The Governor of Abia State, Alex Otti, has been named among the recipients of the 2026 Afro Awards of Excellence for his humanitarian services and leadership.
The Founder and President of the 5th Afro Awards 2026, Chief Taiwo Oduala, disclosed this in a statement signed and made available to newsmen in Lokoja on Tuesday.
Oduala said the annual award ceremony would hold on October 10 in Los Angeles, California, United States.
Other recipients listed for the awards include American singer Adina Howard, fashion designer and entrepreneur Karl Kani, basketball stars Russell Westbrook and Tyrone DuBose.
The founder described the annual ceremony as a “unique Afro-centric excellence award” for individuals and organizations that had impacted their communities, states, and countries.
He said responsible leadership should focus on humanitarian services and economic growth and development for the benefit of the people.
Oduala described Otti as a “distinguished and notable personality,” adding that his recognition at the awards would bring a leadership and governance dimension to the event.
According to him, Otti’s inclusion in the event would also place Abia State and Nigerian public leadership on an international platform.
He said the organisation was preparing to host personalities from Africa, the United States, the United Kingdom and the global entertainment, business, political and cultural sectors.
“We believe that the 2026 edition, expected to celebrate excellence, achievement, leadership, creativity, and contributions to society, will step up the Afro Awards’ tradition of bringing together influential personalities who have made their marks in different sectors.
“The event will also feature or recognise a diverse collection of personalities from entertainment, fashion, sports, business, and public service, reflecting the international reach of the Afro Awards
“This is bringing Africa and the World together, from political leaders to business executives, entertainers, athletes, filmmakers, fashion personalities, and organisations.
“Therefore, the awards will continue to highlight the diverse contributions of people and institutions shaping Africa’s image and influence around the world and on global stage, ” he stated.
Oduala also listed past Afro Awards honourees and personalities, including Oumie Garba Fox, Esther Oluwafunmilayo Komolafe, Oumarou Idrissa, Angelica Nwanbu and the event host, Shang Forbes.
Others include Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, Inglewood Mayor James T. Butts Jr., actor and filmmaker Richard Lawson, Nigerian actress Ayo Mogaji, business magnate Aliko Dangote, Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, and Air Peace CEO, Dr Allen Onyema.
The list also includes Africa Magic, Nigerian music star Davido, Governor Ademola Adeleke, First Lady of Kwara State Olufolake Abdulrazaq, former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, Afro Nation’s Smade, First Lady of Sierra Leone Fatima Bio, Ghanaian dancehall artist Stonebwoy, and Ghanaian actress Juliet Ibrahim.
He said the association of the honourees with the Afro Awards reflected the range of individuals and institutions recognized for contributions to leadership, business, entertainment, culture, aviation, and community development.
