THE FUTURE AFRICA AWARDS AND SUMMIT HOSTS ITS PAST JUDGES TO AN EVENING OF FINE WINE AND JAZZ (FIRST PHOTOS)

The Future Africa Awards and Summit hosts its past judges to an evening of fine wine and jazz (FIRST PHOTOS)

The Future Africa Awards and Summit officially presented the members of the Advisory Council - Nigeria and honoured them for their unwavering support through the years at the Wheatbaker Hotel on Monday, July 7, 2014.

The event which was an evening of Jazz, fine wine, presentations and good company had in attendance Adesewa Onyenekwe, Bolanle Austen Peters, OC Ukeje, Mai Atafo, Kemi Lala Akindoju, Gideon Okeke, Wana Wana Udoabong, Tosin Martins, Shade Ladipo amongst others.

See photos.

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AFRICAN ICON, DEOLA SAGOE AND MAI ARE OFFICIAL CLOTHIERS FOR THE FUTURE AWARDS AFRICA 2013

Prior to the official announcement of the date and venue for The Future Awards Africa (TFAA) 2013, the project's Central Working Committee (CWC) has announced the official clothiers for the event, headlined by one of Africa's most respected designers and fashion brands, Deola Sagoe. "As a proudly African brand, we are inspired by the work that The Future Awards Africa is doing across the continent, empowering a generation of young Africans in both the private and public sector," said Deola Sagoe, owner of the eponymous label, and who will also be presenting The Future Awards Africa prize in Fashion & Style. "We are glad to partner with this event, and are proud of the uplifting stories of African innovation, entrepreneurship and achievement that it brings to the fore." 

Ms Sagoe is the official design partner for female guests while the Ohimai Atafo-led fashion label MAI will be the official design partner for the male guests. The dress code for this year's event is black tie, with guests expected to dress in formal evening wear for the awards. A more detailed guideline is available on the website www.thefutureafrica.com/awards. "We are excited to work with Ms Sagoe, whose drive and success has acted as a beacon for generations of young Nigerian and African designers and also pleased that she will have the honour of announcing this year's winner for the Fashion & Style Prize," said Adebola Williams, the chief operating officer of TFAA. "Along with Ohimai Atafo, who is an integral part of our process as head of the Central Working Committee, we look forward to an evening of elegance with a distinguished cast of guests from across the continent."

 Sagoe, who will be making her film debut as the legendary female activist, Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti in the movie "October 1", is a fashion visionary with a unique approach to her craft that has endeared her to fans and followers all over the world. Using African fabrics, hand-woven materials, and contemporizing almost-lost traditional African techniques, Deola's designs present a unique vision and attitude for the modern woman. A mother of three who studied at the University of Miami and University of Lagos, Ms Sagoe began designing in 1998 and has exhibited her work internationally including at the New York Fashion Week, and has been cited by international stars including Will Smith and Oprah Winfrey. The Future Awards Africa 2013 - to be televised exclusively for Africa Magic and broadcast live online on Y! TV - will hold in October 2013 and will be a week-long three-city celebration.

The host venue and date will be unveiled by the CWC in the coming week. The event is being held in partnership with the African Union Commission and Microsoft.

Media Partners include Channels TV, Silverbird TV, Nigeria Info, TW, Ventures Africa, and Guardian Life. Online Partners are BellaNaija, LindaIkejiBlog, Information Nigeria, Premium Times, 360Nobs, NigeriaNewsDesk, LadunLiadiBlog, and Jobberman. Official Media Partners are Cool FM, Wazobia FM and Y!/YNaija.com, and the official television partner is Africa Magic. For more information, visit @TFAAfrica on Twitter (the official hashtag for the event is #TFAA2013), or the website www.thefutureafrica.com/awards.

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APPLICATI​ON FOR THE YOUNG MEDIA ENTREPRENE​UR AWARD HAS BEEN EXTENDED TO THURSDAY, 2ND AUGUST 2013

The Central Working Committee (CWC) of The Future Awards Africa is partnering with


British Council on this year's Future Awards Prize in Media Enterprise.

The Young Media Entrepreneur Award is for an individual who has recorded enormous success in the media sector.

WHAT IS THE MEDIA SECTOR?

 1). Interactive software, entertainment and games developers, specialist agencies, and publishers - working across various platforms (internet, broadcast, consoles and mobile devices)

 2)Developers of social media websites/platforms (where not predominately linked to other sectors - i.e. a music social network with its roots in the music business is likely more suited to music award)

 3)Film, TV and animation - development, production, post-production/special effects

 4)Distribution and sales for film, TV, animation and other multimedia content

 5) Exhibition for film, TV and animation, including cinema and festival/event programming and management

 6) Specialists/consultants/agencies supporting the development of these industries (i.e. skills for scriptwriting, visual effects etc.)

WHAT ARE THE CRITERIA FOR THIS AWARD?

· The applicant must be aged between 21 and 35 at the date applications are due.

· The applicant must be entrepreneurial and must have shown their ability in the promotion of the media sector in their country, in either a commercial context, public context, or both.

· The applicant must demonstrate their potential to be a future leader of the media sector in their country and a future partner for the UK, through their character, drive and abilities.

· The applicant must already be working in the media sector with at least three years' experience.

· The applicant must have English language skills to IELTS 6 - 'competent user' or above

The Prize for the award winner is a trip to the UK to participate in a programme with an opportunity for valuable networking and idea exchange with their UK and international peers in the media sector--some of whom are winners of the same award in their respective countries.

Submission of applications for the Young Media Entrepreneur Award now closes on Thursday, 2nd August 2013.

This category will be judged by the British Council alongside selected members of The Future Awards Africa Team.

The awards event holds in August 2013.

Media Partners include Channels TV , Silverbird TV, Nigeria Info, TW, Ventures Africa & Guardian Life. Online Partners are BellaNaija, LindaIkejiBlog, Information Nigeria, Premium Times, 360Nobs, NND, LadunLiadiBlog, and Jobberman. Official Media Partners are Africa Magic, Cool FM, Wazobia FM and Y!/YNaija.com.

For more information, visit @TFAAfrica on Twitter or the website www.thefutureafrica.com/awards.

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NOMINATIONS FOR THE FUTURE AWARDS SEASON 8 CLOSES ON JUNE 18, 2013.

The Central Working Committee for The Future Awards, which is going Africa-wide this season, has announced that nominations for the 8th season comes to a close come Tuesday, June 18, 2013.

"Nominations for The Future Awards Season 8 has been open for about a month and so far we have received thousands of entries from young and inspiring Nigerians with amazing innovations and works," said Chude Jideonwo, who is executive director of The Future Project. "Following our calendar, our board of highly experienced judges are going to undergo sessions of intense decision making to certify persons who will make it into the nominations list that will be published in June."

The categories of The Future Awards Africa 2013 includes The Future Awards Prize in Advocacy & Activism, The Future Awards Prize in Science & Technology, The Future Awards Prize in Community Action, The Future Awards Prize in New Media. See full list HERE: http://www.thefutureafrica.com/awards/nominate .

You can nominate on www.thefutureafrica.com/awards/nominate or via telephone on 08022226712.

The awards are judged over a two-month period, supervised by a central working committee, a board of judges and an independent audit committee - an 8-year rigorous process with checks and balances that has produced many of Nigeria's most prominent young leaders in the past decade.

This edition is hosted in partnership with the youth office of the African Union Commission, based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and nominations for the awards' biggest prize, Young Person of the Year to be Africa-based nomination.

ACTIVITIES LEADING TO THE FUTURE AWARDS 2013 INCLUDE:

Release of Nominees List - Lagos, June 2013

The Future Business Master-Class - Lagos, June 2013

United States Consul-General hosts The Future Awards Nominees - Lagos, July 2013

Nigeria Leadership Initiative hosts The Future Awards Nominees - Lagos, July 2013

The event holds in August 2013. There will be no public voting for The Future Awards Africa 2013.

Media Partners include Channels Television, Punch Newspapers, Silverbird TV, Nigeria Info, BellaNaija, LindaIkejiBlog, Jobberman, Premium Times, 360Nobs, LadunLiadiBlog and Information Nigeria. Official Media Partners are Africa Magic, Venture Africa, TW, Cool FM, Wazobia FM and Y!/YNaija.com.

For more information, visit @TFAAfrica on Twitter or the website

The Future Awards Africa, Inspiration begins here.

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AS THE AFRICAN UNION TURNS 50, THE FUTURE AWARDS GOES CONTINENTA​L FOR SEASON 8!]

The Central Working Committee for The Future Awards has announced the formal calendar of activities for The Future Awards 2013, which is the 8th season of the awards – and the formal statement comes with a big announcement!

“It has been seven years of inspiring young Nigerian leaders across the country,” said Chude Jideonwo, who is executive director of The Future Project. “We have visited 23 states with the awards, the town hall meetings, conferences amongst others and we have touched thousands of lives. That legacy will remain.

“This year however, after visiting Ghana, South Africa and Ethiopia, we are excited to announce that The Future Awards will go continental for the first time – and this move is timed to coincide with the just-concluded 50th anniversary celebration of the African Union.”

This edition is hosted in partnership with the youth office of the African Union Commission, based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and nominations for the awards’ biggest prize, Young Person of the Year to be Africa-based.

“We are very proud of The Future Awards because it has always been based on performance and achievement,” said Dr. Raymonde Agossou, who is Head of the Division Human Resources and Youth Development of the African Union Commission. “Those values have remained intact and should always be.”

(WATCH NGOZI OKONJO-IWEALA, RAYMONDE AGOSSOU TONY O. ELUMELU, ONYEKA ONWENU, FRANK NWEKE & OTHERS SPEAK ABOUT THE FUTURE AWARDS 2013 HERE: http://thefutureafrica.com/awards/videos/)

(WATCH CHUDE JIDEONWO, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE FUTURE PROJECT, SPEAK ABOUT THE NOMINATIONS PROCESS HERE: http://www.thefuturenigeria.com/the-future-awards-2013/)

(SEE THE FULL LIST OF 16 CATEGORIES HERE: http://thefutureafrica.com/awards/nominate/)

ACTIVITIES LEADING TO THE FUTURE AWARDS 2013 INCLUDE:

Official Announcement of The Future Awards 2013 + Young Person of the Year: The Africa Prize – Addis Ababa, May 2013

Release of Nominees List – Lagos, June 2013

The Future Business Master-Class – Lagos, June 2013

United States Consul-General hosts The Future Awards Nominees – Lagos, July 2013

Nigeria Leadership Initiative hosts The Future Awards Nominees – Lagos, July 2013

“Nominations are now on,” said Jideonwo. “Please nominate any inspiring young Nigerians between 18 and 31 in the categories above by going to the website www.thefutureafrica.com/awards. Those without Internet access should call or SMS 08022226712. As this year’s campaign declares: Inspiration begins here!”

The event holds in August 2013. Judges will be officially unveiled in a statement next week. There will be no public voting for The Future Awards 2013.

Media Partners include Channels Television, Punch Newspapers, Silverbird TV, Nigeria Info, BellaNaija,LindaIkejiBlog, Premium Times, 360Nobs, LadunLiadiBlog and Jobberman. Official Media Partners are Africa Magic, Venture Africa, TW, Cool FM, Wazobia FM and Y!/YNaija.com.

For more information, visit @TFAAfrica on Twitter or the website www.thefutureafrica.com/awards.

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First Bank, Etisalat join sponsors for The Future Awards Symposium in Ekiti – This Weekend, April 5-7

The Central Working Committee for The Future Awards has announced the sponsors for this year’s edition of The Nigeria Symposium for Young & Emerging Leaders 2013 holding from April 5-7, and hosted by the Ekiti State Government. The sponsors are Etisalat and First Bank. The event holds at the Ikogosi Warm Springs Resort.

The theme for this year’s event is Project 2015: The Character of Our Involvement.

"We are happy to welcome these partners to join this event that will mentor and build the capacity of a new generation of leaders for governance in our nation in Ekiti," said the Governor of Ekiti, Dr. Kayode Fayemi. "We are excited that they will experience the beauty of the Ikogoai Warm Spring, and also that in its atmosphere of thought and perspective, the issues and actions that are important for our nation as we approach the 2015 elections are discussed purposively."

Also joining the Speakers are the Resident Electoral Commissioner for Ekiti, who is representing Professor Attahiru Jega who is chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission and Executive Director of the Center for Values in Leadership, Professor Pat Utomi.

Apart from the Keynote Speaker, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, who is Coordinating Minister of the Economy, other already announced speakers are Executive Governor of Edo; Olusegun Mimiko, Executive Governor of Ondo, amongst others.

EnoughisEnough Nigeria is also presenting a seminar on politics and political participation by young people. Panelists include Head of SME Banking at Stanbic Akintunde Oyebode, blogger and activist Japheth Omojuwa, and Special Assistant on Advocacy to the Sports Minister Ohimai Amaize.

"Building the capacity of a new generation of Nigerian leaders across board and across sectors is very important to us at First Bank," said Folake Ani-Mumuney, Head of Corporate Communication and Marketing at First Bank. "We have supported the Nigerian aspiration over the past century, and it is important that theconversation continues to be constructive and that young people are part of that conversation."

The 2013 edition of The Nigeria Symposium for Young & Emerging Leader is presented by The Future Project, in partnership with EnoughisEnough Nigeria. It is sponsored by Etisalat and First Bank, with support from Paradigm Initiative Nigeria and the Nigeria Leadership Initiative. Media partners are Channels Television, Silverbird TV, Cool FM, BellaNaija, Information Nigeria, NigeriaNewsdesk and LASAA. The official media partner is Y!/YNaija.com.

For more information about this event, please visit www.thefuturenigeria.com or follow The Future Project on Twitter @TFANigeria and on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/TheFutureAwards.

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Ngozi Okojo Iweala, Kayode Fayemi, Adams Oshimole & others lead the conversation at The Future Awards Symposium for Young and Emerging Leaders - See full list of speakers

Ngozi Okojo Iweala, Kayode Fayemi, Adams Oshimole & others lead the conversation at The Future Awards Symposium for Young and Emerging Leaders - See full list of speakers

The Central Working Committee of The Future Awards has announced the speakers for the 2nd edition of The Nigeria Symposium for Young & Emerging Leaders. The event holds from April 5 - 7 at the Ikogosi Warm Springs Resort, Ekiti hosted by the State Government.

The committee has also announced the theme for this year's event - Project 2015: The Character of Our Involvement.

 "The theme is crucial as young people define the nature of their engagement as we countdown to the 2015 General Elections," said 'Yemi Adamolekun, who is Executive Director of EnoughisEnough Nigeria, partners for the event. "2015 is barely 2 years away, and politicians, civil society organisations, the media and citizens need to identify their activeroles within the process. We are glad to partner with The Future Project."

Keynote Speech:

The Cost of Involvement: Why Your Generation Must Get Involved

Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Minister of Finance/Coordinating Minister of the Economy

Interactive Session:

It's over to you guys: A New Generation Must Take Responsibility

H. E. Olusegun Obasanjo, Former President of Nigeria

Panel I:

Getting Your Hands Dirty: A Practical Guide to Political Participation

Dr. Kayode Fayemi, Executive Governor of Ekiti

Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, Executive Governor of Delta

Rt. Hon. Rotimi Amaechi, Executive Governor of Rivers

Adams Oshiomhole, Executive Governor of Edo

Olusegun Mimiko, Executive Governor of Ondo

Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, Minister of Sports/Chairman of the National Sports Commission

Mallam Nasir el-Rufai, Former Minister of the FCT

Abdulmumuni Jibril, Chairman, House Committee on Finance

Tonye Cole, Executive Director, Sahara Group

Panel II:

This is Our Stand: Outlining the Steps for Engagement

Olusegun Dada (Y! Politico columnist)

Ohimai Godwin Amaize (Y! Politico columnist)

Michael Orodare (Y! Politico columnist)

Atom Lim (Y! Politico columnist)

Ife Adebayo (Y! Politico columnist)

Lai Labode (Y! Politico columnist)

Salihu Tanko-Yakasai (Y! Politico columnist)

Akintunde Oyebode (Y! FrontPage columnist)

Temie Giwa (Y! FrontPage columnist)

Japheth Omojuwa (Y! FrontPage columnist)

"We're encouraged by the excitement that young people across the country have expressed towards thisevent and look forward to Ekiti," said Chude Jideonwo, Executive Director of The Future Project. "This will be the event that formally kicks off the process of setting the agenda for young people in the 2015 elections, and it is important to get all sides into one room and chart a course for this generation. We are excited to be leading that."

The Nigeria Symposium for Young & Emerging Leaders, a platform leading from The Future Awards, is the next stage of its involvement in building a new generation of leaders to engage the nation's governance and economy through knowledge exchange and building of networks. Registration for the 2013 event ended on 22 March, 2013.

The 2013 edition is presented by The Future Project, in partnership with EnoughisEnough Nigeria. It is sponsored by Etisalat and First Bank, with support from Paradigm Initiative Nigeria and the Nigeria Leadership Initiative.

Media partners are Channels Television, Silverbird TV, Cool FM, BellaNaija, NigeriaNewsdesk and LASAA. Official media partner is Y!/YNaija.com.

For more information about this event, please visit www.thefuturenigeria.com or follow The Future Project on Twitter @TFANigeria and on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/TheFutureAwards.

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For those about to enter the job market: The Future Awards hosts fourth national enterprise conference

For those about to enter the job market: The Future Awards hosts fourth national enterprise conference

 … Also launches 2013 season of The Future Awards & tfess.com jobs app

Thousands of young Nigerians gathered on Saturday, January 26, 2012, to participate in the fourth edition of The Future National Enterprise Conference (formerly ‘The Do SomethingPre-Awards Conference). The event held at the Main Auditorium of the University of Lagos, Yaba.

An inspiring mix of celebrities, high-profile young professionals, and career veterans were present to interact with the attentive audience, as they shared their knowledge, experiences and gave advice on entering and surviving the workforce.

Targeted primarily at high school, undergraduate, and graduate students; current National Youth Service Corp (NYSC) members; as well as young adults currently in the job market, the programme was titled, ‘Our Generation Needs to Get to Work’. It was a forum for young people who are about to enter the job market to interact with professionals from a wide variety of industries — IT, journalism, medicine, entertainment, and more. The diversity of mentors spanned several key growth sectors in Nigeria; from the chief executive of television production company Inspire Africa, Mo Abudu, to an executive director with Nestlé, Iquo Ukoh.

Some speakers at the event were: Kola Oyeniyin from Venia Hub; Otto Orondaam of SLUM2School Project; actresses Stephanie Linus and Rita Domnic; cinematic director Kunle Afolayan; Ugochukwu Nwosu of Microsoft; Ola Orekunrin of Flying Doctors; Jason Njoku of Iroko TV, photographer Bayo Omoboriowo, Akintunde Oyebode who is Head of SME banking at Stanbic IBTC, Idiare Itimomo of Etisalat, TV journalist Adaure Achumba, writer and PR professional Toni Kan, advertising wiz Steve Babaeko, and designer Bridget Awosika. Also speaking was investigative journalist Idris Akinbajo, who was The Future Awards Young Person of the Year 2012.

The event was anchored by magazine editor and fashion designer Mai Atafo, alongside radio presenter Cynthia Kamalu.

It was a lively and highly interactive event, with participants on both sides of the stage and introduced the new format of the event.

 The speakers had plenty of insights to offer to the students, and many of them passed on key life-lessons they had obtained as they struggled to attain their dreams.

“At 25 I was talking business when my mates were speaking English,” Kola Oyeneyin told the audience.

“If you want to be anything tomorrow, work for someone for a year,” said Toni Kan.

Mo Abudu emphasised determination: “If you want to succeed, a lot of passion and obsession is involved and each time someone says no to you, someone else is about to say yes.”

“I am extremely proud of what we accomplished here,” said Chude Jideonwo, executive director for The Future Project. “This, is what The Future Project is all about; helping to shape the future of this country by creating platforms that assist the youth in the building of capacity, the opening up of opportunities and the driving of enterprise. For Nigeria to be transformed, our youth need to get to work.”

The event also featured the launch of The Future Enterprise Support Scheme (TFESS) website, www.tfess.com, a jobs and opportunities app/online community designed and predicated on assisting young Africans as they enter the workforce; providing information, skills enhancement, a community platform on the internet. With video tutorials, inspiring content, job-skill acquisition assistance and more, the website anchors The Future Project’s mission to build enterprise.

The Future Awards, flagship programme of The Future Project launched Season 8 at the event – with town halls meetings now to be held across the country leading to the grand televised event in August.

 The event was presented by The Future Project in conjunction with BlackBerry, Etisalat and the Start-Up Hub. Media support came from Silverbird, Channels TV, Cool FM, TV Continental, 360Nobs.com, BellaNaija.com, NigeriaNewsDesk and the Linda Ikeji Blog. The official media partner was Y!/YNaija.com.

More information is available on www.thefuturenigeria.com. TFESS can be accessed on www.tfess.com and via Twitter and Facebook on @TFESSAfrica.

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2FACE IDIBIA, RITA DOMINIC, LINDA IKEJI, MO ABUDU, FOLORUNSHO ALAKIJA & MORE! THE FUTURE AWARDS HOSTS NATIONAL ENTERPRISE CONFERENCE - SATURDAY, JANUARY 26, 2013

_--- includes practical sessions, science & technology section, career clinics & more_

The organisers of The Future Awards have announced the date of its annual conference (previously titled The Do-Something Pre-Awards Conference), convened to facilitate practical and direct knowledge exchange for young entrepreneurs, professionals, innovators and creatives.

 The renamed National Enterprise Conference, now in its fifth year, will hold on Saturday, January 26, 2013, at the main auditorium of University of Lagos, Yaba.

 "We usually have the conference a day before The Future Awards, but The Future Project decided to create an even more distinct identity for the gathering," said Chude Jideonwo, executive director for The Future Project. "We decided to push it as a stand-alone event so that it adds even more value separate from the Awards."

 Themed 'Our generation needs to get to work', several of the speakers slated to appear at the event are have been recognised by The Future Awards for their outstanding efforts in their respective fields, including: 2face Idibia, Rita Dominic, Stephanie Okereke, Ohimai Atafo, Omawumi Megbele, Bridget Awosika, Kelechi Amadi-Obi, Steve Babaeko, Kola Oyeneyin, Lamide Adedeji, Nse Ikpe-Etim, Funke Bucknor, and Linda Ikeji. Ugochukwu Nwosu from Microsoft and Ayodeji Adewunmi from Jobberman will join the speakers.

The event will also feature seasoned veterans and mentors including chairman of Channels Television John Momoh; chief executive of Inspire Africa Mo Abudu; cinema icons Joke Silva and Tunde Kelani; music icon Shina Peters; executive director with Nestlé Iquo Ukoh and group managing director, Folorunsho Alakija.

"What's great about this conference is that it also marks the launch of the eighth season of The Future Awards!" said Jideonwo. "Previously we had a shorter lead in of two to three months before the awards, but moving forward, we want the show to encompass as much of Nigeria as possible, extending our radius of effectiveness beyond the confines of Lagos and Abuja. To reach out to all those cities and communities, our town hall meetings will take 6 months. We're very excited to extend our reach and impact in 2013, starting now."

The event is presented by The Future Project in conjunction with BlackBerry, MTN and the Start-Up Hub. Media partners are Silverbird, Cool FM, TV Continental, 360Nobs.com and the Linda Ikeji Blog. The official media partner is Y!/YNaija.com.

 To register, call 07080168443, 07034951947 or email info@thefuturenigeria.com. For more information please visit our website at www.thefuturenigeria.com

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AN EVENING OF GLITZ AND GLAMOUR - FUTURE AWARDS [PORT HARCOURT]

Tonto Dike, Best Actor of The Future Awards 2012

The Season 7 of Nigeria’s premier youth awards event, The Future Awards, held on the 26th of August 2012 in the Garden City of Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital. Although this was the first time that the awards event was taken outside of Lagos, it wasn’t a disadvantage in any way, as the organisers (The Future Project) and the host (Government of Rivers State) put together an unforgettable show. The Future Awards which was tagged “Tear Down these Walls”, brought together very important personalities including former World Bank Vice President, Obiageli Ezekwesili, Rivers State Deputy Governor, Tele Ikuru, Commissioner for Information, Ibim Seminatari, Commissioner for Agriculture, Emmanuel Chinda, Chairman of Heirs Holdings, Tony Elumelu, and many others.

August 25th
6am: Nominees and other guests from Lagos began to troop into the Murtala Mohammed Airport Lagos for their flight to Port Harcourt.

10.30am: First set of out-of-state guests for The Future Awards arrived at the Port Harcourt International Airport, Omagwa. Guests, who attended The Future Awards, came in from more than ten states of the federation.

6pm: Nominees and other guests were hosted in a brief cocktail event by the Deputy Governor of Rivers, Engr. Tele Ikuru, at the Rivers State Government House. Also present at that ceremony were commissioners in the state’s executive council, as well as other top government functionaries. Engr. Ikuru, who was representing the state’s governor, Rt. Hon Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi, who was out of the country, welcomed all the guests, especially the nominees, and expressed excitement at hosting the future of the country in Rivers State.

Denrele Edun, Winner of TFA 2012, OAP (Television) Award

Executive Director of The Future Awards Project, Chude Jideonwo, at The Future Awards 2012, Port Harcourt, Rivers

August 26th:
8am: Out-of-state guests were taken on a tour of Rivers State by a high level executive team led by the gracious Commissioner of Information, Ibim Seminatari; the Commissioner of Power, Augustine Nwokocha; Commissioner of Agriculture, Emmanuel Chinda; Chief Executive in charge of the State’s Primary Health care centres, Dr. (Mrs) Claribel Abam, and the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education.

The tour which lasted for up to six hours saw the nominees visit the Rivers State Dental and Maxillofacial Clinic; State school, Elekahia; Primary Health Centre, Elekahia and Model Secondary School, Eleme. Participants were wowed by the facilities and the world class standards to which the governor aspired in providing them. The tour also took participants to the Songhai Farm, the Afam Power plant, and Banana plantation in Tai (a PPP with a Mexican firm.)

4pm: Keynote address by the Chairman of Heirs Holding and one of Africa’s most influential entrepreneurs, Mr. Tony O. Elumelu MFR, at The Atrium, Stadium Road, Port Harcourt. Elumelu spoke on the topic, “Tear down these walls.” The former UBA boss listed sacrifice, hardwork, and tenacity as the necessities for entrepreneurial success. He also revealed during his speech that he plans to begin an hour long mentoring session on twitter once in every month.

8:30pm: The Future Awards event kicked off at Aztech Arcun Events Centre on Stadium Road, Port Harcourt. It was an unforgettable evening of glamour, beauty, and celebration of excellence. Guests walked the green carpet with aplomb. The show was hosted by Tinsel Star, Gideon Okeke and top female musician, Waje. Present at the occasion were Big Brother Star, Uti Nwachukwu, Channel O VJ, Denrele Edun, Host of Nigerian Idol, Ill Rymz, and his Project Fame counterpart, Adaora Oleh. Also present were top blogger Linda Ikeji, OC Ukeje, Toolz, Andre Blaze, Chidinma, Ruby, Tosin Martins, and many more.

Idris Akinbanjo, Young Person of th Year 2012

Muma Gee performing at TFA 2012

Nominees for Young Person of the year 2012 with Obiageli Ezekwesili and the Deputy Governor of Rivers State

Waje and Gideon Okeke, Hosts of TFA 2012

Entertainers who thrilled guests on the night include Timi Dakolo, Bez, Muma-Gee, Dan the Humorous, and Denrele. Timi Dakolo also premiered his latest video “Great Nation” at the event.

The big winner for the night was Idris Akinbajo, the investigative journalist and multiple award winner, who beat other strong contenders like Psquare, Banky W, Raheem Bello, D’banj, Linda Ikeji, Jason Njoku, and Chinwe Njoku to emerge as The Future Awards Young Person of the Year 2012. The Young Person of the Year Award is the most coveted of all the awards given on any TFA night.

Other winners include Tonto Dikeh (Actor of the Year), Babafemi Oyediran (Best Use of Advocacy), Gidi Traffic (Best Use of New Media), Bayo Omoboriowo (Creative Artiste of the year), and Toju Foyeh (Designer of the Year).

Tolu Oniru 'Toolz, Winner of TFA 2012 OAP (Radio) Award

Others are Hadiza Abdullahi (Excellence in Service - Government), Alkasim Abdulkadir (Excellence in Service - Journalism), Ngozi Nkwoji (Excellence in Service - Corporate), Seun Onigbinde (Innovator of the Year -Science and Technology ), Otto Orondaam (Innovator of the Year - Education), Ola Orekunrin (Entrepreneur of the Year - General), Tochukwu Ikpegbu (Entrepreneur of the Year - Agriculture), Uyi Omokaro (Entrepreneur of the Year - Communication and Media), Michael Collins (Entrepreneur of the Year - Entertainment), and Jason Njoku (Entrepreneur of the Year - Technology).

The winner of the On-Air-Personality (Radio) award was Tolu ‘Toolz’ Oniru, On-Air-Personality (TV) was Denrele Edun, the Musician of the Year was Wizkid, Producer of the Year (Music ) was Jeremiah ‘J. Sleek’ Shelika and the Producer of the Year (Screen) award went to Clarence Peters .

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An evening of glitz and glamour as The Future Awards tears down the walls in Port Harcourt

An evening of glitz and glamour as The Future Awards tears down the walls in Port Harcourt.

The Season 7 of Nigeria’s premier youth awards event, The Future Awards, held on the 26th of August 2012 in the Garden City of Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital. Although this was the first time that the awards event was taken outside of Lagos, it wasn’t a disadvantage in any way, as the organisers (The Future Project) and the host (Government of Rivers State) put together an unforgettable show.

The Future Awards which was tagged “Tear Down these Walls”, brought together very important personalities including former World Bank Vice President, Obiageli Ezekwesili, Rivers State Deputy Governor, Tele Ikuru, Commissioner for Information, Ibim Seminatari, Commissioner for Agriculture, Emmanuel Chinda, Chairman of Heirs Holdings, Tony Elumelu, and many others.

August 25th
6am: Nominees and other guests from Lagos began to troop into the Murtala Mohammed Airport Lagos for their flight to Port Harcourt.

10.30am: First set of out-of-state guests for The Future Awards arrived at the Port Harcourt International Airport, Omagwa. Guests, who attended The Future Awards, came in from more than ten states of the federation.

6pm: Nominees and other guests were hosted in a brief cocktail event by the Deputy Governor of Rivers, Engr. Tele Ikuru, at the Rivers State Government House. Also present at that ceremony were commissioners in the state’s executive council, as well as other top government functionaries. Engr. Ikuru, who was representing the state’s governor, Rt. Hon Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi, who was out of the country, welcomed all the guests, especially the nominees, and expressed excitement at hosting the future of the country in Rivers State.


August 26th:
8am: Out-of-state guests were taken on a tour of Rivers State by a high level executive team led by the gracious Commissioner of Information, Ibim Seminatari; the Commissioner of Power, Augustine Nwokocha; Commissioner of Agriculture, Emmanuel Chinda; Chief Executive in charge of the State’s Primary Health care centres, Dr. (Mrs) Claribel Abam, and the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education.

The tour which lasted for up to six hours saw the nominees visit the Rivers State Dental and Maxillofacial Clinic; State school, Elekahia; Primary Health Centre, Elekahia and Model Secondary School, Eleme. Participants were wowed by the facilities and the world class standards to which the governor aspired in providing them. The tour also took participants to the Songhai Farm, the Afam Power plant, and Banana plantation in Tai (a PPP with a Mexican firm.)

4pm: Keynote address by the Chairman of Heirs Holding and one of Africa’s most influential entrepreneurs, Mr. Tony O. Elumelu MFR, at The Atrium, Stadium Road, Port Harcourt. Elumelu spoke on the topic, “Tear down these walls.” The former UBA boss listed sacrifice, hardwork, and tenacity as the necessities for entrepreneurial success. He also revealed during his speech that he plans to begin an hour long mentoring session on twitter once in every month.

8:30pm: The Future Awards event kicked off at Aztech Arcun Events Centre on Stadium Road, Port Harcourt. It was an unforgettable evening of glamour, beauty, and celebration of excellence. Guests walked the green carpet with aplomb. The show was hosted by Tinsel Star, Gideon Okeke and top female musician, Waje. Present at the occasion were Big Brother Star, Uti Nwachukwu, Channel O VJ, Denrele Edun, Host of Nigerian Idol, Ill Rymz, and his Project Fame counterpart, Adaora Oleh. Also present were top blogger Linda Ikeji, OC Ukeje, Toolz, Andre Blaze, Chidinma, Ruby, Tosin Martins, and many more.

Entertainers who thrilled guests on the night include Timi Dakolo, Bez, Muma-Gee, Dan the Humorous, and Denrele. Timi Dakolo also premiered his latest video “Great Nation” at the event.

The big winner for the night was Idris Akinbajo, the investigative journalist and multiple award winner, who beat other strong contenders like Psquare, Banky W, Raheem Bello, D’banj, Linda Ikeji, Jason Njoku, and Chinwe Njoku to emerge as The Future Awards Young Person of the Year 2012. The Young Person of the Year Award is the most coveted of all the awards given on any TFA night.

Other winners include Tonto Dikeh (Actor of the Year), Babafemi Oyediran (Best Use of Advocacy), Gidi Traffic (Best Use of New Media), Bayo Omoboriowo (Creative Artiste of the year), and Toju Foyeh (Designer of the Year).

Others are Hadiza Abdullahi (Excellence in Service - Government), Alkasim Abdulkadir (Excellence in Service - Journalism), Ngozi Nkwoji (Excellence in Service - Corporate), Seun Onigbinde (Innovator of the Year -Science and Technology ), Otto Orondaam (Innovator of the Year - Education), Ola Orekunrin (Entrepreneur of the Year - General), Tochukwu Ikpegbu (Entrepreneur of the Year - Agriculture), Uyi Omokaro (Entrepreneur of the Year - Communication and Media), Michael Collins (Entrepreneur of the Year - Entertainment), and Jason Njoku (Entrepreneur of the Year - Technology).

The winner of the On-Air-Personality (Radio) award was Tolu ‘Toolz’ Oniru, On-Air-Personality (TV) was Denrele Edun, the Musician of the Year was Wizkid, Producer of the Year (Music ) was Jeremiah ‘J. Sleek’ Shelika and the Producer of the Year (Screen) award went to Clarence Peters.

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Watch The Future Awards LIVE on Sunday - See details

The Central Working Committee of The Future Awards is pleased to announce that The Future Awards 2012 holding in Port Harcourt, will be aired live.

Viewers unable to be invited can Log on to www.ynaija.com/thefutureawards to be a part of the most anticipated event this season. The awards will be aired on Sunday, August 26 from 2pm.

"We're excited that millions can be able to be inspired real time by this evening," said Ohimai Atafo, who is head of the committee. "From the performances to the conversations, this is well- choreographed to showcase the best of our country. We look forward to seeing you!"

The Future Awards 2012 is hosted by the Rivers State Government, with support from Access Bank, Microsoft, and Notore. Media partners are Channels TV, Silverbird TV, TVContinental, Wazobia FM, Nigeria Info, BellaNaija, 360Nobs, LindaIkejiBlog, Jobberman, Premium Times, NET, TW, Complete Fashion, and FAB. Officialmedia partners are Africa Magic, Cool FM, and Y! (www.ynaija.com).

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COUNTDOWN TO THE FUTURE AWARDS! AFTER VOTING AND JUDGING, SEE WHO MADE THE 2012 SHORTLIST

Genevieve Nnaji,
Young Person Of The Year 2010 Winner

Few days to The Future Awards 2012, holding in Port Harcourt, Rivers State this weekend, 25 and 26 August, the Central Working Committee (CWC) has unveiled the shortlist of 5 people per category for the Awards. “It’s, as usual, been an intense eight weeks,” says Chude Jideonwo, who is Executive Director of The Future Project. “After the nominations, there was the process of administering nomination forms, where we also interviewed the nominees, secured references, conducted independent research, and held random inspections of books, finances, and so on.

We also got evidence of all the nominees’ ages and had a two-week period for any complaints from the public. Simultaneous with voting, the Board of Judges - 30 young media influencers from across the country – sat for a full day and produced the shortlist, which goes to the Independent Audit Committee. The names will then return to the Board of Judges who will choose the final winners.”

Members of the Independent Audit Committee include TV host Mo Abudu, external relations director of the Nigeria LNG, SieneAlwell-Brown, politician Jimi Agbaje, Stanbic IBTC director YemiOsindero, LEAP Africa founder NdidiNwuneliamongst others.

Tony O. Elumelu, MFR

Finalists and winners of each category will be unveiled at The Future Awards 2012 this weekend, where the KeynoteSpeaker is one of Africa’s most influential entrepreneurs,Chairman of Heirs Holdings and the Founderof the Tony Elumelu Foundation, Tony O. Elumelu (MFR).Elumelu was Group Chief Executive Officer of United Bank for Africa Plc.

“Sadly, many nominees did not fill their forms, perhaps assuming – despite emphasis to the contrary – that voting alone would progress them to the next stage,” Jideonwo noted. “Many of those nominees, without publicly verifiable information, lost out when they got to the judges table. The awards insist on the highest standards of transparency, and while the process can be tedious and time-consuming for the nominees, it is an ultimately rewarding exercise and crucial to choose the very best.”

The Future Awards 2012 is hosted by the Rivers State Government, with support from Access Bank, Diamond Bank, Microsoft, and Notore. Media partners are Media Partners for the event are Channels TV, Silverbird TV, TVContinental, Wazobia FM, Nigeria Info, BellaNaija, 360Nobs,LindaIkejiBlog, Jobberman, Premium Times, NET, TW, Complete Fashion, andFAB.Officialmedia partners are Africa Magic, Cool FM, and Y! (www.ynaija.com).

The event can be watched live from 2pm on the Sunday, the 26th on www.ynaija.com/thefutureawards.

NOMINEE LIST

CHANGE

BEST USE OF ADVOCACY
Olumide Makanjuola (The Initiative for Equal Rights)
Adamma Umeofia (WeBuilt: Nigeria)
Chizoba Imoka Unveiling Africa Foundation)
Priscilla Usiobaifo (BraveHeart Initiative)
Babafemi Oyediran (Rural Enterprise Development Project)

BEST USE OF NEW MEDIA
Japheth Omojuwa, @Gidi_Traffic, EdiongsenyaneUmoh (NigeriaNewsDesk), #SaveOke, NmachiJidenma

CREATIVITY

CREATIVE ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Obi Somto (Photographer)
Bayo Omoboriowo (Photographer)
Imole Balogun (Photographer)
Remi Adegbite (Photographer)
Mohammed Abbagana (Painter)

DESIGNER OF THE YEAR
Adebisi Anita (MsMakor)
Olorunyomi OmoniyiMakun (Yomi Casuals)
Toluwaloju Olowofoyeku (TojuFoyeh)
RukkyLadoja/Obi Obi/TolaAyanwale (Grey)
Ugonna Omeruo (House of Nwocha)

EXCELLENCE IN SERVICE
EXCELLENCE IN SERVICE –PUBLIC
Ohimai Amaize (Ministry of Sports)
Akin Rotimi (Ekiti State Government)
Banks Omisore (National Assembly)
John GomilukOtokwala(Securities and Exchange Commission)
Hadiza Abdullahi (MDG Office, The Presidency)

EXCELLENCE IN SERVICE - JOURNALISM
Chiemelie Ezeobi (Thisday)
Alkasim Abdulkadir (CNN)
Toyosi Ogunseye (The Punch)
Oluyinka Ezekiel Adeparusi (National Mirror)
Tomi Oladipo (BBC)

EXCELLENCE IN SERVICE - CORPORATE
Adim Isiakpona (HP)
Seyi Ogunro (Banwo&Ighodalo)
Ngozi Nkwoji (Nigerian Breweries Plc)
Tomiwa Adesida (Sahara Group)
Kayode Jegede (General Manager, Head of Facilities Management, Deux Project)

INNOVATION
Ahmed Mukoshy (Yarnable)
Olumide Adewunmi (Gidilounge)
Zubair Abubakar (Constitution App)
Seun Onigbinde (BudgIT)
Raheem Temitope Bello (GeoUtill)

INNOVATOR OF THE YEAR (EDUCATION)
Tolulope Sangosanya (LOTS)
Gossy Ukanwoke (Beni Online University)
Iyinoluwa Aboyeji (Bookneto)
Adebayo Adegbembo(ASA)
Otto Orondaam (Slum2School)

ENTREPRENEURSHIP

ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR (GENERAL)
Kola Oyeneyin (Venia Business Hub)
Titus and Tobias Igwe(Speedmeals Mobile Kitchen)
Aisha Maina (Aquarian Consult)
Ola Orekunrin (Flying Doctors Nigeria)
Ladi Delano (Bakrie Delano Africa)

ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR (AGRICULTURE)
AjoKunnuho John (Animal husbandry)
Omoteso Sogo Ayodele (Piggery/Fishery/Poulty)
Tochukwu Ikpegbu (Jaeet Nigeria)
Olukayode Adeoye (Whails and Chase)
Fawolu Taiwo (Abivict Farms)

ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR (COMMUNICATION& MEDIA)
Julie Odia (WOW!)
Uyi Omokaro (DM2)
Komolafe Adeshola (Media Insight)
Samuel Olatunji (Big Sam Media)
Funmilade Alalade (Elev8)

ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR (ENTERTAINMENT)
Davido (HKN)
Keke Hammond (Flytime Productions)
Michael Ajereh (Mo’Hits/Mavin)
Cobams Asuquo (CAMP)
Clarence Peters (CAPital)

ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR (TECHNOLOGY)
Ayodeji Adewunmi/OpeyemiAwoyemi/OlalekanOlude (Jobberman)
Jason Njoku (Iroko TV)
Eno Essien (Rheytrack)
Temi Kolawole (Antigravity)
Femi Alade (Pliris Mobile)

ENTERTAINMENT

ON-AIR PERSONALITY

Radio
Oladotun Kayode (Cool FM), Twitwi (Wazobia FM), Nike Adewuyi (Splash FM). Tolu“Toolz) Oniru (Beat FM), Mazino (Smooth FM)

TV
Dolapo Oni (Studio 53), Denrele Edun (Channel O), Uti Nwachukwu (Jara), Illrymz (Nigerian Idol), Maupe Ogun (Channels TV)

MUSICIAN OF THE YEAR
Davido, Wizkid, Ice Prince, Flavour, Bez

ACTOR OF THE YEAR
Ini Edo, Tonto Dike, Okechukwu“OC” Ukeje, Ivie Okujaye, Gideon Okeke

PRODUCER OF THE YEAR
Music
D/tunes, SamKlef, DJ Klem, Legendary Beats, J. Sleek

PRODUCER OF THE YEAR

Screen
Clarence Peters, Victor Sanchez Aghahowa, Onye Ubanatu, Ladi Odebunmi, Anietie James Ekins

YOUNG PERSON OF THE YEAR
Bankole Wellington (Banky W)
Dapo Oyebanjo (D’banj)
Jason Njoku
Peter and Paul Okoye (Psquare)
Linda Ikeji
Chinwe Njoku
Idris Akinbanjo
Raheem Temitope Bello

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