The HTA Foundation Set to Host its Inaugural Award Show 2024

The historic event will take place in New York City, recognizing African change agents who are impacting the world and shaping a brighter future. 

NEW YORK CITY – In a celebration of African resilience and trailblazing progress, the inaugural Heroes of Tomorrow’s Africa Awards are set to take place on Saturday, September 14, 2024, at the Millennium Hilton New York in One UN Plaza. 

The event, organized by The Heroes of Tomorrows Africa Foundation, aims to honor and recognize the outstanding efforts of African leaders who are shaping a brighter future for the continent.

The Heroes of Tomorrow’s Africa (HTA) Awards seek to shift the narrative surrounding Africa by highlighting the achievements of its leaders from the perspective of its own people. 

Despite the challenges of exploitation, corruption, and political instability that have historically plagued the continent, these leaders have remained steadfast in their commitment to democratic values and the advancement of their nations.

“The African story has often been told through the lens of the Western world,” said Amos Onokevbagbe, CEO and publisher of Caracal Reports and the visionary behind the awards. “With the Heroes of Tomorrow’s Africa Awards, we aim to provide a platform for Africans to tell their stories of triumph and progress.” 

The awards ceremony will bring together some of the most influential figures in African politics, civil society, and international diplomacy. Nominees have been carefully selected for their exceptional leadership and dedication to democratic principles to showcase the growth and progress of African nations.

The awards show will also feature notable figures from New York, including Governor Kathy Hochul, Attorney General Letitia James, and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer. Mayor Eric Adams has earned nominations, with Mayor Adams recognized as a strong supporter of the African people. 

Nigerian-American Wall Street mogul Adebayo Ogunlesi has also been nominated. They bring a global perspective to the event, and their collective presence promises to infuse the evening with inspiration and hope.

Among the honorees at the event will be four trailblazing African leaders:

• Paul Kagame, President of Rwanda, is recognized for his efforts in rebuilding and transforming Rwanda’s economy and society following the devastating genocide of 1994.

• Aliko Dangote, CEO of Dangote Group, Africa’s largest conglomerate, is acknowledged for contributing to economic development and job creation across the continent.

• Prof. PLO Mulumba. A lawyer and an activist whose life work is fighting for a corrupt, free African, and true African leadership. He is celebrated for his commitment to advocating for African prosperity, peace, and reconciliation and his efforts to promote it.
  
• Julius Maada Bio, President of Sierra Leone, is honored for his initiatives to combat corruption, strengthen democratic institutions, and foster economic growth.
  

The idea for the HTA Awards was born out of a deep desire to shed light on the positive strides of African leaders who are changing the world. 

The award show will honor these leaders and serve as a beacon of hope, showing the world that Africa is making significant strides toward democracy and development. The event will highlight the growth and progress of African leaders who have worked tirelessly to improve the lives of their citizens and promote political stability.

The founders envisioned a platform where these leaders, past and present, could be recognized and celebrated for their unwavering commitment to democratic values and the betterment of their nations.

The awards show is a labor of love that’s a long time coming, Onokevbagbe explained. He wants the Western world to recognize his people’s extraordinary steps to create sustainable change in their communities. 

Onokevbagbe also has his own success story, just like the award nominees. 

Born in Nigeria, he later earned his Masters in Law from the University of Minnesota Law School. He is a highly accomplished international legal professional with over 12 years of experience in diverse, complex corporate matters, including foreign policy, international contracts, and strategic corporate relations.

Onokevbagbe holds a Bachelor in Law from Ambrose Ali University in Nigeria and is a member of both the American Constitutional Society and the Nigerian Bar Association. 

He later founded Caracal Reports to educate the public, expose corruption, bring a voice to the voiceless, and empower grassroots efforts for change. 

“I typically prefer operating behind the scenes,” said Onokevbagbe. “However, I recognize the importance of establishing a visible identity for our brand so individuals can comprehend our values and mission.” 

Addressing the pervasive issue of corruption, he emphasized, “Corruption remains one of the most significant global challenges, capable of inflicting widespread harm on economies and countless lives worldwide. At Caracal Reports, we hold an unwavering stance against corruption; it’s non-negotiable. As an independent news source, we maintain freedom from external influences, enabling us to deliver genuine content not typically found in mainstream media. We rely on the support of individuals worldwide to champion our cause and disseminate false narratives. It’s through collective action that we achieve victories.” 

The Heroes of Tomorrow’s Africa Awards is a testament to the resilience, innovation, and determination of African leaders who drive positive change across various sectors, including politics, business, education, and social justice. 

By recognizing their achievements, Onokevbagbe says, Caracal Reports Inc. aims to highlight the immense potential of Africa and inspire others to join in the journey towards progress and development.

“This event represents a celebration of excellence, leadership, and vision, and we are honored to play a role in recognizing and amplifying the voices of Africa’s heroes,” Onokevbagbe added. 

The awards show will feature various categories, including ‘Outstanding Political Leadership,’ ‘Innovative Business Practices,’ ‘Community Impact,’ ‘Advancement in Education,’ and ‘Humanitarian Efforts,’ among others. 

Nominees were selected based on their commitment to creating positive change and driving sustainable development in their respective fields.

“We believe that by honoring these trailblazers, we can inspire future generations of leaders and catalyze meaningful progress across the African continent,” Onokevbagbe said. “Their stories serve as a powerful reminder of the potential within Africa and the importance of supporting and uplifting those working tirelessly to build a better tomorrow.”

The Heroes of Tomorrow’s Africa awards show will take place on March 21, 2024, at a prestigious venue in New York City. 

The event will bring together influential figures from Africa and around the world, including government officials, business leaders, philanthropists, and activists, to celebrate the honorees’ achievements and engage in meaningful dialogue about the continent’s future.

The HTA Awards ceremony is scheduled for March 21st in New York City.

A portion of the proceeds will be allocated to support the impactful initiatives of these commendable organizations.

• DORIAN HOME was built to provide a safe space for orphans and vulnerable children and redefine charity and social development in Nigeria and Africa. Dorian Home offers orphaned and vulnerable children a safe space where their overall well-being is assured. Dorian Home is committed to redefining charity and social welfare and offering orphaned and vulnerable children access to basic human needs, quality education, health care, psychosocial support and essential developmental skills needed for life’s success.

• INSIDE OUT MENTORING PROGRAM exists to provide mentorship and tutoring services to middle and high school students to improve academic performance while addressing social-emotional factors that hinder students from becoming independent and successful adults and living purposeful and rewarding lives. The organization was formed out of the pandemic in 2020 and aims to provide support for middle and high school students and, as a result, participants in the program become independent and successful adults after graduation.

INTRODUCING THE 2024 HEROES OF TOMORROW’S AFRICA AWARD WINNERS AND NOMINEES

Paul Kagame
Known for his transformative leadership, Paul Kagame holds the title of President in Rwanda, steering the country towards a brighter future.

Aliko Dangote
Renowned as the CEO of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote is a visionary business leader who drives economic growth and innovation across Africa.

Patrick Lumumba
A lawyer and an activist whose life work is fighting for a corrupt, free African, and true African leadership. He is celebrated for his commitment to advocating for African prosperity, peace, and reconciliation and his efforts to promote it.

Julius Maada Bio
Spearheading reforms in Sierra Leone, Julius Maada Bio holds the position of President, dedicated to fostering development and democracy.

Hakainde Hichilema
Hakainde Hichilema, president of Zambia, leads with a vision for prosperity and prioritizes economic reform and social justice.

Fisayo Soyombo
As an investigative journalist, Fisayo Soyombo fearlessly exposes corruption and injustice, advocating for transparency and accountability.

Adebayo Ogunlesi
Renowned as the chairman and managing partner Global Infrastructure Partners, Ogulesi contributions to helping the vulnerable with his philanthropic acts and driving positive change across the continent

Audu Maikori

Honored as an African music pioneer and for his enduring philanthropic work, Audu Maikori’s contributions to the evolution of African music and talent are truly commendable and deserving of admiration.

Sherif Shagaya
Honored for Humanitarian excellence, Sherif Shagaya’s humanity has been driving positive change across the continent.

Douglas Eze
Renowned as the CEO of Largo Financial Services, Douglas is a financial business leader who drives economic growth through innovative financial strategies.

The Heroes of Tomorrow’s Africa Awards represent a significant step forward in reshaping the narrative surrounding Africa and showcasing the continent’s potential for growth and progress. 

As the event gets underway, attendees can expect an evening of inspiration, reflection, and celebration as the inaugural awards shine a spotlight on Africa’s journey toward a brighter tomorrow. 

For more information about the event, please visit https://www.heroesoftomorrowsafrica.com/.