Recurring in the fullness of its strength for the 11th time, The Future Awards Africa yet again proved itself as an award show that young Nigerians work hard to be a part of. TFAA provides the validation that the young generation deserves for nominees and winners alike.

Beyond those who stepped on stage to receive plaques, there are other people who deserve to be tagged winners for more reasons than one. And the loser(s)? We’re about to find out.

WINNERS

Nana Akufo-Addo: The president-elect of Ghana was present at the event and arrived early enough for it. He was to deliver the keynote speech and he did it with grace. He spoke about winning the election, his vision for Ghana and the rest of Africa and gender inequality on the continent. He also charged every other president who has promised change just as he has, to ensure that the “change mantra is not just a political chant”. And the unforgettable quote from President Akufo-Addo was: “I don’t believe Africa has a DNA that dooms us to fail”. This was indeed a message that should resound in the minds of youth across the country for years to come.

The organizers: The Future Awards Africa organizers delivered greatness for the 11th year and for this, they deserve applause. An award show that is given to rewarding extraordinary talent among Nigerian youth and has not failed in over a decade is a winner. It does not matter the flaws of last night’s events, what is amazing is that it held and didn’t do badly despite the challenges faced as recounted by The Future Project co-founder, Adebola Williams in his closing speech.

Young Person of the Year: He’s 30 years old, studied Finance at George Washington University and was appointed by Anambra state governor, Willie Obiano as Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget Development. Mark Okoye was present to receive the award with his wife and he gave an amazing acceptance speech.

Comedian Bovi: Bovi stepped on stage to present an award with CNN’s Stephanie Busari. You’d expect he would make one or two jokes, present the award and step off like he was asked to do. But no, he took charge with very inspiring words. He revived the audience in the most unanticipated way and by doing so, brought back life into the atmosphere. We’re proud of you, Bovi.

LOSER

The organizers: We can’t say this enough, the Nigerian lateness factor will always be the death of events until someone makes concerted efforts to do better. For a show that was slated to start at 7pm but was delayed for about two hours and a belated apology, we’d expected way better from a show that touts itself as a game changer.

Tolu

Your pop culture/entertainment go-to. Music head. Wallflower. I do not like to write. On a mission to decipher covfefe.