent.
The list was released during the MIPAD 2022 Recognition Week following the opening of the 77th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York City in the United States of America.
Kamil Olufowobi, Chief Executive Officer of MIPAD congratulated the honourees and noted that the Global Top 100 Under 40 list identifies and recognizes outstanding individuals worldwide across the four core categories of Politics and Governance, Business and Entrepreneurship, Media and Entertainment, Activism & Humanitarian Endeavors.
According to Olufowobi, “It is not an award show, it is a recognition platform because the first pillar of the international decade as declared by the United Nations General Assembly is recognition. So, we are recognizing the positive contributions of people of African descent and for us, that is a clear distinction”.
“Nigerians around the world are making positive contributions and the expertise they are learning abroad must be harnessed toward the development of Nigeria and Africa.” “It is hoped that the people of African descent, everywhere around the world, will look up to these honourees and get inspired to pursue excellence in whatever field they play.”
Amongst the honourees are 13 Nigerian-based and individuals including O’tega Ogra, the General Manager and Group Head of Corporate Communications of BUA Group; AbdulJabar Oyekan, co-founder of Yahshud; Aisha Bolarinwa, co-founder of Farmz2U; Akah Nnani, Actor & TV-Host; Jeremiah “Swanky Jerry”Ogbodo, celebrity stylist and reality TV star: Ayotunde Fabamwo, Director, House of Twitch; Efa Iwara, Actor; Emmanuel Nwobodo, Chair, Federation of African Law Student and Kola Aina, Founding Partner, Ventures Platform. Others are Muhammad Suleiman, National Youth Leader, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP); Omawunmi Ogbe Managing Partner, GLG Communications; Prince Deji Ajomale-McWord, Secretary General of the World Sports Tourism Council, and Tari Taylaur, Politician, Youth Party Nigeria.
The Diaspora-based Nigerians on the list include Angelica Nwandu, the founder of the Shade Room (USA), Damola Adamolekun, first Black CEO of P.F. Chang’s China Bistro; Efe Ukala (USA), Founder, ImpactHER, Evana Oli (USA), Co-Founder, Beautiful Curly Me, Francesca Uriri, Global DEI Communications at Meta (USA), Tara Peaches Enahoro (USA) is an Entertainment Law Attorney. Damilare Ogunleye, Co-founder of FoodLama, a $1 billion food chain (UK); Linda Ayoola, Head of Africa & Services at Apple (UK), Oluwatobi Aigbogun (UK), Visionary at Global Citizen and Raphael Sofoluke who is the Founder & CEO of UK Black Business Show, UK Black Business Week.
BUA Group’s Communication Chief, Ogra was recognized in the top 100 under-40s media and culture list of the Most Influential People of African Descent in honour of his outstanding and positive contribution to influencing and advancing issues impacting people of African descent worldwide through media, culture, social impact, and communications, especially in the African Private Sector.
Reacting to the recognition, O’tega Ogra said, “I thank MIPAD for this recognition. It means there is a lot more work to be done especially for the young people in Africa. We must also channel our work and influence into projecting Africa positively to the world and changing the continent for good”
Task Systems Limited, a pioneering force in the West African Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector, has announced the appointment of Mrs. Gozy Ijogun as its new Managing Director effective April 1, 2023.
Gozy Ijogun, known for her transformative leadership, has a rich professional history in the digital technology realm. At the age of 25, armed with a degree in Chemistry from University College London and a Master of Science degree in Accounting, Organizations, and Institutions from the London School of Economics, Gozy made a significant impact on the digital landscape of Nigeria by setting up TD-Mobile, Nigeria’s first structured mobile devices distribution company. She propelled the company to generate a substantial N38 billion in revenue within its first year of operation, guiding the organization from its initial team of seven to become TD Africa Distributions Ltd., now a dominant player in technology distribution in sub-Saharan Africa, representing more than 25 top global brands and introducing a plethora of ICT solutions that consolidated its standing as a solutions-focused tech firm.
“Gozy’s proven leadership, strategic acumen, and passion for technology make her the perfect fit for Task Systems Ltd,” Leo Stan Ekeh, Chairman of Task Systems Ltd said. “Her impressive track record and innovative vision align seamlessly with our growth trajectory. We are excited to usher in this new era under her stewardship.”
Mrs. Gozy Ijogun, New Managing Director.
Reflecting on her appointment, Gozy said, “I’m honoured to join Task Systems, a company that has consistently been at the forefront of tech innovation. We have a remarkable opportunity to grow and become Africa’s leading integrated technology and services company, and I am enthusiastic about leading Task Systems into this future.”
Besides her commercial accomplishments, Mrs. Ijogun is also deeply committed to social change. She was instrumental in launching “This is Me”, a Corporate Social Responsibility initiative championed by TD Africa to aid individuals and uplift their dignity.
With 36 years of industry leadership, Task Systems has consistently provided innovative ICT solutions across various industries, including oil, banking, media, manufacturing, and the public sector. The company has received over 27 global awards for its exceptional contributions.
With the visionary leadership of Mrs. Ijogun, Task Systems is poised for unprecedented growth and success.
Know About Task Systems Ltd: For over three decades, Task Systems has been a pioneer in the tech sector, introducing revolutionary ICT solutions across a broad spectrum of industries. Known for its trailblazing contributions, Task Systems remains a significant player in providing support solutions to numerous Nigerian companies.
Employees of Airtel Nigeria, under its CSR initiative, Employee Volunteer Scheme Initiative, paid a visit to Kuramo College, a government secondary school in Lagos, and donated modern routers, each equipped with 100GB of data and a two-month roll-over access fee.
The connection devices were donated by Airtel’s Information and Technology team, with a mission to empower students with enhanced digital connectivity.
Speaking during the event, Director, Information and Technology, Seun Solanke, said, “Airtel aims to empower young minds by equipping them with the connectivity to imagine and unlock a world of knowledge and opportunities.
“For Airtel, it is no longer about being a smartphone network but giving people a reason to imagine, so that people can explore the possibilities powered by technology and connectivity. The world is evolving, young Nigerians now have access to unlimited possibilities and can now create their own job titles and descriptions, which is why we now have YouTubers, social media Influencers, and the likes.”
Left-Right: Head of IT Operations, Airtel Nigeria, Adebanjo Adeola; Head of Information Security & Business Continuity (IT CISO), Airtel Nigeria, Joy Omoruku; Director, Information and Technology, Airtel Nigeria, Seun Solanke; Principal, Kuramo Senior College, Abdulwahab Babatunde Lawal and Head of Project Release Management, Airtel Nigeria, Akinkunle Oyafajo during the presentation of Routers to Kuramo college in Victoria Island, Lagos, on Wednesday, 24th May 2023.
Left-Right: Head of IT Operations, Airtel Nigeria, Adebanjo Adeola; Senior Manager, Corporate Social Responsibility, Airtel Nigeria, Chioma Okolie; Head of Information Security & Business Continuity (IT CISO), Airtel Nigeria, Joy Omoruku; Director, Information and Technology, Airtel Nigeria, Seun Solanke; Principal, Kuramo Senior College, Abdulwahab Babatunde Lawal and Head of Project Release Management, Airtel Nigeria, Akinkunle Oyafajo during the presentation of Routers to Kuramo college in Victoria Island, Lagos, on Wednesday, 24th May 2023.
He concluded by encouraging the students to maximize the provision of connectivity to back up their future imaginations with the right information and resources, in other to ensure a bright future.
The activities under the Airtel Nigeria Employee Volunteer Scheme, said Airtel management, aligns with the company’s commitment to bridging the digital divide in the country and enabling students to leverage the power of the internet, as the distribution of routers with data plans will ensure that students have uninterrupted access to educational resources, research materials, and online learning platforms, regardless of their socio-economic background.
Stanbic IBTC Holdings PLC, a member of Standard Bank Group, announced the names of fortunate recipients of its prestigious University Scholarship Award for 2022.
The N80,000,000.00 valued scholarship award for 2022 will provide financial support to 200 outstanding Nigerian undergraduates who excelled in the 2022 University Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) and satisfied other prerequisite conditions.
The scholarship funds will be disbursed in annual installments over the course of four academic years and will provide recipients with the essential financial assistance required to meet their educational expenses. Subsequent disbursements will be contingent upon the beneficiaries fulfilling certain criteria. These criteria include maintaining their enrollment in the universities and degree programs to which they were admitted, as well as adhering to the academic and administrative policies set forth by their respective institutions. By ensuring compliance with these requirements, the recipients can continue to receive the scholarship throughout their academic journey, facilitating their uninterrupted pursuit of higher education.
While he gave his opening remarks at the virtual award ceremony, the Chief Executive of Stanbic IBTC Holdings, Dr. Demola Sogunle, said, “At Stanbic IBTC, we recognize the importance of education and its role in shaping the future of our great nation, Nigeria. Our principal objective for this scholarship is to provide unlimited opportunities for bright, young Nigerians who have demonstrated academic merit.”
He further mentioned that the number of annual scholarship recipients was increased from 100 to 200, as education should not be a luxury reserved for a select few but accessible to all.
The selection process for the scholarships was rigorous and fair, with beneficiaries chosen from each of the six geo-political zones in Nigeria. The candidates were carefully evaluated based on merit, taking into account their exceptional academic performance.
By investing in the academic journeys of these exceptional students, the leading end-to-end financial institution will not only make a difference in their lives but also contribute to the development and prosperity of the nation as a whole.
The 200 scholarship recipients will be able to pursue their dreams with financial confidence, knowing that Stanbic IBTC will stand firmly by their side.