Nigeria To Host 2026 Black African History Global Iconic Award (BAHGIA)

By Ebube Ebisike George—

In a bold move that promises to spotlight the rich tapestry of African heritage and innovation, Nigeria is set to host the 2026 Black African History Global Iconic Award (BAHGIA) on July 5, 2026.

This unique initiative, pioneered by Love-Patra Ekufu, President of BAHGIA, aims to honour not just the giants of African history but also to empower emerging leaders poised to shape the continent’s future.

The announcement comes as part of a broader recognition of Africa’s pivotal role in the evolving dynamics of a multipolar world, where nations are reasserting their civilisational identities.

In discussions with His Excellency Hon. Ebube Ebisike George, Minister of Trade of the State Of The African Diaspora (SOAD), Ekufu emphasised the significance of the awards, noting that they represent a harmonious fusion of culture, history, and contemporary achievements within the Black community.

BAHGIA 2026 is positioned as a premier platform for celebrating Black excellence and will take place in a yet-to-be-announced venue in Lagos, a city known for its vibrant culture and dynamic history.

The event will not only honor established figures but will serve as an inspiring gathering for future leaders, as they collectively celebrate their shared heritage and ambitions.

“BAHGIA is more than an awards ceremony,” Ekufu stated. “It is a movement aimed at igniting a passion for excellence among the next generation of innovators, thinkers, and leaders within the Black diaspora.”

With the awards recognizing transformational leadership across various sectors, including Arts, Sciences, Politics, and Economics, the event is expected to attract a global audience from the African Diaspora and beyond.

The 2026 ceremony is set to showcase an impressive roster of honorees, each a visionary in their field:

Eric Matthew Masaba: A Ugandan-British polymath and aeronautic engineer, Masaba is recognised for his groundbreaking patents that underlie the geolocation of social networks. His innovations have enabled the multi-trillion-dollar valuations of Big Tech companies, positioning him as a leader in technological advancement.

HRM Engr. Eberechukwu Oji: Known as the Eze Aro of Arochukwu Kingdom, Oji is a celebrated figure in Africa’s energy sector, having led a historic $2.4 billion acquisition of Shell’s onshore assets. He continues to pioneer energy sovereignty through Nestar Energies, making him a role model for aspiring entrepreneurs in the energy sector.

Maxwell Chikumbutso: This Zimbabwean technologist is revolutionizing energy systems with his work in microsonic waves and self-powered devices, directly challenging the traditional norms of technology and energy consumption.

Dr. Tyrone Moodley: As the founder of the Ndeipi Foundation, Moodley’s “tokenisation crusade” seeks to build a decentralised, gold-backed economic infrastructure, integrating technology with financial inclusivity.

Governor Alex Otti: Celebrated for his disruptive, people-centric governance, Otti stands out among political leaders in Nigeria, advocating for policies that resonate with the aspirations of everyday citizens.

Each of these honorees exemplifies the essence of BAHGIA’s mission: to recognise and celebrate extraordinary contributions that benefit not just the African continent but the global community at large.

As Africa navigates the complexities of a rapidly changing world, initiatives like BAHGIA serve as a reminder of the continent’s rich history and the potential it holds for the future.

Ekufu encourages young leaders across the globe to engage in this celebration of legacy and innovation, stating, “We must remember that our past informs our future, and through celebration, we find inspiration.”

BAHGIA 2026 will be a celebration of resilience, innovation, and the unrivaled spirit of the Black community, uniting figures from diverse backgrounds in a powerful acknowledgment of what has been achieved and what lies ahead.

With Nigeria at the helm, the event is poised to solidify its status as a cornerstone of cultural history and a beacon of hope for the future.

As preparations ramp up, anticipation builds for what promises to be an unforgettable celebration of Black excellence on a global stage.