—As foundation unveils 2025 award winners

By Henry Ojelu

The President of the Future Africa Leaders Foundation, FALF, Rev. Chris Oyakhilome, has committed over $1.5 million in the last 13 years as prize money for winners of the Future Africa Leaders Award,FALA.

The disclosure was made on Monday at a global press conference to unveil the 2025 FALA recipients, attended by award winners, foundation executives and partner organisations.

Speaking at the briefing, a member of the Central Executive Council of Loveworld Incorporated, Pastor Tuoyo Temisan said the award scheme, now in its 13th year, has disbursed over $1.5 million to outstanding young Africans whose projects span governance, agriculture, technology, health, advocacy, community development and civic engagement.

According to him, the prize money is deliberately structured to strengthen existing initiatives rather than offer symbolic recognition.

“Over the 13 editions of FALA, the prize money given has exceeded $1.5 million. Every year, about $250,000 is committed to ensure these young leaders are equipped to do more,” he said.

Temisan explained that individual Star winners receive grants of up to $35,000, deployed directly into projects already impacting lives in their communities.

He cited beneficiaries whose work gained national and international relevance following the award, including recipients involved in policy advocacy in Malawi, sports and youth development in Kenya and other parts of Africa as well as initiatives that attracted the attention of international bodies, including the United Nations.

He added that some awardees have been invited by governments to contribute to policy formulation, including youth policy frameworks in Togo, alongside development initiatives in Burkina Faso and Benin Republic.

“The award has become a stepping stone. Many of these young people are now shaping policies, influencing governments and leading major civic and development initiatives in their countries,” Temisan said.

He attributed the sustainability and credibility of the initiative to Pastor Oyakhilome’s personal vision, describing him as “a door-opener for Africa’s youth.”

Also speaking at the briefing, Senior Executive Officer of FALF, Dr. Olajumoke Ola-Akisanya, said Africa’s transformation would be driven by value-based leadership, innovation and integrity, not foreign aid or handouts.

She described Africa as richly endowed, insisting that the challenge has never been a lack of resources but the failure to harness what the continent possesses.

She said the 2025 FALA recipients represent Africa’s untapped potential, noting that they chose action in the face of need, created opportunities where there was hopelessness and turned challenges into possibilities.

According to her, FALF is anchored on accountability, strong values and a clear sense of purpose, while encouraging young Africans to innovate boldly, advocate for justice and build transparent institutions.

Ola-Akisanya further disclosed that the foundation runs a robust mentorship and leadership development structure through its Leaders Initiative Network Africa, aimed at producing a new generation of ethical, purpose-driven African leaders.

In his remarks, Coordinator of the Chris Oyakhilome Foundation International (COFI), Pastor Arinze Emmanuel, urged governments, institutions and corporate organisations to support youth-focused initiatives across Africa, describing such investments as critical to sustainable development.

Emmanuel said COFI and partner organisations are involved in global initiatives while maintaining a strong focus on leadership development.

He noted that beneficiaries supported by the foundation are already making tangible contributions in agriculture, technology, politics and governance, adding that support for young leaders goes beyond the annual awards.

Also speaking at the event, FALA 2025 Star Prize Winner, Ambassador Rejoice Waithera of Kenya, described FALF as a powerful platform that continues to mentor and empower young Africans long after its flagship award ceremonies.

She expressed appreciation to Pastor Oyakhilome for believing in young people like her and consistently celebrating their achievements, while commending the foundation’s leadership and directors for their guidance, encouragement and hands-on mentorship.

According to Waithera, FALF has provided young leaders with a credible platform to showcase their work, exchange ideas and gain visibility.

She explained that many of her projects in Kenya were inspired by teachings of Rev Chris Oyakhilome on critical issues such as education, public health, agriculture and environmental safety.

Other 2025 FALA recipients who attended the briefing include, Amb. Francis Nyong (Nigeria); Amb. Yvonne Tsumbirani (Zimbabwe); Amb. Norman Chrispine Phiri (Zambia); Amb. Josue (Benin Republic); Amb. Abraham Ogbeche (Nigeria); Amb. Rose Charles Kuba (South Sudan); Amb. Grace Ndagire (Uganda); Amb. Prince Amenpeni (Ghana); and Amb. Annette Ewusi (Cameroon).