Ezekiel Adamu wins the Mandela Award in Italy for his remarkable contribution to African sports, youth empowerment, and cultural development.

Ezekiel Adamu Mandela Award — The Chief Executive Officer of Balmoral Group Promotions, Dr Ezekiel Adamu, has been honoured with the Mandela Award for Contribution to African Sports and Youth Engagement.

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The award, presented at a gala event in Bari, Italy, celebrates Dr Adamu’s visionary leadership and his dedication to empowering young Africans through sports, culture, and creative enterprise.

Organisers praised him for his “exceptional leadership in inspiring young Nigerians to achieve their goals, reach their full potential, and create opportunities for growth and development.”

Dr Adamu’s work has been instrumental in elevating African sports on the global stage. Most notably, he promoted the high-profile boxing event “Chaos in the Ring,” held in Lagos on Nigeria’s Independence Day, 1 October 2025. The event, featuring both local and international fighters, was hailed as the biggest boxing spectacle ever staged in Nigeria.

Upon receiving the award, Dr Adamu expressed gratitude to his team and dedicated the honour to African athletes.

“I’m truly honoured to be recognised under a name that represents determination, courage, faith, and love,” he said. “This award belongs to the athletes who fight for their dreams and freedom. The journey is just beginning for Africa — expect our world champions to emerge soon.”

Highlighting the continent’s vast potential, he noted that “Africa has a population of 1.4 billion people, and 70 percent are youth between 16 and 35. The future of sports and leadership belongs to them.”

Ndileka Mandela, social activist and eldest grandchild of Nelson Mandela, reflected on the award’s spirit of purpose and service.

“True purpose is found in uplifting others — using our gifts, our voice, and our time to light the path for those who come after us,” she said.

Fashion entrepreneur Taiwo Meghoma echoed the sentiment, noting that life’s true measure lies not in accumulation but in impact.

“Life is not measured by what we gain, but by what we give,” she remarked. “This award reminds us of the power of giving back.”

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Through his ongoing projects, Ezekiel Adamu continues to inspire a generation of African youth to dream boldly, act courageously, and redefine the continent’s narrative through sports and culture.