Ambassador Alistair Soyode and Dr. Dayo Olomu were honoured for their outstanding contributions to media and social impact at the inaugural Africa Day Diaspora Economic Awards, held at the London Hilton Kensington on 24 May. The event brought together prominent African leaders and global diaspora figures in celebration of leadership, unity, and purpose.

Ambassador Alistair Soyode, founder of BEN Television—the first Black and Ethnic satellite TV station in Europe—received the Global Media & Leadership Award. The organisers lauded his lifelong commitment to bridging cultures and empowering communities, citing his TECD Foundation’s scholarship programmes and decades of media mentorship.

Soyode, once described by CNN as “the farmer who became a global CEO,” reflected in his acceptance speech:“Africa has the resources to feed the world… It is time for our diversity to unite us first and foremost… Each of us has the capacity to contribute to Africa’s growth and development.”

Dr. Dayo Olomu, a respected leadership strategist and philanthropist, was honoured with the Global Social Impact Award for decades of community service, youth mentorship, and advocacy. His foundation and charitable work span support for food banks, health research fundraising, and youth empowerment.

Olomu, ahead of his 60th birthday next month, remarked: “This recognition is not just a personal milestone; it is a tribute to all those striving to make a significant difference in the world.”

Also recognised were President Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone and Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, both recipients of the Lifetime Achievement Award in Leadership and Governance.

The awards ceremony underscored the transformative power of diaspora leadership, celebrating those who continue to shape a unified, impactful future for Africa and the global community.