Academy to drive innovation, foster sustainability across Africa

To drive innovation, promote inclusivity and foster sustainability across Africa, GMYT Fashion Academy is set to host its 13th Global African Honours (GAH) Awards & Business Summit.

The event, which is scheduled to hold in Lagos under the theme: ‘Africa Reimagined: Innovation, Inclusion & Sustainable Growth’, is said to be a celebration of excellence, honouring outstanding individuals, brands and organisations that have made remarkable contributions across industries.

Speaking at a press conference heralding the event, the convener of (GAH) Awards & Business Summit, who is also the CEO of GMYT Fashion Academy, Kelechi Oghene affirmed that the theme of the event would challenge participants at the summit to think beyond the limitations of the present and embrace the boundless possibilities that lie within the continent’s creative, economic, and intellectual capacity. Oghene went further to explain that the award platform which began as a recognition platform has evolved into a movement that empowers individuals, strengthens industries, and amplifies the voices shaping Africa’s future.

“Through the consistency of our work, we have honoured thousands of trailblazers, convened a diverse assembly of industry leaders, and supported women and youth empowerment initiatives across the continent,’’ Oghene added.

“This year’s summit”, she also said “would bring together a remarkable assembly of leaders whose work continues to shape governance, business, advocacy, and social progress across the continent.

“We look forward to hosting an exceptional network of influential voices across public service, aviation, human rights, development finance, legal advocacy, entrepreneurship, innovation, and the creative sectors.”

According to her: “The press conference serves to articulate the strategic intent of the 13th edition, to outline the economic, social, and policy relevance of the summit, and to present the opportunities available to partners, institutions, and corporate brands.

“It is also an invitation for stakeholders to align with a vision that goes beyond celebration and focuses on long-term development, influence, and collaborative progress.”

A significant highlight of the press conference was the unveiling of the GAH Elite Club Black Card, powered by Mastercard and Wema Bank.

Beyond its global financial functionalities, preferential hospitality advantages, and lifestyle privileges, she said the card offers complimentary access to all GAH flagship events throughout the year.

“Its greater value, however lies in the community it connects members to, a circle of decision makers, entrepreneurs, CEOs, policy influencers, and innovators contributing to the ongoing transformation of the African narrative.

“The Black Card is not just a financial asset; it is a strategic gateway into a network where opportunities, visibility, and influence converge, reflecting the core essence of what the GAH ecosystem represents,” Oghene added.

The 2025 summit would bring together high-profile dignitaries including Governor Dikko Umar Radda of Katsina State; Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State; Festus Keyamo, minister of Aviation; Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, minister of Interior; His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, Ooni of Ife and Grand Patron of GAH; Allen Onyema, chairman, Air Peace; Obiora Gregory Okonkwo, a leading business and chairman of nited Nigeria Airlines; Tony Attah of Renaissance Africa; human rights advocate Joe Okei-Odumakin; human rights lawyer Femi Falana, SAN; among others.

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