The 2025 Anambra Man of the Year Awards honoured 40 individuals for their outstanding contributions to society, showcasing integrity, service, and innovation

The Anambra Man of the Year (AMTY) Awards held a glittering ceremony at Stanel Dome in Awka, Anambra State, on [insert date], recognising 40 distinguished philanthropists and individuals for their exceptional contributions to human capital development and societal progress.

Now in its fourth edition, the prestigious event brought together a myriad of dignitaries, industry leaders, and public figures, celebrating outstanding achievements across various sectors.

The AMTY Awards, which aim to inspire integrity and greatness among Anambrarians, served as a platform to acknowledge the remarkable work of individuals who have had a positive impact on their communities.

The AMTY Awards celebrated achievements in numerous categories, including Best Investor of the Year, Award for Social Impact, Media Icon of the Year, and the coveted Lifetime Achievement Award, among others. These categories emphasized values such as service, innovation, and dedication to societal betterment.

Notable recipients of the awards included:

– **Lady Ada Chukwudozie**, Chairperson of Keystone Group and South East Chairperson of the Manufacturer Association of Nigeria (MAN)

– **Prof. Charles Okechukwu Esimone**, former Vice Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka

– **Prof. Joe Ezigbo**, Founder of Falcon Corporation Limited

– **Chief Dr. Azubuike Austin Ekweozor**, Provost of the Federal College of Education (Technical) Umunze

– **Ngozi Ezeonu**, celebrated Nollywood actress

– **Iken Mazeli**, highlife music artist

– **Prof. Benjamin Ozumba**, former Vice Chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka

– **Queen Theresa Ofojie Ojialo**

– **Mr. John Onuigbo**

– **Emeka Monye**, among others.

The event saw these accomplished individuals recognized for their extraordinary work in business, education, entertainment, and social development, making a tangible difference in their communities.

In his opening address, Mr. Chiedu Okafor, Co-founder of the AMTY Awards, explained that the initiative was designed to honour individuals whose contributions have made a lasting positive impact on society.

He emphasized that the awards are apolitical and serve to highlight the extraordinary work being done by Anambrarians in various sectors.

“The AMTY Awards were conceived in 2020 as a response to the commercialization of awards, which can undermine their integrity.

We wanted to create a system that truly celebrates excellence, as exemplified by the winners tonight, who have significantly transformed their communities,” Okafor stated.

The selection process for the awards involved a rigorous online voting system, open to stakeholders within the Igbo community worldwide, alongside a thorough evaluation of the nominees’ achievements.

Okafor extended his gratitude to **Engr. Barth Nwibe**, the primary sponsor of the event, and acknowledged the support of **Governor Chukwuma Soludo**, whose leadership has helped foster a conducive environment for initiatives like the AMTY Awards.

The ceremony was chaired by **Dr. Chike Obidigbo (Osisioma Igbo)**, a respected investment consultant, whose presence added prestige and gravitas to the event.

Award recipients expressed deep appreciation for the recognition, noting that it would inspire them to continue their efforts in advancing community development.

Many winners spoke of how the awards serve as a motivation to further their work, ensuring that their efforts in business, education, entertainment, and philanthropy will continue to benefit Anambra State and Nigeria at large.

The AMTY Awards have become a cornerstone event in Anambra, and the 2025 edition showcased the transformative power of individuals dedicated to improving society through integrity, service, and innovation.

The Baba Aladuras of the Cherubim and Seraphim Movement Church inaugurates new ICOP executives, focusing on spiritual growth and national unit

The Baba Aladuras and spiritual heads of the Cherubim and Seraphim Movement Church Worldwide (CSMC) have formally inaugurated a new executive for the Church’s International Council of Prophets (ICOP) in a ceremony that marks a significant milestone for the religious community.

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In his inauguration address, His Grace, Prophet Emmanuel Abiodun Alogbo, the Baba Aladura, urged the newly appointed executive to seek out fresh opportunities and leverage innovative ideas that will enhance the Church’s spiritual growth.

He emphasised the importance of these efforts not only for the Church but for the wider Christian community.

The Baba Aladura also highlighted the critical role of prayer, directing the ICOP to pray for the peace and stability of the nation.

His specific mention of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and other government officials underlined the Church’s commitment to supporting leadership through prayer.

Conference Supervising Prophet, Sp/Ap Pro Joel Adeniran, expressed his gratitude to the Church’s leadership for entrusting the new executive with this responsibility.

He assured attendees that the programmes and activities of the new ICOP would align closely with the Church’s broader vision for spiritual development.

As a central part of the Church’s mission, the ICOP will lead the way in initiating and coordinating prayer programmes aimed at fostering deeper spiritual growth within the Church.

One of their key priorities will be to review and update the ethics and practice guidelines for prophets and prophetesses within the movement, ensuring that all members adhere to the highest standards of conduct.

Looking ahead, the Conference Supervising Prophet also mentioned the forthcoming Annual Mount Horeb Ascension, an important spiritual event for the Church.

He encouraged both Church members and the general public to take part in this year’s Mount Horeb programme, marking it as a pivotal moment for spiritual engagement and community building.

The new ICOP leadership is expected to play an essential role in shaping the future of the Cherubim and Seraphim Movement Church, ensuring that the organisation continues to thrive spiritually and contribute positively to the wider community.

The Royal Oath at Africana Experience Live 2025 celebrated African culture, fashion, and storytelling, setting a new standard for global fashion

The Africana Experience Live 2025 took the fashion world by storm with its groundbreaking production, *The Royal Oath*. More than just a fashion show, it was a powerful celebration of African heritage, craftsmanship, and collaboration, setting the stage for a new era in cultural storytelling through fashion.

The event brought together Africa’s most esteemed creatives and cultural enthusiasts, creating a dynamic convergence that reaffirmed the belief that true prosperity lies in delivering excellence.

With a production that captured the grandeur of the Benin Kingdom, *The Royal Oath* was a masterful simulation of a royal wedding, immersing the audience in a rich narrative woven with history and tradition.

The showcase went beyond the expected, offering collections inspired by multiple African kingdoms, including Urhobo, Arewa, Yoruba, Igbo, Senegalese, Malian, and Ivorian cultures. This Pan-African experience created a rich tapestry that highlighted the diversity and unity of the continent.

A moment of particular significance came when Nigeria’s Honorable Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, took to the stage.

She commended the production, stating, “This is a show that deserves to be taken to the global stage.” The Minister emphasized the importance of storytelling from an African perspective and pledged the Ministry’s support for promoting Nigerian culture globally.

She also acknowledged the vital role that fashion and the arts play in strengthening national identity.

The evening’s spectacle was enhanced by the regal attire of Africana’s community, who fully embraced the African Royalty dress code.

Their presence transformed the venue into a living gallery of African tradition, further reinforcing that fashion is more than just clothing—it is an expression of identity and pride.

The response to *The Royal Oath* from attendees and social media has been overwhelming, underscoring its impact and resonance. With its global-standard production, the event has firmly established itself as a defining moment in African fashion, igniting conversations about the future of cultural storytelling.

The visionaries behind the event—Charles Oronsaye (Executive Producer & Founder of Africana), Ifidon Oisamoje (Creative Director), Tonye Hart (Show Producer), and Adesuwa Oronsaye (Theatre Producer)—along with a talented team of designers, filmmakers, and creatives, have set a new benchmark for African fashion presentations.

As Africana moves forward, the legacy of *The Royal Oath* signals that this is only the beginning, with more exciting chapters in the works to further elevate African culture and fashion on the global stage.