In a glittering ceremony held at the Nicon Luxury Hotel’s Colonnade Hall, Abuja, Peter Oriri, Publisher of Naija Voice Media, was honored with the prestigious “Youth Ambassador of the Year” award at the 10th Anniversary edition of the African Icon Awards.
The milestone event—celebrating a decade of recognizing outstanding African leaders—was organized under the theme: “The True African Leader: The Power of African Youth in Leadership”
Ambassador Abraham Lawal, Project Director of the African Icon Awards, emphasized that the anniversary ceremony would reflect on past impact and shine a spotlight on transformative young Africans leading change across the continent.
Oriri received the accolade from Dr. Abadariki Annie Oziohu, CEO of Jonnie Estate Surveyors & Developers, who praised him for his diligence, resilience, and unwavering dedication to the media industry. She described him as a leading example among Nigeria’s youth for his exemplary work ethic and leadership in communications.
A Special Adviser on Publicity & Communications to Senator Allwell Onyesoh (representing Rivers East Senatorial District and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Federal Character & Inter‑Governmental Affairs), Oriri has been instrumental in nurturing young talent nationwide and serving as a guiding light in media and public service.
In his acceptance remarks, Oriri expressed heartfelt gratitude to God, the award organizers, and his supporters. He dedicated the honor to all Nigerian youths, his family, his team at Naija Voice Media, and most importantly, his wife and children, acknowledging their unwavering support.
The evening also recognized numerous other outstanding Africans, including: Alex Nwankwo – Most Supportive Media Brand, Omowumi Ogunrotimi – Icon Woman of the Year,
Engr. Dominic Onuh Akuboh – Icon Man of the Year, Barr. Jane Danladi, Imeze Cynthia Iwugo, among many others celebrated for their positive impact on the continent.
The 10th‑year edition of the African Icon Awards featured a grand dinner, keynote speeches, and networking sessions designed to honor African achievers from various sectors, entrepreneurship, humanitarian service, innovation, health, education, youth leadership, and more.
Barrister Omowumi Ogunrotimi (founder of the Gender Mobile Initiative) served as keynote speaker, highlighting gender justice and youth leadership across rural communities in Africa.
Ambassador Lawal described the anniversary as a moment to reflect on a decade of celebrating excellence while reaffirming the awards’ mission: spotlighting Africans—both high-profile and grassroots—who are driving positive change across the continent
Established in 2015, the African Icon Awards is a premier annual event recognizing exceptional achievements across Africa in areas such as governance, media, entrepreneurship, innovation, and youth mobilization. The 2025 edition marked the awards’ 10th anniversary and reaffirmed its role as a powerful catalyst for inspiring African leadership and unity.
