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.