Celebrating Excellence: The 5th Edition of the Nigeria Community Excellence Award, South Africa 2024.

By Oct, 17 2024 | 20:10:37

On Saturday, October 5, 2024, the Banquet Hall of the Southern Sun Hotel in Arcadia, Pretoria, was transformed into a dazzling celebration of talent, achievement, and community spirit as the Nigeria Community Excellence Award (NCEA) held its prestigious 5th edition. This annual event has become the hallmark of Nigerian achievement, the largest and most glamorous gathering of the Nigerian community in South Africa, setting unparalleled standards in vision and innovation.

A NIGHT OF GLAMOUR AND UNITY

The NCEAWARDS is not just an awards ceremony; it is the largest and most glamorous annual event for the Nigerian community in South Africa. With its unmatched standards of excellence, it attracts a diverse audience, including diplomats from the High Commission of Nigeria in Pretoria and the Consulate General of Nigeria in Johannesburg, as well as South African citizens, professionals, and community leaders. The event's purpose was clear: to honour outstanding Nigerians while fostering social cohesion and intercultural interactions.

The ceremony opened with a captivating video featuring hosts Nthabiseng, a South African, and Michael CreekBoi, a popular Nigerian YouTuber. Their encounter at a local bar serves as a microcosm of the evening's themes, highlighting the rich tapestry of Nigerian professionals thriving in South Africa. Nthabiseng's surprise upon discovering CreekBoi's background underscores the need to reshape the often-negative narrative surrounding Nigerians in the country.

A CALL FOR UNITY

The Chairman of the Nigeria Community Excellence Award, Mr Olaniyi Abodedele (Thevoice), delivered a poignant message urging unity among Africans. He lamented the lack of governmental support for social cohesion initiatives and emphasized that the NCEAWARDS is a privately funded initiative made possible by generous sponsors. This sentiment resonates deeply within the community, highlighting the essential role of collaboration in driving change.

The support from sponsors such as Mama Money, Encore Lounge Menlyn, Logs Wine, Booth Luxury Night Club owners of Room 130, Allegiant International Training Institue, 2busy2mingle.com and KatraAfrika was vital to the event's success. Without their commitment, the NCEAWARDS would not have achieved its remarkable impact.

A NIGHT OF SPECTACULAR PERFORMANCES

The evening was enriched by a lineup of talented performers. DJ LA, the official DJ of the NCEAWARDS, energized the crowd with a vibrant mix of Afrobeats and Amapiano, setting the tone for an unforgettable night. Among the standout performances was Chidera Siyanda Nwoha, winner of the Nigerian Young Talent Award, whose artistry captivated the audience.

Adetola Bakinson, an IT professional and poet, received a standing ovation for her moving piece celebrating Nigeria’s diversity and resilience. SammySax, the saxophone sensation of the night, had guests dancing with his electrifying Afrobeat renditions. Angel Gabriel, a renowned Nigerian comedian, kept the audience in stitches, while the live band, Queen Nebo Soul, serenaded guests with a blend of South African and Nigerian soul music throughout dinner.

HONORING EXCELLENCE

The awards segment of the night was the pinnacle of the event, with a total of 16 awards presented to deserving individuals and organizations. Notable winners included:

1. Nigerian Young Talent Award: Chidera Siyanda Nwoha

2. Young Entrepreneur of the Year: Kazeem Akibu Liasu

3. Outstanding Nigerian Female Achievement: Dr. Lilian Ifunanya Nwosu

4. Nigerian Diplomatic Personality of the Year: Mr Abu Ndah Ali (High Commission of Nigeria, Pretoria)

5. Excellence in Public Service Award: Commodore Chikaji Aminu Isah (Nigeria Defense Adviser to South Africa)

6. Overall Academics Excellence: Prof. Onoriode Collins Potokri

7. Nigeria Community Platinum Award: Prof. Lekan Ayo Yusuf

8. Excellence in Corporate Social Investment Award: Mama Money

9. Outstanding Individual Community Achievement: Agha Clement Nnachi

10. Young Inspiring Change Award: Chidimma Vanessa Adetshina (Miss Universe Nigeria)

11. Inspiring Change in Community Development & Empowerment: Mahmoud Olayinka Babalola

12. Inspiring Nigerian Business Start-Up: John Eriourolo

13. Nigerian Business Personality: Gladys Erinma Towobola

14. Community Partnership & Support Award: Innocent Phenyo Semosa

15. Outstanding Nigerian in Creative Arts: Michael Akpenyin CreekBoi

16. Overall Best Nigerian Music Artist: Hammed Alimi Ganiyu (Medoskey)

REFLECTIONS FROM ATTENDEES

Attendees expressed their delight at the event's execution and its role in changing perceptions about Nigerians. Sponsors like Mahmud Babalola, CEO of Encore Lounge Menlyn, praised the event's growth year after year, while Mrs Matome Maribeng of KatraAfrika owners of NaijaVibes clothing, who handled the event deco expressed her satisfaction in showcasing a different side of Nigerians to South Africans. Influencers and guests, including South African reality TV star Happy Simelane, commended the organisation and inclusivity of the event. Miss Thembuluwo Netshivhazwaulu (Owamie), a well-known YouTuber, praised the event's organisation, noting that it showcased a different side of the Nigerian community.

LOOKING AHEAD

As the night concluded, Rotimi Oyelowo, Project Head of the Nigeria Community Excellence Award, reflected on the event's impressive execution and potential for further improvement. NCEA Project Coordinator Opeoluwa Omor Oyebola's enthusiasm echoed this sentiment, highlighting the award's role in fostering connections among Nigerians, South Africans, and Africans as a whole.

The NCEAWARDS celebrated excellence and paved the way for future collaborations and interactions, fostering a greater understanding and appreciation between communities.

For more information on the Nigeria Community Excellence Award, visit www.nceawards.com and follow us on Instagram @Nceaward and Facebook at @Nceawards.