The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea played host to the Inaugural Women4Africa Awards ceremony, led by Madam Deputy Mayor Councillor Mrs Elizabeth Rutherford.
Saturday the 19th of May 2012, commenced with a Royal Start as African Princesses from over 15 different African countries came together to celebrate the Best of African Women. Excited delegates from the USA and Nigeria and Ghana also joined us on the night. Founders Sam & Tola Onigbanjo put together a ‘World Class’ event that had over 600 attendees. Over 15 African countries were represented in attendance on the night.
Apart from the amazing array of traditional outfits and the excited nominees, the Great Hall Kensington was decorated especially for the awards.
Amongst those who attended the event were The Acting Nigerian High Commissioner, His Excellency Ambassador O.K Lawal and Wife, The Ugandan High Commissioner, Her Excellency Mrs Joan Rwabyomere, Deputy Mayor of Kensington Councillor Mrs Elizabeth Rutherford, Nollywood Actress Stella Damasus, Sierra Leone High Commissioner His Excellency Mr Edward M Turay, Met Police officer Africa Desk Caroline Taunton, Her Excellency Ambassador Dr Mokowa Blay Adu-Gyamfi, Richard Taylor OBE, Isha Johansen of FC Johansen, Business Angel and City Business Leader Gita Patel, Jennifer Ogole CEO of BANG-Edutainment, Adebayo Jones Celebrity Designer and many others.
The awards categories and winners were:
1. Make up Artist – Christelle Kedi – Cameroon
2. Business Woman – Mavis Amankwah – Ghana
3. Author/Blogger – Aminatta Forna – Sierra Leone
4. Media Professional – Lola Ogunbadejo – Nigeria
5. Young Achiever – Barbara Soetan
6. Outstanding Mother – Atiti Sosimi – Nigeria, Niina Kabesa – DRC Congo, Roucheon Iloyi – Zimbabwe
7. Entreprenuer – Mavis Amankwah – Ghana
8. Educator – Clare Eluka – Nigeria
9. Inspirational Woman – Rainatou Sow – Guinea
10. Social/Humanitarian – Betty Makoni – Zimbabwe
11. Career Woman – Nike Balogun – Nigeria
12. International African Woman – Tosin Taiwo – Nigeria
13. International Humanitarian – Olamide Davies – Nigeria
Entertainment on the night was provided by ‘Niimp Coaliton’ the UK-Based Male band, ‘Royal Priesthood’ husband and wife team Femi and Roucheon Iloyi and Nigerian based RnB artist ‘Michael Word’. Music was provided by our very own DJ Gabe and what a selection we had.
Our speakers on the day were Deputy High Commissioner His Excellency Ambassador O.K. Lawal, Ambassador Dr Mokowa Blay Adu-Gyamfi, Gita Patel and special guest speaker Stella Damasus who rounded with a moving talk on ‘Domestic Violence’ with the use of some very graphic pictures to which she received a standing ovation.
Some of those present on the night to present awards to the winners were Celebrity International Make up Artist Eryca Freemantle, Ravensbourne University, Funky House Singer Egypt, Yemi Osunkoya of Kosibah Creations, Princess Deun of Arize, Sola Oyebade of Mahogany International, Sinem-Onabanjo of FAB Magazine, Cherelle Rose Miss Jamaica World, Model Rachel Williams and more.
Winner of the ‘International Humanitarian of the Year’ award Olamide Davies flew in for the event that morning, unaware that she was a winner. The night was a success everyone was excited and African Women were truly celebrated.
Some of the sponsors of Women4Africa 2012 are: Ravensbourne University, Afrimobile, Kato Enterprises, Lyca Mobile, Overseas fellowship of Nigerian Christians, Awarded2U, Knightguard Security, LvLv Events, TDelight Homes, Fusionplus TV, Ovation International, NEL Awards, Consulting4London and more….
As we all await what the 2013 awards has in store for us we know it will only have to be bigger and better.
