11th Maya Awards Africa Celebrates Excellence, Leadership and Rising Generation

The 11th edition of the MAYA AWARDS AFRICA has successfully held in Ibadan, bringing together distinguished leaders, entrepreneurs, professionals, creatives, innovators and young trailblazers in a grand celebration of excellence, impact and service.

Held on Saturday, August 15, 2026, at Mauve21 Event Centre, Ring Road, Ibadan, the 11th edition was anchored on the theme “Beyond Applause”, reflecting the organisation’s evolving vision of moving beyond recognition to building a culture where excellence translates into influence, opportunity and impact.

The ceremony recognised 39 outstanding personalities whose contributions across business, governance, entrepreneurship, entertainment, community development and other sectors continue to make meaningful impact.

Among the notable honourees were Akosin Habeeb Okunola, Chairman of CINI Holdings; Rt. Hon. Ganiyu Obasa, Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly; Hon. Mojeed Mogbonjubola, Commissioner for Public Works and Infrastructure, Oyo State; Mrs. Zainab Amoah of Nikkeys Fresh; Oloye Adenrele Lekan-Salami, Ajia-Balogun of Ibadanland; Chief Dotun Sanusi, Chairman of Ilaji Group; and Mr. Ayo Joseph, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Lagos State Development and Property Corporation (LSDPC) & Bashorun Dapo Sofowora of RudderBlade.

They were joined by 31 other highflying youths, whose remarkable achievements and contributions were recognised as part of MAYA AWARDS AFRICA’s deliberate effort to spotlight the next generation of African leaders and changemakers.

The 2026 edition was particularly significant because of the organisation’s deliberate decision to connect celebration with youth development and social impact.

As part of activities leading to the awards, MAYA AWARDS AFRICA commemorated International Youth Day with a visit to the Agodi Correctional Centre, Ibadan, where young inmates were supported through donations and educational interventions. Five male inmates were sponsored for the November/December GCE examinations, while female inmates and inmates with vocational skills also received support.

The organisation also unveiled the MAYA DevHub, a youth development initiative established to nurture leadership, enterprise, skills, mentorship and opportunity, with the guiding philosophy of moving young people “From Potential to Power.”

Speaking on the successful completion of the 11th edition, the Founder of MAYA AWARDS AFRICA, Ademola Ajibola, described the event as a significant milestone in the journey of the organisation.

According to him “MAYA has never been just about trophies. The trophy is the applause, but what happens after the applause is what matters to us. With this 11th edition, we are deliberately building an institution that celebrates excellence, inspires young people and creates pathways for people to become more”.

He further stated that the recognition of established leaders alongside emerging talents was intentional, stressing that Africa’s future requires both role models worth celebrating and a new generation ready to take responsibility.

The 11th MAYA AWARDS AFRICA therefore served not only as an evening of glamour and recognition but also as a statement of the organisation’s renewed commitment to youth development, leadership, enterprise, social responsibility and the celebration of African excellence.

MAYA AWARDS AFRICA appreciates its patrons, partners, sponsors, nominees, award recipients, guests, volunteers, media partners and everyone who contributed to the success of the 11th edition.

The organisation remains committed to taking the MAYA vision beyond the ceremony and into communities, institutions and platforms where recognition can become a catalyst for real opportunity and lasting impact.