Afe Babalola, Tunji-Ojo, Sanwo-Olu, Soludo, others named for 2026 face of Africa leadership award in London

Several prominent Nigerians, including legal icon Afe Babalola, Minister of Interior Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, and Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, have been selected for the 2026 Face of Africa Leadership Award for Governance and Public Service Excellence.

The announcement was made by the Publisher and Editorial Board of Triangle International Magazine, which said the award ceremony will hold in London.

Other recipients include the Minister of Youth Development Ayodele Olawande; Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo; Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma; and Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal.

According to the organisers, the awardees emerged after a rigorous review of nominees’ records and achievements in governance, public service and socio-economic development.

Other honourees include Sahara Group’s Group Managing Director Kola Adesina, public sector expert Lekan Ajisafe, insurance professional and philanthropist Aderonke Ademiluyi-Ogunwusi, Group Managing Director of MOJEC International Holdings Chantelle Abdul, Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission Samuel Ogbuku, and member of the House of Representatives Gboyega Nasir Isiaka.

Also listed for the honour is Senator Ede Dafinone, who represents Delta Central Senatorial District in the Nigerian Senate.

In addition, educationist Cecilia Ibru, founder of Michael and Cecilia Ibru University, will receive the Lifetime Contribution to Educational Advancement and Social Empowerment Award for her contributions to education and social development.

The organisers said the award recognises exceptional leadership, integrity and measurable impact in governance and public service over the past year.

The 2026 edition will also mark the 10th anniversary of Triangle International Magazine and will feature an anniversary lecture and dinner.

According to the organisers, past recipients of the award include the late South African cleric Desmond Tutu, former Nigerian minister Isa Ali Pantami, and veteran diplomat Emeka Anyaoku.

The fourth edition of the awards will feature a lecture titled “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 in the London, United Kingdom.