By The New Diplomat Diaspora Desk
London, a peaceful City in Ontario, Canada, was in an atmosphere of celebration on June 30th, 2024 as Nigerians in London and its surrounding area honoured some notable Nigerian-born members of the community.
A high point of the ceremony, which was held under the auspices of the NALA 2024 edition, was the conferment of prestigious awards on some impactful Nigerians and members of NALA.
According to the organizers, the NALA 2024 award ceremony was designed to celebrate the remarkable accomplishments of Nigerians in London and the surrounding area.
A popular Nigerian comedian, Okechukwu Anthony Onyegbule, also known as Okey Bakassi, was the Chief Host of the event which took place at Marconi Hall, 120 Clarke Road, London.
Among those who graced the event were a Member of Parliament representing London North Centre, Ontario, Peter Fragiskatos; the London Police Chief and Leadership Team; MPP Teresa Armstrong; and a Nigerian-born Councillor representing Ingersoll Town in Oxford county, Ontario, Khadijah Haliru.
Among those honored include a distinguished Financial Professional and resource specialist, Mr Augustine Uwandu, who was awarded the prestigious Community Leadership Award.
According to the organizers, Uwandu was honoured with the award as a mark of recognition for his significant contributions and accomplishments in London and its environs.
In his address to the honorees at the event, the President of NALA, Yemi Awojide, extended his congratulations to the winners. Awojide emphasized that the award serves as an appreciation of the recipients’ unwavering commitment and diligent efforts towards the betterment of the community.
He said: “We are overjoyed to extend our heartfelt congratulations to all the remarkable individuals who were honoured at the NALA Awards Night. Your dedication, hard work, and exceptional contributions to our community have illuminated the path of excellence, and this recognition is a well-deserved tribute to your achievements and influence.”
Speaking with the New Diplomat, Uwandu appreciated the organisers for deeming it fit to honour him with the community leadership award.
He also congratulated his fellow awardees and encouraged them to continue their good work in the London community.
The New Diplomat reports that Uwandu is a Financial Professional with experience in Business Development, SME portfolio management, Credit, Retail Banking, Customer Experience skills, Risk Management, and Remedial Services. He was the Branch Manager of Sterling Bank Plc. Festac Town branch in Lagos until September 2022.
Below is the list of the awardees;
1) Community Impact Award (Non-individual Category)
Winner: Feliza African Grocery & Beauty Store
2) Entrepreneur of the Year award
Winner: Adeyemi and Adekunbi Taiwo(PAYLESS AFRICAN STORE)
3) Community Impact Award (Individual Category)
Winner: Folu Osunade
4) Outstanding Volunteer of the Year award
Winner: Jadesola Obi & Henry Orewa
5) Lifetime Achievement Award
Winner: Adam Garba
6) Mentorship & Education Award
Winner: Yinka Ademuyiwa
7) *The Award of Honor: Female
Winner: Funmi Ogunshote
8) *The award of Honor- Male
Winner: Desire Olabode won
9) Arts & Entertainment Excellence Award
Winner: Tiwalayo Olusakin
10) Sports Achievement Award for Player Excellence
Winner: Tishe Alade
11) Sports Achievement Award for Coaching Excellence
Winner: Victor Alade
12) Cultural Ambassador Award
Winner: Uyinmwen Rosemary Ehiemua
13) Professional Excellence Award
Winner: Chinelo Ezenwa
14) Humanitarian Award
Winner: Ogooluwa Olusakin
15) Philanthropy Award
Winner: Damilola Hadassah Babalola
16) Rising Star Award
Winner: Damilola Hadassah Babalola
17) NALA Legacy Hall of Fame
Winner: Adam Garba
18) Community Leadership Award
Winner: Augustine Uwandu
