Celebrating Change-Makers: Meet the Winners of the 2024 CAHR Africa Awards

In a city known for its energy and spirit, Lagos, Nigeria recently played host to a celebration of Africa’s most inspiring change-makers. The 2024 Community and Human Rights (CAHR) Africa Awards, organized by CSR-in-Action Advocacy, brought together a diverse group of individuals and organizations working tirelessly to create meaningful change in their communities.

Since its inception in 2018, the CAHR Africa Awards have stood as a beacon of hope, honoring those who lead the charge for community development and human rights across the continent. This year’s event, powered by Access Bank, the Ford Foundation, and Zenera Consulting, raised the bar once again, shining a spotlight on exceptional stories of resilience, innovation, and impact.

The Champions of Change

Among the individual honorees were Omotoyosi Odufuye from Nigeria, Mercy Odondo from Kenya, and Ifenla Oligbinde, who were recognized with the Hajiya Gambo Sawaba Community Impact Award, the Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti Human Rights Award, and the Mallam Aminu Kano Award for Leadership, respectively. Their contributions have transformed countless lives, embodying the essence of hope and progress.

Bukar Mohammed, another standout winner, received the Apostle Hayford Alile Humanitarian Award along with a $325 grant to further his impactful work.

In the corporate world, innovation and dedication were on full display. Yield Africa earned the MKO Abiola Community Engagement Award, while TechHer Africa took home the Josephine Nkemdilim Masade Equal Rights Award. Both organizations have set new standards for community engagement and advocacy for equal rights.

A Moment to Remember

One of the most heartfelt moments of the evening came when Tunde Onakoya, the visionary behind Chess in Slums Africa, was honored with the Josephine Nkemdilim Masade Special Recognition Award. Through chess, Tunde has empowered children in underserved communities, teaching them not just how to play the game but how to think critically, adapt, and overcome life’s challenges. Along with his award, he received a grant of $325 to continue his incredible work.

A Mission of Impact

Bekeme Masade Olowola, the driving force behind CSR-in-Action, delivered a powerful message during the ceremony, emphasizing the importance of courage and innovation in driving social change. “This year’s awardees remind us of the transformative power of resilience and dedication,” she said. “Their stories inspire us to keep pushing boundaries and amplifying the voices of those who make the world better.”

CSR-in-Action’s dedication to social impact goes beyond the awards. With initiatives like the Community Engagement Standards (CES)—endorsed by Nigeria’s Ministry of Petroleum Resources—the organization continues to pave the way for sustainable practices in industries often fraught with challenges.

An Unwavering Commitment

Kate Henshaw, a renowned social advocate and chair of the CAHR Africa Awards Jury, praised the awards’ rigorous selection process, noting that every winner embodies the values of resilience and social impact. “These individuals and organizations have set a benchmark for what it means to make a difference truly,” she remarked.

The 2024 CAHR Africa Awards were not just an evening of recognition—it was a call to action. A reminder that across Africa, countless individuals and organizations are working against the odds to uplift their communities. This event celebrated their victories and inspired everyone who attended to continue striving for a brighter future.

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