Ali Baba, Rasheedat Ajibade, Taaooma, others shine at 2025 Future Awards

It was a night of glamour, excellence, and inspiration as the Future Awards Africa celebrated the continent’s brightest young achievers at its 2025 edition, held on Sunday at the Landmark Event Centre in Lagos.

Themed “Threads of Legacy,” the 19th edition of the prestigious awards recognised individuals shaping Africa’s future through innovation, creativity, and leadership across diverse sectors, including governance, technology, sports, entrepreneurship, and the arts.

Hosted by Nollywood actor Mike Afolarin and media personality Azeezah Hashim, the ceremony brought together notable figures from entertainment, business, and public service in a celebration that seamlessly blended style with substance.

Content creator Mariam “Taaooma” Apaokagi emerged winner of the Prize for Content Creation, while Super Falcons forward Rasheedat Ajibade clinched the Prize for Sports in recognition of her outstanding contributions to Nigerian and African football.

Veteran comedian Ali Baba received the honorary Prize for Service to Young People for his decades of mentorship and his immense contributions to the creative industry.

The highlight of the evening came when Fola David, a medical doctor and visual artist known for merging creativity with social impact, was named Young Person of the Year.

Other winners across various categories reflected the diversity and dynamism of Africa’s new generation of leaders and innovators.

Below is the full list of winners at the 2025 Future Awards Africa:

The Future Awards Africa Prize for Creativity and Innovation – Taiwo Abisoye Joel (Winner)

The Future Awards Africa Prize for Photography – Amazing Klef (Winner)

The Future Awards Africa Prize for Education – John Onuigbo (Winner)

The Future Awards Africa Prize for Journalism – Madina Dahiru Maishanu (Winner)

The Future Awards Africa Prize for Content Creation – Mariam Apaokagi (Winner)

The Future Awards Africa Prize for Health and Wellness – Funmilola Aderemi (Winner)

The Future Awards Africa Prize for Community Action – Hammed Kayode Alabi (Winner)

The Future Awards Africa Prize for Arts – Ayobola Kekere-Ekun (Winner)

The Future Awards Africa Prize for Literature – Adedayo Agarau (Winner)

The Future Awards Africa Prize for Activism and Advocacy – Solomon Ayodele (Boys Quarters Africa) (Winner)

The Future Awards Africa Prize for Fashion – Richmond Barnes (Will and Barnes Group) (Winner)

The Future Awards Africa Prize for Law – Ogenetega Adedipe (Winner)

The Future Awards Africa Prize for Film – Oluwadamilola Apampa (Winner)

The Future Awards Africa Prize for Professional Service – Bode Roberts (Winner)

The Future Awards Africa Prize for Entrepreneurship – Tomike Adeoye (Winner)

The Future Awards Africa Prize for Technology – Kelvin Umechukwu (Winner)

The Future Awards Africa Prize for Performing Arts – Big Bimi (Winner)

The Future Awards Africa Prize for Intrapreneurship – Solomon Ayodele (Winner)

The Future Awards Africa Prize for On-Air Personality – Azeezah Hashim (Kenya) (Winner)

The Future Awards Africa Prize for Agriculture – Adetiloye Aiyeola (Winner)

The Future Awards Africa Prize for Governance – Daniel Otabor (Winner)

The Future Awards Africa Prize for Music – Okeowo Oladotun Alani (Winner)

The Future Awards Africa Prize for Sports – Rasheedat Ajibade (Winner)

The Future Awards Africa Prize for Acting – Adebowale Adedayo (Winner)

The Future Awards Africa Prize for Service to Young People (Honorary) – Ali Baba (Winner)

The Future Awards Africa Prize for Young Person of The Year – Fola David (Winner)