Sanwo-Olu, Soludo, Tunji-Ojo, Afe Babalola, Others for 2026 Face of Africa Leadership Award in London
Several prominent Nigerian leaders and business figures, including Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, Minister of Interior Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, and legal luminary Afe Babalola, have been named recipients of the 2026 Face of Africa Leadership Award for Governance and Public Service Excellence. The awards ceremony is set to take place in London.
The selection was announced by the Publisher and Editorial Board of Triangle International Magazine after what the organisers described as a rigorous review of nominees’ track records and contributions to governance and public service.
In a statement signed by the magazine’s publisher, Femi Salako, the organisers said the award is aimed at recognising individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, integrity and measurable impact in governance, public service and socio-economic development over the past year.
Other awardees include the Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma; Governor of Zamfara State, Dauda Lawal; and Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande.
Also listed for the honour are the Group Managing Director of Sahara Group, Kola Adesina; public sector expert Lekan Ajisafe; insurance professional and philanthropist Aderonke Ademiluyi-Ogunwusi; Executive Director, Technical Services at the Rural Electrification Agency, Umar Abdullahi Umar; Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, Samuel Ogbuku; and member of the House of Representatives, Gboyega Nasir Isiaka.
According to the organisers, all nominees have been formally notified and have confirmed their attendance at the event.
The 2026 edition of the awards will also coincide with the 10th anniversary of Triangle International Magazine, with activities including an anniversary lecture and dinner.
Since its inception, notable Africans such as the late South African cleric and anti-apartheid icon Desmond Tutu, former Nigerian minister Ali Isa Pantami and veteran diplomat Emeka Anyaoku have received the award.
The fourth edition of the awards will feature a special lecture themed “Harnessing the Role of Nigerians in the Diaspora for National Development – Collaboration, Investment, Knowledge Transfer, and Civic Engagement.”
The event is scheduled to hold on April 2, 2026, at King’s College London, from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.