The Trumpet Newspaper Issue 638 (December 11 - 24 2024)

TheTrumpet
Africans now have a voice... Founded in 1995
V O L 30 N O 638 D E C E M B E R 11 - 24 2024
Support
grows for UK
government’s
eVisa
campaign
Meet
the GAB
Awards
Recipients
Continued on Page 3>
Pastor Temi Odejide. House on the Rock
As the clock ticks to the
change in the United
Kingdom (UK) from
physical immigration documents to
an eVisa - an online record of a
person’s UK immigration status;
community organisations and
immigration experts are throwing
their weight behind the UK
government’s campaign to advise
people about the change.
The latest Home Office
statistics show that over three
million people have now made the
switch from using physical
immigration documents to an
eVisa.
The transition will be a more
convenient and secure way for UK
visa holders to show their
immigration status by replacing
Biometric Residence Permits
(BRPs), passports containing a visa
vignette sticker or ink stamp (for
those with indefinite leave to enter
or remain) and Biometric
Residence cards (BRCs) with an
eVisa. For those who may be less
familiar with digital technology,
there is support including through
the gov.uk/eVisa website, Assisted
Digital, and a network of national
and local organisations who can
provide specialist support.
The Caribbean & African
Health Network (CAHN), RAFFA
International Development
Agency, and House on the Rock
are just some of the community
organisations in England that have
Continued on Page 4<

Page2 TheTrumpet DECEMBER 11 - 24 2024
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GAB Awards
DECEMBER 11 - 24 2024
26 t h Annual GAB Awards 2024 -
Recipients
TheTrumpet
Page3
GAB Future Gems
Ms Ruth Agbolade
- Photography
Mr Omotoyosi Clement
- International Relations
GAB Excellence
Mr Marc Adebesin
– The Arts
Mrs Olutola Animashaun
- Women Empowerment
Dr Jacob Kunle Ajomale
– Gospel Music
Mrs Eula Clarke
– Women Empowerment
Mrs Bebe Clement
– Business Education
Mrs Hauwa Yusuf Funtua
- Media
Prof. Williams Azuma
Ijoma
– Responsible Migration
Mr Julius Imabeh
– Philanthropy
Mrs Oluyemisi Iranloye
– Agro Allied Processing
Ms Rugiatu Kanu
– Women Empowerment
Nina Kristofferson
– Entertainment
Mrs Patricia Alisa
Macaulay
– Multicultural Marketing
GAB Platinum
Sir David Adjaye OBE
- Architecture
Ms. Hilda Ephraim-
Adejumo
– Commercial Law
Engr. Dr. Emmanuel
Aderemi Awode
– Business
Prof. Daniel Kolawole
Olukoya
– Philanthropy
Computer Aid
International
– Digital Inclusion
Mr Jackson Ogunyemi
(Action Jackson)
– Youth Empowerment
Ayan De First
(Mr Culture)
- Entertainment
Amb. Joseph Ehigiamusoe
- Culture
Ireti Oba-Okojie
- Intimacy Coaching
Evang. Blessing Urowoli
Olubanjo
- Gospel Music
Mr Ileriayo Temitope
Fadeni
- Music
Dr Hubert Emeka
Onyekwelu
- Health
Mrs Dorcas Wuraola
Falode
– Immigration Law
Ms Bamidele Farinre
– Science & Technology
Mr Dele Oyekanmi
- Surveying
VIN Club
- Philanthropy

Page4
TheTrumpet
DECEMBER 11 - 24 2024
TheTrumpet Group
News
Support grows for UK
government’s eVisa
Field: 07956 385 604
E-mail:
info@the-trumpet.com
TheTrumpetTeam
PUBLISHER / EDITOR-IN-CHIEF:
’Femi Okutubo
CONTRIBUTORS:
Moji Idowu, Ayo Odumade,
Steve Mulindwa
SPECIAL PROJECTS:
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John-Brown Adegunsoye (Abuja)
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ATLANTA BUREAU CHIEF:
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BOARD OF CONSULTANTS
CHAIRMAN:
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MEMBERS:
Tunde Ajasa-Alashe
Allison Shoyombo, Peter Osuhon
campaign
Continued from Page 1<
mentioned that they are keen to
support community members with the
transition to an eVisa to ensure no one
gets left behind.
Pastor Temi Odejide from House
on the Rock told us “People in the
community may have questions
regarding the transition to eVisa, and
not feel confident that they know what
steps to take. As an organisation
working on the ground in the
community we are keen to direct
people to the different sources of help
and guidance available, so they know
they are supported in this process.”
Managing Director and
Immigration Specialist - Dele
Odusanya tells us what he advises as
the next steps to get the process
started. “If you have a BRP or BRC
card, you might’ve already gotten an
email or text about setting up your
UKVI account and getting access to
your eVisa before the end of the year.
If you have a “legacy document”
which means a visa stamp or vignette
sticker in your passport showing
indefinite leave to remain or enter, that
doesn’t have an expiry date, you are
encouraged to make an NTL
application at www.gov.uk/eVisa. And
don’t worry if you need a bit of extra
help. Support is available online, on
the phone and even face-to-face if
needed.”
If you are affected by these
changes, here are the top five reasons
why the transition to an eVisa will
make viewing and proving your
current immigration status easier:
1. Instant, anytime access
Those completing the transition
will be able to access their visa details
instantly from any digital device, so
there’s no need to carry extra physical
immigration documents. The eVisa
can’t be lost or stolen and eVisa
holders can easily verify their
immigration status and share details
with third party checkers such as
employers or landlords as needed.
2. Simpler travel
Traveling to and from the UK will
become smoother too. Border Force
officials and carriers, including
airlines, rail and ferry operators will be
able to access a visa holder’s
immigration status electronically,
speeding up the process and avoiding
any confusion about stamps or
stickers. It’s one less thing to worry
about when people are planning a trip.
To help ensure a smooth transition
to eVisa, airlines and other carriers
may accept BRPs and EUSS BRCs
expiring on 31 December 2024 or later
as evidence of permission to travel to
the UK, provisionally until 31 March
2025. This will be kept under review.
Passengers travelling to and from
the UK will remain subject to the usual
immigration checks and requirements,
and anyone seeking to enter the UK
whose underlying immigration status
has expired will be liable for refusal of
entry. An EUSS BRC is a BRC that
was issued following a successful
application to the EU Settlement
Scheme.
3. Better security and peace of
mind
Unlike passport stamps or vignette
stickers, which can wear out, be lost or
be tampered with, the eVisa is stored
safely online.
4. Easier updates and renewals
Using an eVisa streamlines this
process, allowing you to update your
personal details through the secure UK
Visas and Immigration (UKVI)
account. Everything can be handled
digitally, saving you time and effort.
5. The transition is free and has
no effect on your immigration status
An eVisa is an electronic record of
a person’s immigration status. It
doesn’t change the person’s
immigration status or conditions of
their permission to enter or stay in the
UK. People can still use their valid
documents to show their status but are
encouraged to make the transition to
an eVisa.
Further information and support is
available at: www.gov.uk/eVisa
TheTrumpet (ISSN: 1477-3392)
is published in London fortnightly
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DECEMBER 11 - 24 2024 TheTrumpet
Page5

Page6 TheTrumpet DECEMBER 11 - 24 2024
GAB Awards
Celebrating the boundless
possibilities that lie ahead
By ‘Femi Okutubo
Excerpts of the speech delivered by GAB Awards Founder – ‘Femi Okutubo at the 26 th Annual
Gathering of Africa’s Best (GAB) Awards held in London on Sunday 1 st Deecember 2024.
It’s a great pleasure to welcome you to
the 26 th Annual Gathering of Africa’s
Best (GAB) Awards and the 2 nd
Annual GAB Awards Future Gems.
For those physically in this Banquet
Hall, your attendance in spite of all
circumstances – is highly appreciated. We
equally appreciate those who are
watching online.
I stand before you with mixed
feelings but deep gratitude to God –
because He remains God in all situations.
May I crave your indulgence to start
off my speech this evening on a sombre
note.
May I take this opportunity to
remember a few friends and associates of
the GAB Awards who have passed away
since last year’s ceremony.
We fondly remember Mr Richard
Adeyemi Taylor OBE – a 2011 GAB
Awards recipient who up till his death in
March 2024, worked tirelessly through
the Damilola Taylor Trust to ensure his
son’s death meant “hope, life and
opportunity for Britain’s downtrodden
and underprivileged youth.”
We also remember Mr Babajide
Olagundoye a friend, an ideas-soundingboard,
and regular guest at the GAB
Awards ceremonies in London and
Manchester – who passed away in
February 2024.
May God rest their souls,
May God comfort and uphold their
loved ones, and
May their labour of love never be in
vain.
Death is yet another reminder that we
live on earth – but for a temporary period
of time.
It is a reminder that no matter the
length of our life, we must make an
impact and leave fond memories and
lasting legacies on earth.
It is part of the GAB Awards ethos,
that we all must excel in all we do – and
ensure we are making the world a better
place than we met it.
Before I forge ahead, I have a
confession to make:
Against the backdrop of focusing on
the fact that this is the 26 th Annual
Gathering of Africa’s Best (GAB)
Awards, I did not pay particular attention
to the fact that we were also by extension
– celebrating another important milestone
– the Silver Jubilee of the GAB Awards
which started in 1999.
We are grateful to God and all those
He has used as instruments over the last
25 years to ensure that GAB Awards
survives, thrives and flourishes. Thank
you so much!
This 26 th Annual GAB Awards is yet
another opportunity to reflect on 26
annual editions of honouring excellence,
fostering innovation, and celebrating the
extraordinary achievements of our
Continent and its sons, daughters and
friends.
The 2 nd Annual GAB Awards Future
Gems demonstrates our commitment to
nurture the dreams of the next generation,
inspiring them to reach for the stars and
contribute to the continued growth and
prosperity of our beloved continent. The
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GAB Awards – Future Gems showcases
an array of talents and future gems under
the age of 35.
At inception, the GAB Awards set out
with a clear vision - to spotlight and
honour individuals whose contributions
have shaped industries, inspired change,
impacted lives, and elevated Africa on the
global stage.
Over the years, we’ve witnessed
extraordinary talents emerge from every
corner of our diverse continent,
especially in the Diaspora – which is our
main focus. Leaders, Visionaries, Artists,
Scientists, and Trailblazers have
demonstrated resilience, creativity, and
an unwavering commitment to making a
difference – not just to our Community
and Continent – but to the world at large.
The GAB Awards has become an
institution, showcasing the richness of
our culture, the brilliance of our minds,
and the strength of our collective spirit. It
has become a platform for voices that
resonate far and wide. We are proud to
assert that the GAB Awards serves as a
reminder that Africa’s future is bright,
and its potential is limitless.
To everyone who has been a part of
this incredible journey since 1999 - our
Nominees, Recipients, Sponsors,
Organisers, Volunteers, Patrons and
Attendees - thank you for being the
heartbeat of this celebration.
We thank everyone who has
purchased tickets, taken up
Advertisement slots, donated and
supported - thank you for making the
burden lighter. Like the proverbial Oliver
Twist – we need and want more.
We acknowledge the support of Ades
Foods and KATO Enterprises – and
guests in attendance can leave with a
Goody bag which has a few of their
products.
In the spirit of promoting excellence,
Trumpet Media Group is proud to
endorse KATO Enterprises’ “Drink In
Peace” campaign – which encourages
consumers to ensure that they are
consuming drinks that come directly
from the Breweries; comply with UK
standards and regulations; are imported
through the right channels; and for which
proper UK government taxes and duties
have been paid.
The GAB Awards is to Africa’s
brilliance and enduring spirit. It is a
celebration - not just of the past, but also
of the boundless possibilities that lie
ahead.
Thank you and God bless.

DECEMBER 11 - 24 2024 TheTrumpet
Page7

Page8 TheTrumpet DECEMBER 11 - 24 2024
GAB Awards
Meet the GAB Awards Recipients
BAMIDELE FARINRE
Science & Technology
Bamidele Farinre is a trailblazer in the
fields of Biomedical Science and
Science, Technology, Engineering and
Mathematics (STEM), known for her
exceptional leadership, innovation, and
unwavering commitment to inclusivity.
As a Chartered Biomedical Scientist
and certified Scrum Master, she has
broken barriers and inspired countless
individuals, becoming a pioneering Black
British female leader in her profession.
Her remarkable achievements have
earned her numerous accolades,
including the prestigious title of
Biomedical Scientist of the Year at the
Advancing Healthcare Awards 2022.
With a passion for knowledge
dissemination, Bamidele contributes to
the scientific community by authoring
educational articles, delivering insightful
speeches on various platforms, and
participating in global conferences,
podcasts, and outreach programmes. She
has been featured in influential
publications such as ‘Voices in the
Shadow’ and ‘Disruptors’, where her
contributions to science communication
and advocacy for diversity in STEM have
been widely recognised.
Beyond her professional pursuits,
Bamidele’s dedication to mentoring and
community engagement is unparalleled.
She is the author of the book ‘The
Mentor’s Journey: From Learning to
Leading’, a powerful testament to her
belief in the transformative power of
mentorship and leadership. Her book
serves as a guide to inspire future leaders
to embrace growth and break through
societal limitations.
Further expanding her influence,
Bamidele has established a LinkedIn hub
called ‘Bams Space – No Ceiling’, where
she champions diversity, inclusion, and
the idea that there are no limits to what
individuals, especially those from
underrepresented groups, can achieve.
This platform facilitates impactful
conversations on Equality, Diversity, and
Inclusion (EDI), and provides resources
to empower individuals to excel in their
careers while challenging existing norms.
Her influence extends beyond her
professional accomplishments as she
holds vital roles in advocacy and
representation. She serves as a Freedom
to Speak Up Ambassador, Black, Asian
and Minority Ethnic (BAME) Staff Voice
Representative, and Deputy Chair of the
Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS)
Virology Specialist Advisory panel,
passionately advocating for a fair and
inclusive workplace.
She is a keynote speaker, mentor, and
panellist, addressing critical topics in
leadership, STEM, and EDI on both
national and international stages. Her
efforts in supporting STEM education,
particularly for young women and
underrepresented groups, have solidified
her position as a role model, inspiring the
next generation of innovators and leaders.
Bamidele’s unwavering commitment to
empowerment, education, and her
relentless pursuit of breaking barriers
ensures that her legacy will be one of
transformation and inclusion, shaping a
future where opportunities in STEM are
truly accessible to all.
AYAN DE FIRST
(MR CULTURE)
Entertainment
Ayan De First - Mr Culture is the
CEO of African Cultural Showcase,
which presents African Cultural
Celebration Night, Oduduwa Talking
Drummers and ADF School of Arts and
Culture.
Ayan De First, a miracle child who
could not start his primary education until
9 years old due to illness and passing out
frequently, was born into a family of
drummers and performers.He started his
career at the age of five, performing with
his dad and uncles. As his talent grew, it
became apparent that he was destined to
become a musician which was a dilemma
as a Science student.
Although his ambition was to study
Medicine or Pharmacy, but through his
father’s advice and passion for music, he
changed his career and went to study
Contemporary Arts at Ori Olokun
College of Arts and later studied Drama
Arts at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile
Ife, Osun State, Nigeria.
In Britain, he attended London
College of Arts Camberwell, London
School of Graphics & Printing in
Elephant & Castle, and obtained his
second degree from Coventry University.
He came to Britain as a performing
and visual artist, working within the
educational sector, and has since worked
with over 500 private and community
schools within the UK, delivering
educational workshops on the Arts of
Africa.
Mr Culture also works hand in hand
with different Boroughs, Art Centres and
Libraries, Immigration Detention centres,
Prisons, and youth offenders across the
UK promoting the Arts of Africa.
The pioneer has broken boundaries
when he became the first African Talking
drummer to perform for the Late Her
Majesty Queen Elizabeth II of Britain
and The Royal Family at Buckingham
Palace during the Golden Jubilee
celebrations. This was followed by
another performance for HRH Prince
Charles, now the King of Britain, at St
James’s Palace and in Croydon, London;
before his recent performance for His
Majesty King Charles III in London.
He has performed for British business
magnate - Sir Richard Branson; Britain’s
second longest serving female Member
of Parliament (now a member of the
House of Lords) – Baroness Harriet
Harman; former Transport Secretary -
Lord Peter Mandelson; former Labour
Leader Jeremy Corbyn; the Lord Mayor
of London; and American Singer and
Actress - Madonna.
He performed for the Lord Mayor of
London at a New Year’s Day Mayoral
parade, and was awarded the Freedom of
the City of London.
He has also appeared and performed
on Britain’s TV Channel 4 programme -
“Come Dine With Me.”
Mr Culture has performed for many other
eminent personalities in Nigeria which
include former Presidents, Heads of
State, Kings, Business Leaders and
Political Leaders.
He runs regular weekly drumming
and singing in-person and online tutorials
for youths to keep the culture alive.
He organised the first cultural evening at
the Nigeria High Commission in 2019 to
give Nigerian British children an
opportunity to showcase their skills and
talents.
He performed at the historical Benin
Bronze Restitution event at Cambridge
University which was aired on numerous
television networks in Britain and in
Nigeria.
He has performed at different festivals
across Europe and at top venues such as
Royal Albert Hall, Royal Festival Hall,
Ronnie Scotts, Heathrow Airport, and
Somerset House.
His skills and talent have been
deployed in a few famous musical
albums like: “Ijo Ya” by Weird Mc,
Festival of love, “Mi o mon poju ogun
laye” by Micho Ade.
He has featured in theatre plays
including: Tickets and Ties, and The
Secret of Baba Segi’s Wives directed by
Femi Elufowoju Jr who initiated him into
stage theatre plays.
Like the proverbial cat with nine
lives, the radio presenter has survived 6
major and 4 minor car accidents in his
lifetime.
BEBE CLEMENT
Business Education
Bebe Clement is an international
speaker and corporate trainer whose
corporate clientele include: The Nigerian
Armed Forces, Crown Agents, The
Esther Ajayi Foundation - Youth
Entrepreneurs Seminars with over 6,000
youth in attendance, Genistar- (an
international multi-million pound finance
education company) and many more.
With a background in Employment
Law, she runs a group of small companies
alongside her husband.
She is the author of ‘How to go from
Employee to Entrepreneur’, with over
6,000 copies sold, which is on the
recommended reading list for an MBA
programme at University of Sussex, and
‘Wealth creation, God’s way’.
During the pandemic, she started to
help black entrepreneurs stay connected,
provide business-related and wealth
creation knowledge and share
experiences of successful entrepreneurs.
She currently hosts the weekly radio
business programme, ‘Bebe Means
Business’ on STAR RADIO UK’, with
circa 5,000 weekly global listeners,
where she has hosted such notable guests
as Rabbi Daniel Lapin, Dr Olumide
Emmanuel, Talented singer/songwriter -
Samm Henshaw, Jeff Lestz, CEO of
Genistar and many others.
She is the founder and President of
BlackBusinessesUK, one of the UK’s
largest networking groups for black
entrepreneurs in the UK with over 15,000
online members.
She has been publicly recognised by
Facebook for her work with
BlackBusinessesUK
She is also a guest lecturer at Bayes
Business School, City, University of
London, where she lectures on
professional business skills.
Bebe is a wife and mother of two
sons.
She uses every opportunity to
promote her life’s philosophy: ‘Put your
Continued on Page 10 >

DECEMBER 11 - 24 2024 TheTrumpet
Page9

Page10 TheTrumpet DECEMBER 11 - 24 2024
GAB
Awards
Meet the GAB Awards Recipients
Continued from Page 8<
signature on life’. She believes that God
made each person unique, with specific
gifts that they can use to serve mankind.
Irrespective of the hand that life has dealt
them, they can make a significant
difference by influencing their corner of
the world for the better - with what they
have been given.
EVANGELIST
BLESSING
UROWOLI
OLUBANJO
Gospel Music
Evangelist Blessing Urowoli Olubanjo
is a graduate of the Middlesex
University where she initially studied
Accounting and Business Information
Systems and later studied Business
Administration. She did courses at The
City Literacy Institute which included
Drama exercises, Music production,
Graphic Design & Illustration, Motion
Design, Audio, Music theory, Computer
repairs and maintenance, and more.
She graduated from the International
Bible Institute of London where she was
prepared for her calling as a Minister of
God. In 2007, she attended the Mount
Zion Christian Film Institute training in
London led by Evangelist Mike
Bamiloye at Passion TV and was
awarded a Certificate in Christian Drama
Arts in the Church Drama Evangelism
category with a Merit. She recently
completed her course in Level 5 Level in
education and training in 2024.
She is a songwriter, recording artist
and has released 2 full music albums, 4
single albums. Her music album -
Inspirational Melody was in
collaboration with Rebecca Miya in 2006
and the single album Soro Soke was a
collaboration with Ify Jaegc released in
December 2020. Her 4th and most recent
and powerful single album titled Joy will
come in the morning also known as Not
the end of the world was a collaboration
with Joseph Obinna which was released
March 2024.
She is the Choir Co-ordinator of
Christ Apostolic Church Courtyard of
Perfection, UK.
She is the founder and CEO of Simply
Blessing Music & Movie productions,
producers of highly recommended
movies such as the Raging Storm, Up
Next, Wrong Marriages, and Forced
Marriage among others.
She bagged an award from Ruke
Amata Media Ltd in December 2013 for
reaching the finals in the annual acting
competition known as Class Act in the
UK.
She is a Model, Fashion Designer,
Web Designer, Graphic and a Jewellery
Designer. She is an Author and Publisher
who believes in using God-given abilities
and talents to inspire and transform the
lives of others and also for selfimprovement
and transformation.
She is a recipient of NELAS
Academy Awards 2020 in Abuja,
NELAS Academy Awards UK 2023, and
has featured in movies such as Fake
Identity, SuaraLa, Revenge of a Woman,
Oma Tsen Tsen, and Let Go.
COMPUTER AID
INTERNATIONAL
Digital Inclusion
Computer Aid International is a
registered charity in England &
Wales and in Scotland.
Its mission is to bridge the digital
divide and to use digital technologies to
help overcome disadvantage – and to do
so in environmentally friendly ways.
In part, it does this by providing an IT
disposal service for companies and
organisations. Its service seeks to reuse
as much as possible and in so doing,
reduce the carbon footprint of the assets.
In the last year, a total of 10,211
laptops, PCs and monitors and 10,785
pieces of equipment were distributed.
Also 10,359 pieces of equipment were
reused and 15,608 pieces of equipment
were recycled. These strides mean that in
the last year: almost 3.1 million Kg CO2e
was prevented from entering the
atmosphere through e-waste – the
equivalent of taking 1,513 cars off the
road for 1 year or planting 147,442 adult
trees to offset the same CO2e.
Digital technologies are a key driver
of economic and social change and those
who do not have access to the digital
technology or the skills to use it are being
increasingly marginalised. Through its
work, it helps communities and people by
bringing new opportunities, unlocked by
digital access.
It has helped to provide digital
technologies and connectivity for
refugees from Ukraine fleeing the
ongoing conflict. The organisation has
also extended its work with those
experiencing upheavals in their lives to
the people in Morocco impacted by the
earthquake in September 2023 in a large
area south of Marrakech.
The organisation has established
Portable Connectivity Centres funded by
Dell Technologies and the Airbus
Foundation to help maintain educational
services for young people and other
services for adults.
In the last year, 1,215 students were
certified in the Computer & Online
Essentials ICDL Module.
Since its formation 27 years ago, the
charity has saved over 27.5m Kg CO2e
from entering the atmosphere, the
equivalent of planting over 1.3million
adult trees. It has provided over 14.7
million people with access to technology
and enabled over 1.15 billion hours of
digital learning. It has also distributed
over 281,000 laptops and PC kits.
Computer Aid’s work has benefitted
numerous African countries.
PROF. DANIEL
KOLAWOLE
OLUKOYA
Philanthropy
Raised in a Christian family, Prof.
Daniel Kolawole Olukoya’s early
exposure to faith profoundly influenced
his life. He displayed exceptional
academic abilities, excelling in both
primary and secondary education. He
attended Methodist Boys’ High School in
Lagos, where he graduated with top
honours.
He earned a first-class degree in
Microbiology from the University of
Lagos in 1980, becoming the first
graduate with that distinction in the
department. He later received a
Commonwealth scholarship to pursue a
Ph.D. in Molecular Genetics at the
University of Reading, UK, completing
it in record time.
His contributions to science are
significant. He is recognized as the first
Nigerian to clone genes and has authored
scores of scientific papers. He worked as
a Senior Geneticist at the Nigerian
Institute of Medical Research (NIMR).
He later founded the Daniel and Fola
Biotechnology Foundation, and
established Nigeria’s first indigenous
Molecular Biology and Biotechnology
laboratory. His innovations, including a
nutrient-rich pap called Dogik, have had
a positive impact on health and nutrition
in Nigeria.
Although widely recognised as a
scientist, theologian, and the founder of
Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries
(MFM); he has made a significant mark
as a philanthropist - leveraging his
influence and resources to uplift
individuals and communities globally.
He is passionate about education and
skill development. Through the Daniel
and Fola Biotechnology Foundation, he
has trained numerous Nigerians in
modern laboratory techniques, including
molecular biology and biotechnology.
This initiative equips participants with
the skills needed to excel in a highly
competitive global market, thereby
fostering innovation and economic
growth.
As a generous advocate for academic
excellence, he offers scholarships to
deserving students, enabling them to
pursue higher education without financial
strain. His contributions in this area have
created opportunities for many young
individuals to achieve their dreams and
contribute meaningfully to society.
To ensure the Church-owned
University – Mountain Top University
strikes the right balance between being
well-funded to fulfil its mission to
become a world class citadel of learning,
and equally ensuring that less-privileged
Church members are able to afford to
attend the university (sometimes at Zerocost
to students); he established the
Mountain Top University Foundation.
His scientific research led to the
development of “Dogik,” a fortified food
product aimed at combating malnutrition
and diarrhea in children. This initiative
underscores his commitment to
improving public health and addressing
pressing nutritional challenges.
He works to reduce unemployment
and create self-reliant individuals by
creating and supporting programmes that
empower people through vocational
training, entrepreneurship development,
and financial assistance.
He actively supports welfare
programs designed to provide relief to
underprivileged communities by:
· Providing food, clothing, and shelter
to those in need.
· Offering financial assistance to
families affected by disasters or
economic hardship.
· Running rehabilitation programmes
for individuals struggling with
addiction or societal reintegration.
In line with his unquenchable passion
for youths, he has established a Football
Club.
Prof. Olukoya integrates his
philanthropic work with spiritual
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teachings, emphasising the importance of
giving back as a core Christian value.
Many branches of the Mountain of Fire
and Miracles Ministries around the world
participate in outreach programmes,
delivering aid and hope to impoverished
areas.
He is married to Pastor Folashade
Olukoya, and they have a son. Despite his
busy schedule, he maintains a balanced
personal life and remains deeply
committed to his faith and family.
The impact of his philanthropic work
is also evident in the numerous
testimonies of individuals and
communities transformed by his efforts.
SIR DAVID ADJAYE
OM OBE
Architecture
Sir David Adjaye OM OBE is an
award winning Ghanaian-British
architect whose ingenious use of
materials, bespoke designs and visionary
sensibilities have set him apart as one of
the leading architects of his generation.
In 2000, he founded his own practice,
Adjaye Associates, which today operates
globally, with studios in Accra, London,
and New York taking on projects that
span the globe. His largest project to date
- the Smithsonian National Museum of
African American History & Culture in
Washington, DC opened on the National
Mall in Washington DC in 2016 and was
named Cultural Event of the Year by The
New York Times.
In 2017, he was knighted by Queen
Elizabeth II and was recognized as one of
the 100 most influential people of the
year by TIME Magazine.
He is a recipient of the 2021 Royal
Institute of British Architects (RIBA)
Royal Gold Medal, considered one of the
highest honours in British architecture for
significant contributions to the field
internationally.
In 2022, he was appointed to the
Order of Merit, selected by Her Majesty
the Queen, in recognition of
distinguished service in his field. He is
also the recipient of the World Economic
Forum’s 27th Annual Crystal Award,
which recognizes his “leadership in
serving communities, cities and the
environment.”
One of the many prolific projects that
evolved out of his travels is the ‘Adjaye
Africa Architecture: A Photographic
Survey of Metropolitan Architecture’. The
project took place over a ten year period
documenting fifty-four major African
cities and showcasing a concise urban
history, fact file, maps and satellite
imagery that come together in a rigorous
analysis and re-conceptualisation of what
African architecture is and can truly be.
A formative moment in his childhood
was when he realized the inequities that
his brother Emmanuel – who was
partially paralyzed — faced when
visiting his specialized school. He noted
how inefficient, run-down and degrading
the actual facility was. During his
university education at South Bank he
began to think about designing a facility
that would provide better care for the
handicapped, a moment he describes as
changing everything. He came to the
understanding that architecture should
serve people and as a prevalent force
within all our lives it too should take to
the realm of egalitarianism.
Before going to graduate school, he
spent a few months working in studios in
London and later left for Portugal where
he met and studied with the prolific
Eduardo Souto de Moura. At the time,
Portugal had yet to be fully integrated
into the EU and still held with it an
artisanal charm that had craftsmanship
and self-sufficiency akin to one another
in a collective enchantment. It was here
that he fed his creative drive of
architecture with Eduardo guiding and
exposing him to the essence of materials
as it pertained to time, touch and value.
He continued this creative strand in
his travels to Japan where he found the
works of Toyo Ito, Tadao Ando, Kenzo
Tange and Yoshio Taniguchi as well as
Japanese Buddhism courses at the
University of Kyoto where he lived
which allowed him to further explore
thinking and considerations of
architecture outside of the European
canon.
He then returned to London to
establish his practice. His firm’s early
work largely involved private
commissions for the design of artist
studios and residences and quickly
evolved into civic commissions
beginning with the Ideas Stores, two
public libraries in London. The Ideas
Stores, which became precedents for
redefining the role of the library in
fostering social interactions, led to larger
scale civic and cultural work such as
Adjaye’s first project in the US, the
Museum of Contemporary Art Denver
which was completed in 2007.
Ultimately, for David Adjaye,
architecture is “a social act” - it’s about
constructing buildings that acknowledge
and understand their histories, whilst
creating something entirely new, in order
to serve communities into their futures.
MR DELE
OYEKANMI
Surveying
Mr Dele Oyekanmi is a versatile,
multi-talented leader with over 35
years of experience as a Commercial,
Contracts, and Procurement Professional
in the Construction Industry in the UK,
Europe, and the Middle East and North
Africa (MENA).
He is currently engaged with one of
the world’s most innovative Giga
projects in Saudi Arabia.
His leadership in the industry is
unmistakable, as evidenced by his roles
in the Royal Institution of Chartered
Surveyors (RICS). He became a
Chartered Member in 2002 and a Fellow
Member in 2014, a testament to his
dedication and motivation. His influence
extended to the International Conduct
and Competence Global Advisory Group
and the Standards and Regulations Board,
where he served as a Non-Executive
Director.
For the past sixteen years, he has been
an Assessor, Counsellor, and Mentor for
potential Chartered Surveyors
worldwide, witnessing many successful
transitions to Chartered Quantity and
Project Management Surveyors. He has
chaired the Assessment of Professional
Competence (APC) for the RICS
Chartered qualification in the Middle
East for the last decade. His commitment
to excellence has led to his appointment
as the Principal Assessor for the Middle
East and Africa region, overseeing
initiatives to enhance the standards of
assessments of potential Chartered
Surveyors in collaboration with RICS
Management.
In recognition of his efforts to see
RICS develop and grow in Africa, he was
recently appointed the Patron of the
Rwanda Institute of Quantity Surveyors
(RIQS).
His commitment to community
service is truly commendable. He serves
as a Global Ambassador for RICS
Lionheart and is a Director of Destiny
Builders, a non-profit organisation he
founded in 1996. For the past 25 years,
he has dedicated himself to serving and
impacting the lives of hundreds of
victims of genocide, orphans, and young
adults. His work, which focuses on
sponsored education, lifelong skills, and
small business initiatives, has empowered
many to achieve their potential. As a
result, Dele has witnessed numerous
individuals evolve into successful
independent non-profit organizations and
entrepreneurs, significantly impacting
Rwanda, Uganda, and Nigeria.
DORCAS WURAOLA
FALODE
Immigration Law
Dorcas Wuraola Falode is a solicitor
of the Supreme Court of England
and Wales.
Born in Lagos Nigeria, she attended
primary and secondary school in Lagos
and travelled to the UK at the age of 15
years to pursue further education. She did
her Law degree at London Guildhall
University as well as the Legal Practice
Course and qualified as a Solicitor in
2000. She worked with various law firms
and rose to become the Head of the
Immigration department at Tower
Hamlets Law Centre.
She is the owner of DF Solicitors in
London - a specialist Immigration Law
firm she set up in 2008 to allow her to
work more with and serve the Nigerian
community. In her private practice, she
offers pro bono services to those unable
to afford legal services and reduced fee
services where needed. She gives free
legal updates at local churches from time
to time, and has particular interests in
cases involving children and the
vulnerable. She has a thriving practice in
London and Lagos.
She won a GAB Award in 2020 in the
Motivation category for her work on
‘Nigerians Inspire’.
In 2023, her firm - DF Solicitors was
named the Best Nationwide Immigration
Specialist Law firm 2023 by Greater
London Enterprise awards. In the UK
Enterprise Awards 2024, her firm was
named the Best Immigration Law Firm
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2024 – London. The firm won the UK
Enterprise Client Service Excellence
Award 2024 and the Best Nationwide
Immigration Law firm 2024 by SME
News.
ENGR. DR.
EMMANUEL
ADEREMI AWODE
Business
Engr. Dr. Emmanuel Aderemi Awode
is a Nigerian industrialist,
philanthropist, and the Chairman/CEO of
Chemstar Group, a company renowned
for producing paints under the Finecoat
and Shield brands, as well as for its
ventures in agriculture, plastic products
manufacturing, real estate, and haulage.
After completing his studies in
Chemistry at The Polytechnic, Ibadan,
where he graduated with an Upper Credit
in 1986, he began his career as a chemical
analyst and paints chemist. He is a
creative and talented chemist with a
peculiar passion for paint technology
who works extensively locally and
internationally in the areas of building
paints, industrial coatings, marine
coatings, automotive paints, and wood
finishes.
He demonstrated outstanding
performance while he was Senior
Chemist at International Paints for West
Africa (IPWA).
He founded Chemstar Paints Industry
(Nigeria) Limited in May 1995, kicking
off manufacturing with its flagship
product - Finecoat paint for which it’s
globally known. The company has grown
over time to be the leading indigenous
paint manufacturing company in Nigeria.
The company has created several
product brands including Shield Paints -
a premium brand that is locally
developed to perform excellently in the
tropical climate and give value to
facilities of High Networth individuals.
The company has since grown into a
multi-national operation with an
extensive distributorship network across
Nigeria and some neighbouring
countries; and employing over 1,000
people across Nigeria, Ghana, and South
Africa.
Apart from the paints and allied
industry, he established a Group of
Companies (Chemstar Group) that
includes: C-PIN Industries Limited,
Silverstone Properties Ltd, and
MATRAG Food Limited, among others.
He has contributed immensely to the
meaningful development of the Real
Estate sector of the Nigerian economy,
having developed problem-solving paints
and allied products.
His philanthropic efforts are
significant, focusing on education, youth
empowerment, and community
development. Through the Remi Awode
Foundation, he has empowered
individuals with financial support and
resources for personal and business
development. He also established a
chemistry laboratory at his alma mater,
The Polytechnic, Ibadan, and provides
scholarships and automatic employment
opportunities to outstanding students of
the institution.
His achievements have earned him
numerous awards, including the Lagos
State Man of the Year Award (2021) and
recognition for his contributions to
enterprise, quality, and innovation at
international forums.
A devout Christian, he was recently
ordained as a Most Senior Special
Apostle in the Cherubim and Seraphim
Movement Church Worldwide (Ayo Ni
O) – a Church where he also serves as a
Trustee.
His legacy combines entrepreneurial
success with a deep commitment to
uplifting society through impactful
philanthropy and mentorship
programmes.
MRS EULA CLARKE
Women Empowerment
Eula Clarke is the CEO of Clarkes
Associates Consultancy - a UK
consultancy business focusing on
coaching and mentoring women to grow
and achieve their goals. She is a
renowned Women in Leadership expert,
award-winning financial services
professional and detail-oriented trusted
board advisor with over two decades of
experience gained building teams,
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enhancing performance and driving
diversity and inclusion initiatives within
highly regulated corporate environments.
With over 45 years of experience
achieved working at one of the largest
financial institutions in the United
Kingdom where she rose to become
Assistant Vice President, Eula has won
top Bank Branch Manager awards and
also been recognised for her
achievements through different awards
including three sets of Platinum awards.
She is a problem solver noted for her
management skills, team growth and
performance management strategies
including customer service and
engagement.
Eula through Clarke Associates runs
Women in Leadership workshops with
focus on Women in Leadership,
supporting female executives to become
excellent Managers and experts in their
chosen fields.
She is a wife and a mother who uses
her life experiences to coach and mentor
women on how to have powerful
relationships whilst developing their
skills and building successful careers.
Eula is a serial Philanthropist who
contributes her time and resources to
supporting a variety of charitable
organisations in the United Kingdom,
Africa and the Caribbean.
She is a United Nations Commission
on the Status of Women CSW68 UK
Delegate and was appointed G100
Country Advisory Council member for
Higher Education Wing. She is also an
Ambassador of the Damilola Taylor
Trust.
She is the author of “A Call to
Elevate.”
HAUWA YUSUF
FUNTUA
Media
Hauwa Yusuf Funtua, is a frontline
broadcaster, who served in various
capacities with the Nigeria Television
Authority (NTA National and
International) from 1996 to date. She is
the first ever NTA International
Correspondent in Europe and currently
heads Yarism Limited - a Film and
Television Production Company in
Nigeria.
She is a seasoned Journalist, Script
Writer, Camera Operator and Film Editor
and has covered International
Conferences, Summits, Seminars and
World Travel Markets. She has been on
the international scene on various
occasions with reputable journalists like:
Christiane Amanpour of CNN, Riz Khan
of Al Jazeera, Laura of BBC, Benedicte
Pivot of France 24 and the late Terry
Lloyd of ITN, amongst many others. She
is currently a member of the Foreign
Press Association, Commonwealth Club
and London Union of Journalists.
Hauwa Yusuf Funtua, believes in the
empowerment of women, and bringing
opportunity to the deserving youths in
our Nigerian society.
With a plethora of degrees and
certificates, she remains an iconic force
to reckon with in the world of Television
and Journalism. She is an alumnus of
Ahmadu Bello University Zaria – Nigeria
(BA – Nigeria & African Languages),
University of Jos – Nigeria, (MA –
Languages and Linguistics), London
School of Journalism UK, (PGD –
General Journalism), Kensington College
London, South Thames College London
(Certificate in Scripting for TV), and the
Nigeria Television College – Jos
(Diploma in News Writing).
Hauwa Yusuf is the Media Adviser
and a Mentor to Studio67 Academy UK
and Nigeria.
HIGH CHIEF
(BARRISTER)
HILDA EPHRAIM-
ADEJUMO
Commercial Law
High Chief (Barrister) Hilda Ephraim-
Adejumo is a wife, mother, an
Award-Winning Barrister (2019), and
listed in The LEGAL 500 UK (2020).
With a background in Biochemistry,
she studied Law at the University of East
London and graduated with a Double-
First Class Honours (1988); and an LLM
in Corporate Commercial Law from the
Queen Mary & Westfield College,
University of London (1992).
She was Called to the Bar of England
& Wales as a Member of the Great
Lincoln’s Inn of Court in 1989. She
began her legal practice as a pupil in the
renowned Chancery Set at 24 Old
Meet the GAB Awards Recipients
Buildings, Lincoln’s Inn.
She was Head of Chambers of Hilda
Ephraim-Adejumo, in the City of London
(1996 – 2012), before she was invited to
join 12 Old Square Chambers, Lincoln’s
Inn, London.
In 2005/2006, Hilda set up the firstever
Legal programme by a black woman
on Sky TV, the HILDA@LAW Legal
programme, which gained approval by
the Bar Council of England & Wales, to
provide a platform for legal practitioners
from different practices and jurisdictions
for comparative legal information and
analysis.
A Pioneer and Founding member of
the then Nigerian Legal Practitioners in
the UK, she was its Vice President in
2002. The Nigerian Legal Practitioners in
the UK was in fact, the precursor of the
present British Nigerian Lawyers Forum
(BNLF).
She was also a Pioneer and Founding
Member and Vice President of the
Nigerians in the Diaspora Organisation
Europe (NIDOE), 2002/2003.
Her practice at the Bar has included
mostly: Civil Litigation, Family Law &
Financial Remedies in Separation and
Divorce cases, Landlord/Tenants Law,
Commercial Leases, Chancery and
Commercial Law matters - representing
individuals, corporations and
Government.
Some of her cases are reported which
include the Commercial case of L R
Avionics Technologies Ltd v Federal
Government of Nigeria (2017) where she
successfully represented the Nigerian
Government, (un-led), a long-fought case
which began in 2002 between an Israeli
company and the Federal Government of
Nigeria.
As part of her many qualifications,
she is also an International Civil &
Commercial Mediator & Arbitrator and
became a Panel member of the Academy
of Experts, Gray’s Inn, London, (2001 -
till date), and has sat in many Civil &
Commercial Mediation matters. She is
also a Full member of the Chartered
Institute of Arbitrators.
She is a Mentor, ardent Listener, an
Encourager, a Trustee of many
organisations, and serves her
communities far and wide including faith
communities, women groups, family and
professional groups. She has bagged
numerous awards including:
(a). A High Chieftaincy Honours Award
from her Homeland of Calabar (Cross
Rivers State) in 2004 - the youngest to
be awarded the Title.
(b). The Ambassador of Peace in London,
2002.
(c). International Nigerian Woman, UK.
(d). Lawyer of the Year (Best Runner-Up)
by the British Nigerian Law Forum,
2019
(e). Pillar of the Nigerian Catholic
Chaplaincy in England & Wales.
IRETI OBA-OKOJIE
Intimacy Coaching
Ireti Oba-Okojie - also known as
talksexwithireti, is a Clinic Sexuality
Coach and Master Sexpert from the
esteemed Dr. Rachael Institute of
Sexologists, USA.
The Operations Analyst also has a
passion for empowering couples to
embrace their sexuality.
Through personalized coaching
sessions and therapeutic
guidance, she helps couples reignite their
intimate connections, rediscover their
sexual selves, and explore their desires.
She has helped thousands of women
and couples through counselling sessions,
to regain their sexual confidence and
enjoy intimacy with their spouses.
Ireti hosts a sex education hangout
annually across the globe, where people
enjoy comprehensive sex education,
empowerment, and networking
opportunities.
Ireti has created a vibrant community
and Instagram page, where she shares
engaging, informative sexual content to
inspire couples to prioritize their sexual
well-being.
With her unique blend of expertise,
passion, and playfulness, she’s poised to
make a profound impact on the lives of
those she touches.
DR HUBERT EMEKA
ONYEKWELU
Health
Dr Hubert Emeka Onyekwelu became
a Doctor in 1988. He obtained the
Membership of the Royal College of
Obstetricians and Gynaecologists
(MRCOG) in 1996 and Membership of
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the Royal College of General
Practitioners (MRCGP) in 2002.
He was a Registrar in Obstetrics and
Gynaecology at St Mary’s Hospital
Paddington in West London.
He has been Senior Partner and Lead
Clinician at Abbeywood Surgery in South
East London since 2002. The Surgery
was a non-training practice when he
joined, but he single-handedly changed
this, and the Surgery has been a training
practice since August 2011.
As well as being a GP
trainer/supervisor since 2011, for the last
four years, he has been a GP tutor for
third year medical students at Imperial
College Medical School London and
final year students at King’s College
Medical School London – making him
actively involved in the training and
education of the future generation of
doctors.
He was NHS General Practice
appraiser and enjoyed the challenges that
the role presented and was able to engage
with colleagues to get them to see the
benefits of the appraisal process, such
that they also engaged with and enjoyed
it.
He represents his practice at the
Primary Care Network (PCN) meetings
and engagements. He has been actively
involved in the running and decisions of
the PCN.
From February 2020 to December
2021, he was a Director in his local GP
Federation - Greenwich Health, which is
an organisation that all Greenwich
practices are members of, and represents
the wider interest of the practices.
He introduced some changes in the
practice including improvement in the
information technology system to record
consultations, appointment systems,
dedicated diabetes clinic, minor surgery
sessions and chronic disease
clinics/registers with systems for recalls
- which did not exist prior to his joining
the practice.
He regularly performs clinical audits
and other data analyses to improve the
care provided to patients. He engages
with the patients through the Patient
Participation Group (PPG) and this has
been effective as one of the PPG
members is a local community
Councillor.
Against the backdrop of Abbeywood
being a very deprived and under-doctored
area with a life expectancy less than the
average for England; he has made
significant contributions towards the
health and welfare of the local
community especially the travellers
(Gypsies) at The Thistlebrook caravan
site by undertaking regular reviews of
their numerous and complex health
needs. There was a public health initiative
as this large group of patients have a
higher-than-average mortality rate and
high rates of mental health as well as drug
and alcohol problems. The attention to
these disadvantaged group of patients has
led to better management of certain
diseases like mental illness, Ischaemic
Heart Disease and Chronic Obstructive
Pulmonary disease which are very
common in the local population but more
so among the travellers.
He also made in-roads into smoking
cessation and obesity, but due to changes
in the clinical commissioning group, had
to directly encourage the patients to
attend the alternative services.
He has also been working with the
London Ambulance Service in Barking,
Essex since 2018, and handles NHS 111
calls. This has given him the opportunity
to deal with unscheduled care for local
patients.
He was awarded the Fellowship of the
Royal College of General Practitioners
(FRCG) in 2022 - the highest grade of
membership, and the ultimate honour and
achievement for GPs who have made a
significant contribution to General
Practice.
He is married to Hannah, a fellow
General Practitioner, and are blessed with
three children with his eldest daughter
also being a medical doctor.
ILERIAYO TEMITOPE
FADENI
Music
Ileriayo Temitope Fadeni is a multiaward-winning
maestro and musician
with expertise as a pianist, organist,
keyboardist, composer, music director,
symphony orchestra director, and
musicologist, all driven by his passion for
gospel music.
He is the convener of the Expression
Concert, an event that fosters community
connection through diverse music and
showcases talents across various cultures.
He has been invited to perform at
national and international events, as well
as in churches across both Orthodox and
Pentecostal traditions, sharing the joy and
power of music with diverse audiences.
He has collaborated with charitable
organizations such as Liberty (Making
People Free), Mango International UK,
OFNC UK, Highway Hope Charity, and
Impact Sound Media, using music as a
means to uplift and inspire others.
He is the composer of the promotional
song for the NELAS Academy Awards.
Ileriayo is the Founder and Director
of God’s Heritage School of Music,
established in 2011. The school has
produced over 200 musicians and
musicologists to date. The music lessons
he organises - especially at weekends -
have benefited many children and young
people, keeping them engaged and
contributing to their social development
by steering them away from trouble. The
school also provides music lessons for
senior citizens, helping to keep their
minds active and offering a social
environment where they can learn and
have fun.
MR JACKSON
OGUNYEMI
(ACTION JACKSON)
Youth Empowerment
The self-proclaimed ‘UK Ambassador
for Happiness’ - ACTION
JACKSON is an award-winning
motivational speaker, best-selling author,
TV host and lover of life.
If you factor in TEDx speaker,
influencer, multiple marathon runner,
London to Brighton bike rider,
entrepreneur, husband, son and father
(note, the list is not in priority order!),
you’ll understand why he’s better known
as ‘ACTION Jackson’. AJ loves
simplicity. He believes that life is to be
lived fully.
He works with EDUCATORS and
leaders of the next generation and his
message is always the same: Rise up
people. Our young people need us!
Jackson is passionate about transforming
individuals, teams and entire youth
cultures. For him, it’s about raising the
bar to ‘world class’.
Action Jackson is the most motivated
motivational speaker you will ever hear.
AJ leaves his audience feeling
empowered, rejuvenated, and ready to
take on whatever challenges come their
way.
EVANGELIST DR.
JACOB OLAKUNLE
AJOMALE
Gospel Music
Evangelist Dr Jacob Olakunle Ajomale
was born in Ebute Metta in Lagos
State in a music theatre belonging to late
Art Alade’s parents.
He is the 4th child of 6 children, and
the first son of his parents - late Pa Isaac
and late Madam Florence Ajomale.
After his parents had 3 daughters,
they sought the Lord for a male child and
like the biblical Samuel, his parents
promised the Lord that they will dedicate
him to God if He gives them a male child.
They kept their promise by enrolling him
in the choir in 1969 at the tender age of 6,
where he almost immediately took the
role of the lead dancer/ singer. He has not
stopped singing and dancing since then!
In 1969, he was enrolled at St. Jude’s
Primary School Ebute Metta for his
primary education and proceeded to
Government College Ikorodu Lagos for
his secondary education in 1975. He
attended Ansar Ud Deen Teachers
College Otta in Ogun State in 1981.
He is a pioneer student of Ogun State
University Ago Iwoye (now Olabisi
Onabanjo University) where he obtained
his Bachelor of Science degree in
Economics. He also obtained CISCO
certification in the United States as a
Certified Network Engineer in 1999.
While on national service in Nigeria
as a Youth Corper, he released his debut
album in 1987 titled: “ERIN WO” - a
glowing tribute to late Chief Obafemi
Awolowo. This album was released in
English, Hausa, Ibo and Yoruba
languages which earned him the ‘Best
Corpers Award’ in Bendel State (now
Edo State).
He joined the Choir of the Cherubim
and Seraphim Movement Church
(CSMC) Ayo Ni O - Surulere in 1989,
and in 1990, he had his first recording
experience with the choir in the Album
titled: “Esu Sinmi Ariwo.”
He also had the opportunity to cocompose
many evergreen songs with
other members of the choir, some of
which include “Take Control”, “Apata
Ayeraye - Gbe Agbelebu Re”, “Lehin
Continued on Page 16 >

Page16 TheTrumpet DECEMBER 11 - 24 2024
GAB Awards
Meet the GAB Awards Recipients
Continued from Page 15<
Jesu Ko Se Ni Kan”, “Mo Je Wo Jesu
Kristi – Getsemane”, “Jowo Mu Mi Dele
Re” and many others.
As an International Gospel Artiste, he
has travelled far and wide and has
ministered in 33 States in United States
of America, and parts of United
Kingdom. He has 10 albums to his credit
which includes: “Comforter – Damuso”,
“Great Testimony”, “Higher Ground”,
“I Have Joy” and others.
He is currently the Chairman of the
CSMC Choir Worldwide with Choristers
located in every continent.
He is happily married to Funmilayo
Kunle-Ajomale and blessed with
children.
Film at ZAFAA Global Awards and was
the Official Selection at the Real Time
Festival 2019 (#RTF2019).
He was an Associate Producer on The
Accidental Spy produced in 2017 and
currently on NETFLIX. He directed his
first film in Nigeria - The Alter Date and
won the best Director at CAAFAS
2018 and African Voice Movie Awards in
UK. Other credits include: Hustle,
Unknown Soja and St James.
MRS. OLUTOLA
ANIMASHAUN
Women Empowerment
to the rising cost of living, providing
essential food supplies and support.
She has been honoured with several
awards including:
• Nigerian Women Achievers Award
- Humanitarian of the Year in Diaspora
• GAB Awards (Manchester)
• Alagbawii Manchester Award as
Branded Ambassador.
Through her relentless dedication,
Mrs. Animashaun continues to inspire,
uplift, and create lasting change within
the communities she serves.
OMOTOYOSI
CLEMENT
International Relations
mention’ Award for representing the
Saami Council at the Nottingham Model
United Nations 2023 Conference, and
scholarship to participate in Change The
World Model United Nations in New
York.
MRS PATRICIA
ALISA MACAULEY
Multicultural Marketing
MARC ADEBESIN
The Arts
Born in Essen, Germany to a German
mother and a Yoruba, Nigerian
father; Marc Adebesin spent his early life
in Lagos and later migrated to London.
He attended Federal Government
College Odogbolu and Saint Finbarr’s
College, Akoka in Lagos for his
secondary education. He was granted
admission to study Mathematics and
Statistics at Yaba College of Technology,
and finished his Masters degree in
Business Administration at Cardiff
University in United Kingdom.
He is a qualified CCNA, MCSE and
IT / Telecoms – Service Designer.
An international multi-award winning
Director and Producer, his films are for
the Nollywood and cinema audience
across the globe, having produced 6 of
his own films and directed 4.
A film maker at heart, his first feature
film Talking Dolls had over 44
nominations and 19 awards and was
selected at various film festivals across
the globe, notably Toronto Nollywood
International Film Festival, CAAFAS
and ZAFFA.
His credits include: Mikes Comedy –
My World; Vera Tunes – Ife (Love); and
TIED UP which won the 2016 Best Short
Mrs. Olutola Animashaun is a
renowned social worker and
humanitarian, celebrated for her tireless
efforts in empowering vulnerable
communities.
Born in Ibadan, Nigeria, she holds a
BSc in Health and Social Care from
Bolton University and an MA in Social
Work from the University of Manchester.
Her academic background fuels her
passion for social justice and community
empowerment.
As the CEO of Positive Women
Empowerment (PWE) in the UK and
Venezuela, and founder of the Elizabeth
Positive Women Initiative in Nigeria, she
has spearheaded numerous impactful
projects, that focus on alleviating poverty
and empowering disadvantaged groups.
Her initiatives have provided vital
support to widows, single mothers, girls
and the elderly through:
• Employment skills training
• Social inclusion programmes
• Combating isolation
Under her leadership, PWE has
become a beacon of hope, promoting
diversity and holistic well-being.
In addition, Mrs. Animashaun
collaborates with healthcare professionals
to connect individuals with essential
services and resources.
One of her hallmark achievements is
the “Dorcas Food Bags” initiative, which
was launched in July 2024 in
collaboration with the National
Community Lottery Fund. This project
has been a lifeline for families in
Manchester facing financial hardship due
Omotoyosi Clement is currently in his
final year of studying Politics and
International Relations at the University
of Loughborough - with a passion for
American and British politics, identity
politics and foreign policy.
He is a member of the Loughborough
Model United Nations Society, which
examines and debates global politics, as
they affect issues such as security,
development, climate change, etc. He has
participated in Model United Nations
conferences in New York City in USA
and the UK.
He is committed to bringing to the
fore: matters that concern the Nigerian
Diaspora and Nigeria as a whole with the
political powers that be. In furtherance of
this, he took a year out of University to
serve 3 different MPs, including current
UK Foreign Secretary - David Lammy.
He also worked for Harris County in
Texas, Houston government as an Intern
for six months in order to gain experience
of grassroots American politics that
advocates for the black community in
order to serve them better.
He currently serves with Peace &
Social Justice (PSJ) - a UK based Non-
Governmental Organisation (NGO) that
advocates for peace and justice in
Nigeria. His articles on issues related to
Nigeria on LinkedIn are widely read and
have been brought to the attention of
political leaders.
His accolades include a ‘Honourable
Patricia Macauley is the founder and
director of the award-winning
agency, Multicultural Marketing
Consultancy that is dedicated to
improving lives and reducing inequalities
within multicultural communities across
the UK.
She has played an instrumental role in
shaping the landscape of multicultural
communications across Government over
two decades. Her government experience
spans the Cabinet Office, Home Office,
Department for Health and Social Care,
Department for Work & Pensions, NHS
England, and Office of Health
Improvement & Disparities, to highlight
a few.
Notably, she has spearheaded a range
of high profile behaviour change
campaigns that has addressed some of the
most pressing societal issues that are
sensitive, complex and layered with
cultural nuances, such as the Windrush
scheme, advocacy for the Covid vaccine,
encouraging early diagnosis of cancer,
stroke and dementia; and tackling
Violence Against Women and Girls and
modern slavery as well recruitment
campaigns aimed at recruiting more
Black adopters and ethnic minority police
officers.
Patricia’s commitment extends
beyond her professional endeavours as
she leads a women’s group (GEL),
empowering women to excel in all
aspects of their lives. Her remarkable
achievements have earned her the
prestigious Wise Women Award for
enriching and uplifting women from
diverse backgrounds.
To be continued in the next edition
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