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…As Dr. Kelechi champions the Re-Imagined African Movement
By Bianca Iboma-Emefu
Human rights activist Joe Okie- Odumakin, Femi Falana, Zamfara State governor Dr. Dauda Lawal, and Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo were among the top dignitaries honored at the 13th GAH Awards & Business Summit held on Friday, December 12, 2025, at Eko Hotel and Suites, Lagos State.
The much-anticipated event was attended by the crème de la crème of society, as industry leaders, innovators, and changemakers were recognized for their outstanding achievements.
Regarded as one of Africa’s biggest business and leadership events, Eko Hotels and Suites hosted a gathering of industry heavyweights, diplomatic voices, visionary CEOs, investors, creators, and societal leaders from across Africa and beyond.
Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo received the GHA Diplomatic Excellence Award, while Governor Dauda Lawal was conferred the GAH National Capital Award 2025. Her Royal Majesty (HRM) Olori Aderonke Ademiluyi Ogunwusi, CEO of Africa Fashion Week London/Lagos and Adire Oodua Textile Hub, was awarded the GAH Cultural Heritage Advocate Award.
In her opening speech, the Convener and Chairperson of the GAH Awards & Business Summit, Dr. Kelechi Oghene, expressed her delight at the success of the 13th GAH Awards, describing the event as a convergence of influence where conversations turn into opportunities.
She praised governors, ministers, partners, sponsors, and her team for their roles in making the event a success, foretelling greater achievements ahead.
“I’m thrilled and grateful for the media’s support, which ensures proper coverage. I also want to express my gratitude to my team, friends, and family for their unwavering support. Kudos to our partners and sponsors. My team’s tireless efforts made this possible, and I am excited to welcome my guests, knowing our vision is coming to life.”
“This year’s Summit is particularly significant. It represents not only a celebration of outstanding achievements but also the unveiling of new frontiers within the GAH Universe. From our dynamic GAH Elite Club, which fosters strategic relationships among high-impact leaders, to GAH Media and the GAH Elite Club Magazine, which amplify the voices, stories, and innovations shaping our time, to GAH Sport, expanding our influence into athletic excellence, and now, the highly anticipated GAH Experience Zone—designed to immerse guests in an interactive showcase of creativity, technology, culture, and brand innovation.”
“The evolution of the GAH Awards & Business Summit reflects our belief in legacy-building, sustainable impact, and the power of prestigious recognition. We are not just honoring greatness—we are nurturing it, documenting it, and creating platforms for it to thrive,” she said.
She also showered encomiums on governors, ministers, partners, sponsors, and her team for their roles in making the 13th edition a huge success, describing it as a sign of greater things to come.
Nigeria remains the best place to invest, she insisted, emphasizing that Africa has the capacity to redefine its global image through collaboration, innovation, and deliberate investment.
She acknowledged the presence of government officials, traditional leaders, board members, partners, sponsors, and her media team for “carrying the African story.”
Dr. Kelechi, who revealed she has spent over 22 years in active business, disclosed that the bulk of her investments remain in Nigeria despite numerous opportunities abroad.
“No country is better than Nigeria. I say it with my full chest. This is home. This is my father’s land. If we don’t invest here, who will do it for us?” she asked.
She emphasized that investing locally is not just about profit but about building generational wealth and securing the future for African children.
“We have kids. We must leave something for them. We must encourage them to create the next generation of wealth,” she added.
On Africa’s quest for global relevance, Dr. Kelechi made a strong case for collaboration over competition, describing competition as “a disruptor of progress.”
“There’s nothing being done overseas that we can’t do here—and we do it better. We are talented, creative, and innovative. When Africans collaborate and exchange value, we can achieve far more than when we compete.”
She noted that the GAH Awards platform was deliberately created to foster partnerships, attract foreign investments, and promote African excellence.
Explaining the summit’s theme, “Africa Reimagined,” the business strategist said it was not just a slogan but a movement aimed at changing global perceptions.
“Africa is no longer a sleeping giant. Africa Reimagined means we have capacity, resources, skills, and innovation. The world must begin to see us differently.”
She recounted testimonies from international guests who admitted that their perception of Nigeria changed after experiencing the country firsthand.
“Some came with fear based on what they saw in the news. But when they arrived, they felt safe. That is how narratives change—by showing the truth.”
Dr. Kelechi called on Africans at home and in the diaspora to champion excellence, education, technology, and innovation, insisting that sustainable development is achievable if Africans support one another.
“If each of us plays our part, the world will stop telling our story for us. We will tell it ourselves.”
