Have you ever wondered what it truly means to be a young changemaker in Africa? Or asked yourself, “Who are the real trailblazers, the invisible hands stitching a brighter future for Nigeria and the continent?” Every year, The Future Awards Africa (TFAA) puts the spotlight on these remarkable individuals, and the 2025 edition (held at the buzzing Landmark Event Centre in Lagos) brought together stories of passion, resilience, and pure homegrown talent. Themed “Threads of Legacy,” this 19th edition of TFAA was nothing short of explosive—the energy in the air, the nervous excitement of nominees, the unwavering pride of families and fans—it was pure African magic.
The Future Awards Africa 2025: A Night of Legacy and Light
From the very first moment, with dazzling lights and thunderous applause echoing off the walls, guests were treated to more than just an award show. It felt like an Naija family celebration—full of hope, laughter, and sentiments that brought even the coolest Lagosians close to tears.
No matter your hustle, there was someone on stage who felt like “one of ours”—the content creator who rose from Instagram reels, the footballer who once kicked a tattered ball in her neighbourhood, the creative who turned everyday struggles into dance, drama, or comedy. This year, as always, TFAA served as a mirror reflecting the dreams of an entire generation and offered everyone in the room a reason to believe.
Big Winners: Rasheedat Ajibade, Mr Macaroni, and Taaooma Claim the Spotlight
Among the night’s most cheered recipients, Rasheedat Ajibade—the “explosive” Super Falcons superstar and symbol of hope for young girls across Nigeria—clenched The Future Awards Africa Prize for Sports. It was a proud moment for football fans nationwide, a clear reminder that with grit and God’s grace, anyone can rise from Ajegunle pitches to the world stage.
If you’ve ever scrolled through social media on a slow Sunday in Lagos, you already know Mariam “Taaooma” Apaokagi. Her award for Content Creation was a celebration of Nigerian humour, mother tongue, and the relatable hustle of making people laugh even on days when NEPA “do us strong thing.” Taaooma’s win sends a strong signal to the next generation: your story has value, even if it comes with a little pepper and plenty wahala!
Mr Macaroni—Adebowale Adedayo—also brought home the prize for Acting. His signature line (“You are doing well!”) now rings true on an even bigger platform. Many viewers say his skits are not just jokes but a gentle mirror, reflecting pressing social issues with laughter as medicine. Isn’t it amazing how comedy, in the hands of a passionate storyteller, can spark real discussion and change?
Veteran comedian Ali Baba received an honorary award, marking decades of laughter and positive service to the community. The crowd’s ovation was deafening—proof that consistency is its own kind of magic.
The night’s highest honour, Young Person of the Year, went to Fola David. His work was described as “transformative,” an inspiration for every young Nigerian waking up to dream a little bigger.
Star-Studded Co-Hosts and a Global Conversation
This year’s event had an added twist: the charismatic duo of Nollywood actor Mike Afolarin and media personality Azeezah Hashim—the first-ever East African co-host—kept the audience on their toes. Their chemistry, quick wit, and blend of cultures injected the evening with something that felt truly pan-African. Attendees couldn’t help but notice how this year’s event nudged the borders aside, inviting everyone on the continent to claim their seat at the table.
According to Ayodeji Razaq, TFAA’s Executive Director, the evening stood as a reminder that legacies are not built overnight but through every conscious deed and bold decision. In his words, “Tonight’s winners have proven, with their powerful work and impact, that the legacy is woven decision by decision. After tonight, we keep weaving our collective tapestry to bring Africa into the future she deserves.”
Packed List of Winners Celebrating African Excellence
Still wondering how deep the talent pool goes? Here’s a rundown of the night’s major prizes—a tapestry stitched by bold creators, thinkers, and doers from every corner of Nigeria and the continent:
- Creativity & Innovation: Taiwo Abisoye Joel
- Photography: Amazing Klef
- Education: John Onuigbo
- Journalism: Madina Dahiru Maishanu
- Content Creation: Mariam Apaokagi (Taaooma)
- Health & Wellness: Funmilola Aderemi
- Community Action: Hammed Kayode Alabi
- Arts: Ayobola Kekere-Ekun
- Literature: Adedayo Agarau
- Activism & Advocacy: Solomon Ayodele (Boys Quarters Africa)
- Fashion: Richmond Barnes (Will and Barnes Group)
- Law: Ogenetega Adedipe
- Film: Oluwadamilola Apampa
- Professional Service: Bode Roberts
- Entrepreneurship: Tomike Adeoye
- Technology: Kelvin Umechukwu
- Performing Arts: Big Bimi
- Intrapreneurship: Solomon Ayodele
- On-Air Personality: Azeezah Hashim (Kenya)
- Agriculture: Adetiloye Aiyeola
- Governance: Daniel Otabor
- Music: Okeowo Oladotun Alani
- Sports: Rasheedat Ajibade
- Acting: Adebowale Adedayo (Mr Macaroni)
- Service to Young People (Honorary): Ali Baba
- Young Person of the Year: Fola David
Why TFAA Matters for Young Nigerians and Africa’s Tomorrow
It’s no secret that many young Nigerians have felt overlooked by national conversations. But events like The Future Awards Africa serve as a critical reminder: local heroes are everywhere, shaping education, tech, health, and governance—even when facing daunting odds. According to Lagos-based youth advocate Amaka Mordi, “Seeing these names, these backgrounds, makes so many of us believe our own dreams are worth the work.”
Looking across Africa, the impact ripples far beyond ceremony and hashtags: TFAA has reportedly inspired similar platforms in Kenya, Ghana, and South Africa, all tailored to their own unique stories (source: Future Africa).
What’s Next? The Road Ahead for Nigeria’s Next Generation of Changemakers
While celebrations are sweet, the real gist is in the morning after—the return to the daily grind. Will winners and finalists continue to break new ground and lift up their communities? What will it take for even more young people to be noticed, celebrated, and empowered? And, how can Nigeria ensure that legacies, like those seen at TFAA, are strengthened with sound policies and community support?
Some critics allege that youth-focused awards sometimes miss the most grassroots changemakers. Others point to the continued need for real sector investments—especially in technology, sports, and creative industries—to offer all youth a fair shot at recognition. According to several experts, meaningful reforms, mentorship, and access to resources remain essential to sustaining such platforms’ long-term impact.
The Local Impact: Inspiration Beyond the Stage
Stroll through any market, bus stop, or viewing centre across Nigeria, and you’ll hear the names of TFAA winners on people’s lips. For a young girl in Port Harcourt who dreams of playing for the Super Falcons, Rasheedat Ajibade’s victory is a spark. To the aspiring actor rehearsing lines under a mango tree in Warri, Mr Macaroni is a mentor. And to every hustler filming their next skit in the heat, Taaooma’s win screams “E go better!”
As Nigeria’s youth continue to push boundaries against uncertain odds, prizes like The Future Awards Africa provide not only recognition but also a powerful sense of belonging, hope, and national pride. One can only imagine what new stories will emerge—what fresh legacies will be woven—by the time TFAA celebrates its next milestone.
So, what does legacy mean to you? Which young Nigerian would you nominate next? Drop a comment, share your own trailblazer story, and follow us for more inspiring updates from across Africa.
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