By Saul Molobi and Funeka Sobantu
The African Genius Awards (AGA), a prestigious initiative that celebrates the extraordinary talent across the African continent, will hold its red carpet ceremony tomorrow, 7 September 2024, at Fourah Bay College, University of Sierra Leone, in Freetown. This year’s event will bring together luminaries, dignitaries, and finalists from ten African countries, embodying the pan-African nature of the awards. With 16 finalists selected from a vast pool of nominees, the event is poised to honour the best of African intellect, creativity, and innovation.
*** Seated: Ambassador Dr Ekundayo Walton Gilpin and Dr Fatmatta Taqi. Standing: Funeka Sobantu and Saul Molobi ***
The 2024 African Genius Awards finalists represent a diverse and impressive group of individuals from ten African countries, each making groundbreaking contributions in their respective fields. From Nigeria, John Amanam is recognised for creating hyper-realistic prosthetic limbs for people of color, while Dr Oluyinka Olutoye, a paediatric surgeon, gained acclaim for pioneering foetal surgery techniques. Ghana’s Patrick Awuah Jr., founder of Ashesi University, is nominated for his transformative impact on education.
Libya’s Hajer Sharief is acknowledged for her peace-building efforts, and Malawi’s Theresa Kachindamoto for her leadership in ending child marriage. South Africa has multiple nominees, including Dr Imtiaz Sooliman, founder of Gift of the Givers, storyteller Gcina Mhlophe, and groundbreaking medical professionals like Prof. Mashudu Tshifularo and Prof Abdon Atangana. Rugby star Siyamthanda Kolisi and data scientist Prof Mark Nasila also represent South Africa.
Somalia’s Waris Dirie and Sudan’s Dr Nahid Toubia are recognized for their work against female genital mutilation. Tanzania’s Patrick Epaphra Ngowi leads in renewable energy, Tunisia’s Aya Chebbi empowers youth leadership, and Zambia’s Mwangala Maunga advocates for environmental conservation. These 16 finalists exemplify the pan-African spirit of ingenuity and leadership.
*** The Project Team (From L to R): Mr Solomon Tucker (Senior Lecturer); Dr Fatmatta Taqi (University Marshall); Abu Bakarr Jalloh (African Dream); Funeka Sobantu (Plus 94 Research); and Saul Molobi (Brandhill Africa) ***
The awards have garnered endorsements from some of Africa’s most influential leaders. Her Excellency Ms Grace Mason, South Africa’s High Commissioner to both Ghana and Sierra Leone, expressed her admiration for the AGA, highlighting its role in “recognising and elevating Africa’s geniuses on the global stage.” In her statement, she applauded the finalists and noted the importance of celebrating African talent as a unifying force across the continent. “Africa’s future rests on the shoulders of those we honour today,” Mason emphasised.
Cuthbert Ncube, the Executive Chairman of the African Tourism Board, echoed these sentiments. “The African Genius Awards are a reminder of the ingenuity that defines our continent,” said Ncube. He further stressed that these awards help shift the narrative about Africa, focusing on the brilliance and innovation that exist within its borders.
The Dean of the African Diplomatic Corps in South Africa, Ambassador Andre Nzapayeke, also endorsed the event, praising the AGA for its role in promoting African unity. “The African Genius Awards symbolise the strength of pan-Africanism,” Nzapayeke remarked. “They bring to light the minds that will shape our continent’s future and foster international cooperation.”
Tomorrow’s ceremony will be filled with a distinguished lineup of speakers and presenters. The event will open with a welcome and introduction by Dr. Fatmatta Bintu Taqi, a lecturer, director, and university marshal at Fourah Bay College. The Vice Chancellor and Principal of the University of Sierra Leone, Professor Aiah Lebbie, will provide an overview of the event, followed by remarks from Professor Kelleh Gbawuru Mansaray, the Deputy Vice Chancellor of Fourah Bay College.
A keynote address will be delivered by Sarjoh Aziz Kamara, the Deputy Minister of Higher and Technical Education, underscoring the importance of education and innovation in advancing the continent. The highlight of the evening will be the presentation of awards and the announcement of the winners, overseen by Ambassador Dr Ekundayo Walton Gilpin, Managing Director of Rokel Commercial Bank.
Reflecting on significance of being an AGA nominee, Dr Yakama Manty Jones (an economist, entrepreneur and philanthropist with a Ph.D. in finance and economics), will share insights on how the recognition will potentially impact on her career and contributions to Africa. Following this, Dr. Adonis Abboud, Dean and founder of the Consular Corps in Sierra Leone, will provide diplomatic remarks, lending further weight to the international importance of the event.
Closing remarks will be delivered by Dr Sifiso Falala, CEO of Plus 94 Research and founder of the African Genius Awards. He will take the opportunity to thank the University of Sierra Leone, the people, and the government of Sierra Leone for their invaluable support in hosting this year’s awards. “Without the generosity and hospitality of Sierra Leone, this celebration of African brilliance would not have been possible,” Falala will say.
As the evening comes to a close, all finalists, nominees, and eventual winners will be celebrated for their exceptional contributions to the continent. Their achievements serve as a testament to the limitless potential of African ingenuity, paving the way for future generations of African geniuses.
Watch the proceedings live tomorrow, Saturday 7 September from 18h00, on the following platforms:
• A y v television channel 33 and AYV News on Facebook
• African Genius Awards Facebook Page and YouTube Channel
• The African Dream Facebook Page