The South African High Commission in Nigeria, in collaboration with the Professional Public Speaking & Leadership Academy (PPSLA), has celebrated outstanding Nigerians during a special lecture and award ceremony marking the 2025 United Nations Nelson Mandela International Day.
Held at the Nigerian Army Resource Centre in Abuja, the event paid tribute to the enduring legacy of Nelson Mandela.
Among those honoured with the 2025 Nelson Mandela Impact Maker Award were philanthropist and Chairman of Globacom, Sir Mike Adenuga; seasoned journalist Seun Okinbaloye; faith leader Dr. David Ogbueli; and Nigeria’s Minister of Works and former Ebonyi State Governor, Engr. David Umahi.
Dr. Chibuzor Ephraim Onyema, Founder and President of the BANC Foundation (Blacks Ancestral Native Communities), a Pan-African non-governmental organisation focused on addressing irregular migration, was also among the awardees.
In his acceptance speech, Dr. Onyema dedicated the award to his elder brother, Dr. Kennedy Okechukwu Onyema, revealing that he once sold personal property to pay his first university tuition
According to him: “This award is a call to do more. Let us build systems that don’t just protect Africa’s youth from despair, but empower them with pathways to purpose, hope, and prosperity.”
The South African Deputy High Commissioner, who also spoke at the event, underscored the importance of Pan-African unity and collaboration.
He said: “This celebration of Nelson Mandela’s legacy serves as a powerful reminder of what can be achieved through both individual commitment and collective effort.
“By recognising changemakers today, we reaffirm our shared vision for a stronger and more united Africa.”
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