Otti, Adina Howard, Westbrook to Be Honoured at Afro Awards

Gov. Alex Otti of Abia, American singer Adina Howard, basketball star Russell Westbrook and fashion designer Karl Kani are among the Africans and Americans to be honoured at the 2026 Afro Awards in Los Angeles, California, on Saturday.

 

Otti will receive the Transformative Leadership and Human Development Award, according to a statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja by the founder of the awards, Chief Taiwo Oduala.

 

The awards honour individuals and organisations that have distinguished themselves through their contributions to their communities, states and countries.

 

Oduala described Otti as a distinguished personality whose achievements in leadership and human development had earned him recognition beyond Nigeria, saying this further highlighted the impact of effective public leadership on the international stage.

 

He said responsible leadership should focus on humanitarian services, economic growth and societal development, adding that such responsibilities should be taken seriously for the good of the people.

 

Oduala described the Afro Awards as a unique Afro-centric excellence award, saying the 2026 edition would celebrate excellence, achievement, leadership, creativity and contributions to society.

 

He said it would also build on the awards' tradition of bringing together influential personalities who had made their mark in different sectors.

 

"The event will also feature or recognise a diverse collection of personalities from entertainment, fashion, sports, business, and public service, reflecting the international reach of the Afro Awards.

 

"This is bringing Africa and the World together, from political leaders to business executives, entertainers, athletes, filmmakers, fashion personalities and organisations.

 

"Therefore, the awards will continue to highlight the diverse contributions of people and institutions shaping Africa's image and influence around the world and on global stage," he said.

 

Oduala listed past Nigerian recipients of the Afro Awards as including business magnate Aliko Dangote, former President Goodluck Jonathan and the Chief Executive Officer of Air Peace, Dr Allen Onyema.

 

Others, he said, included music star Davido, Osun Governor Ademola Adeleke and the wife of the Kwara governor, Prof. Olufolake Abdulrazaq.

 

According to him, their association with the awards reflects the broad range of individuals and institutions recognised for contributions to leadership, business, entertainment, culture, aviation and community development.

 

The Afro Awards was established to reward, inspire and encourage individuals and organisations making a positive impact in global society.

 

Since its inception, the Afro Awards has hosted and honoured more than 5,000 individuals at the forefront of humanitarianism and philanthropy in American and African communities.