Events

Nominations open for 2024 CEOs network Africa awards honouring young African leaders

Published

2 years ago

October 30, 2024

CEOs Network Africa 2024 Gala and Awards

CEOs Network Africa opens nominations for its 2024 Awards, celebrating young African leaders in art, culture, and innovation on December 15.

CEOs Network Africa, a leading platform dedicated to celebrating African business leaders, has launched the nomination process for its 2024 Gala and Dinner Night, set to take place on December 15 at the State House Banquet Hall, Presidential Villa, Abuja.

The prestigious event will honour exceptional young leaders and innovators driving Africa’s economic and social transformation.

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The Chairperson of the Awards Committee, Ayo Adeagbo, who also serves as Special Assistant to the President on Art, Culture, and Creative Economy, highlighted the awards’ role in spotlighting Africa’s talent.

“The CEOs Awards have always been about recognising young talent pushing boundaries and creating impact,” Adeagbo noted, emphasising the event’s commitment to celebrating Africa’s future leaders.

Now in its sixth year, the CEOs Network Africa Awards have established themselves as a mark of distinction, showcasing remarkable achievements across a wide range of industries.

This year’s theme, “Celebrating Art, Culture, and the Creative Economy,” reflects a dedication to honouring the creative spirit propelling Africa’s development.

Founder of CEOs Network Africa, Alli-Bob Cinwon, expressed enthusiasm over a new partnership with the Presidency.

“Our collaboration with the Office of the Special Adviser to the President on Art, Culture, and the Creative Economy reflects a shared vision for supporting Africa’s innovation, creativity, and economic progress,” Cinwon said.

He added, “We’re thrilled to honour these exceptional individuals and amplify their contributions, which inspire others and drive Africa’s progress.”

The 2024 Awards will feature multiple categories open to public nominations and voting, as well as special recognition categories that accept nominations but exclude public voting.

The award organisers encourage broad participation, with Ayo Adeagbo urging, “Your nominations are essential! I encourage everyone to take part in this initiative, as recognising these outstanding leaders is crucial for inspiring future generations.”

The CEOs Network Africa Gala and Dinner Night aims to unite and celebrate young talents whose efforts drive positive change and elevate Africa’s profile globally.

With a special focus on art, culture, and the creative economy, the event promises to inspire and celebrate the continent’s brightest leaders and innovators.

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Culture

WAKE UP! Art Exhibition Returns for a Second Act

Published

2 weeks ago

August 27, 2026

Mariam Balogun

The contemporary art and photography exhibition “Wake Up!” is back again for a second edition.

Curated by Awele Onwordi, Wake Up! 2 exhibition pays homage to the Nigerian youth and burgeoning street culture which many of its contributing artists reference in their works.

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Titled “Young, Wild, Free”, the exhibition celebrates the creativity, resilience, freedom and cultural influence found in Nigerian youth.

Taking aim at societal issues and economic concerns, the exhibit reflects the youth and their refusal to compromise or bow despite all the challenges stacked against them while charting youth culture through art, music, fashion, skateboarding, photography and community.

The exhibition will be held, once again, at the Angel and Muse Gallery at 25 Sumbo Jibowu street off Ribadu Road off Awolowo Road in Ikoyi.

It will open on Saturday 5 September 2026 and will run until 11 September 2026
This second edition which focuses on celebrating, nurturing and exploring artistic practices rooted in youth and street culture will feature works from DENCITY and SUPERGLIDER HOUSE.

Exhibiting artists include Ajilore Kehinde – their work is deeply influenced by Nigerian street culture and works of other artists like Slawn, Peters Ejiro, etc, Chuka Onwordi – graphic designer who embodies themes of death, melancholy and beauty in his works, ZIDYEP – Abuja based creative whose works move between digital and physical spaces through art, graphic design and air brushing , Franklyn Okoye – graphic designer and artist whose works explore themes of identity and hyper-reality, Awele Onwordi – founder & curator of WAKE UP and multidisciplinary artist whose practice spans character art, creative logo design, album covers and more , Oluchi Kogolo – digital illustrator whose work explores street culture, personality and storytelling through a raw and playful visual style and Kozetuo Apeji – multidisciplinary artists who work explores experimental approaches to problem solving through both digital and traditional art forms.

Commenting on the exhibition in her curatorial statement, Awele noted that “despite economic instability, limited opportunities and socio-political challenges, Nigerian youth continue to shape culture through music, fashion, art, skateboarding, raves, photography and community.”

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Continuing and harping on the raison d’etre of the exhibition she said, “Young, Wild and Free exists to celebrate Nigerian youth while also creating a platform that supports and amplifies them.”