In a recent announcement, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, addressed journalists to unveil the details of this year’s Royal African Young Leadership Forum (RAYLF)
Awards. This prestigious initiative, established in 2020, continues its mission of recognizing and empowering young African leaders to make a difference across the continent.
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The prestigious royal Awards, spearheaded by His Imperial Majesty, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, will celebrate its fourth edition this July. The initiative, established in 2020, aims to recognize and empower young African leaders who are making significant contributions across the continent. The Awards, which has since become Pan-African, recognizes and celebrates the achievements of young men and women of African descent around the world.
This year’s ceremony, themed “Africa of the Future: Better Together,” will be held on July 12th and 13th, 2024.
One hundred outstanding young individuals, aged 19-39, will be honored for their achievements in various fields. These honorees hail from over 40 African countries and outside Africa, including Brazil, Nigeria, South Africa, Cape Verde, Ghana, and Sierra Leone, reflecting the initiative’s commitment to pan-African unity.
The selection process is rigorous, with a focus on identifying young leaders who are not only making a local impact but also contributing to Africa’s global standing through their innovative and creative ideas.
The two-day event promises to be a unique experience for the awardees. They will be invited to a private dinner with the Ooni himself at the palace, followed by a grand awards ceremony at Obafemi Awolowo University’s Oduduwa Hall.
An additional highlight this year is the launch of the Royal African Chambers of Commerce. The Ooni of Ife announced that the purpose of the Chamber of Commerce is to promote collaboration and innovation amongst Africa’s young entrepreneurs and business leaders. He also mentioned that since 2020 when the RAYLF was formed, members have collaborated to initiate and carry out deals worth billions of dollars. The Royal African Chamber of Commerce will only help to promote similar collaborations in various industries, from healthcare to Agriculture and even technology.
He further announced that the Chamber of Commerce will have its physical office in London for easy access to members around the world. London was also chosen for its neutrality.
The Ooni of Ife consistently emphasized the vital role that young people play in shaping Africa’s future. He acknowledged their tireless efforts in propelling the continent into the global stage in technology, real estate, and other areas of influence. The RAYLF Awards serve as a testament to this belief, encouraging and empowering a new generation of African leaders to work together for a brighter future, for Africans everywhere.
When asked how the initiative has been funded, the Ooni of Ife mentioned that it has been done solely by himself and other private individuals who have bought into his dream.
This only highlights Ooni’s commitment to fostering a culture of collaboration and self-reliance amongst individuals of African nations descent