Former Nigerian kickboxing and MMA star, Ambassador Lovethpatra Ekufu, has unveiled the inaugural Black African History Global Iconic Awards, describing the initiative as a platform created to celebrate African excellence, promote unity and inspire young people across the continent.
Ekufu, president of BAHGIA, said the awards, scheduled for July 5 at the Marriott Hotel, GRA Ikeja, Lagos, were conceived to recognise the achievements of Black Africans and people of African descent worldwide whose contributions often go unnoticed.
“We discovered that Black people across the world are under-celebrated despite their outstanding contributions. The aim of this award is to honour excellence wherever it is found and bring deserving individuals to the forefront,” Ekufu said.
She commended the organising team for their commitment to the project, describing their collective effort as central to bringing the vision to life.
“A tree cannot make a forest. This vision became possible because of a committed team working together to bring it to life,” she said.
The awards will honour outstanding Africans and people of African descent who have made significant contributions in fields including sports, politics, business, education, arts, entertainment and community development.
Organisers said the event will combine a daytime conference session with a gala night honouring winners across more than twenty categories, alongside entertainment performances and presentations from distinguished guests across Africa and the diaspora.
Vice president of BAHGIA, Charles Ezerime, said the organisers had engaged relevant government institutions, including the National Sports Commission, the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, security agencies and the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, to ensure the event’s success.
He explained that unity among Africans and people of African descent remained one of the core objectives behind the initiative.
“We are bringing people together under one umbrella, irrespective of religion, culture or nationality. The message is unity. Whether you are in Nigeria, South Africa, Senegal or the diaspora, we are one people,” Ezerime said.
He added that Nigeria’s strategic significance on the continent informed the decision to host the event in the country.
“We have great Nigerians and Africans doing remarkable things despite the challenges around us. It is important that we celebrate and promote these achievements,” he said.
Head strategist of BAHGIA, Olisa Chukwuma, said sports played a central role in shaping the vision behind the awards, noting that Ekufu’s background as an internationally recognised kickboxing champion, popularly known as the “Queen of the Cage,” had inspired much of the initiative.
“Sports are central to our vision. The founder’s background in sports inspired much of what we are doing today. We believe sports, entertainment and youth development go hand in hand,” Chukwuma said.
Board member Francis Emeka said the initiative also seeks to encourage young people to embrace education and positive values at a time when many are losing faith in formal learning.
“Hosting this kind of event is not child’s play. We are appealing to corporate organisations, ministries, parastatals and international bodies to support this vision. The impact it will have on young people is enormous,” Emeka said, adding that a conference session at the event would address issues affecting African youth, including insecurity and the declining value many attach to education.
“Some youths now believe certificates have no value and are attracted to shortcuts to wealth. This conference will help change that perception and encourage them to pursue education and legitimate success,” he said.
Canada-based President of the Martin Luther King Awards, Pauline Christian, said Lagos was the ideal host city for the event because of its cultural significance and influence across Africa.
“Lagos is the heartbeat of African creativity, innovation and entrepreneurship. It stands at the intersection of history, influence and global African excellence,” Christian said, describing the event as a bridge between Africa and its diaspora.
“This is a moment for Africa and the diaspora to come together and celebrate our shared heritage. Lagos is a gateway to the world, and African excellence belongs at the centre of global conversations,” she added.
Organisers expressed confidence that the maiden edition of the awards would set a new standard for celebrating Black excellence and fostering collaboration among Black communities worldwide.