Since 2018, the CAHR Africa Awards has honoured individuals and organisations committed to advancing community development and human rights across Africa. Sponsored and supported by Access Bank, the Ford Foundation and Zenera Consulting, this year’s Awards ceremony took a new dimension as it celebrated outstanding individuals and organisations across six categories.

Winners in the individual category were Omotoyosi Odufuye of Nigeria, Mercy Odondo of Kenya, and Ifenla Oligbinde who were winners of the Hajiya Gambo Sawaba Community Impact Award, Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti Human Rights Award, and Mallam Aminu Kano Award for Leadership respectively.  Bukar Mohammed won the Apostle Hayford Alile Humanitarian Award and a N500,000 grant.

In the corporate categories, winners were Yield Africa, recipient of the MKO Abiola Community Engagement Award, and TechHer Africa, winner of the Josephine Nkemdilim Masade Equal Rights Award.

Additionally, Access Bank and Ford Foundation were specially acknowledged for their long-standing support of CSR-in-Action initiatives, empowering the organisation’s ongoing sustainability advocacy projects and impact.

A highlight of the ceremony was the special recognition of Tunde Onakoya, Founder of Chess in Slums Africa, a Non-Profit Organisation dedicated to empowering children in underserved communities through chess education, fostering critical thinking and resilience.

He was awarded the Josephine Nkemdilim Masade Special Recognition Award, along with a grant of five hundred thousand Naira to support his impactful work.

Bekeme Masade Olowola, chief executive of CSR-in-Action, highlighted the courage and commitment of this year’s awardees, stating,

“This year, we honour exceptional individuals and organisations driving positive change. Their selflessness, perseverance and innovative spirit leave us deeply moved and remind us why we are committed to this mission, pushing our team to raise the bar in recognising those who champion positive social impact”.

CSR-in-Action has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to fostering positive social impact through initiatives such as the Community Engagement Standards (CES), endorsed by the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, which reinforce responsible relationships within the extractive industries.

By focusing on sustainability, community empowerment, and human rights, CSR-in-Action continues to amplify the voices of change-makers, support impactful solutions, and forge partnerships dedicated to creating lasting transformation across communities and industries.

Kate Henshaw, social advocate and chairman of the CAHR Africa Awards Jury, commended the transparency and integrity of the awards process stating,

“The CAHR Africa Awards selection process is both rigorous and transparent, ensuring that each winner truly reflects the values of resilience and social impact. Our 2024 awardees have set a high standard, and I am proud to celebrate each of them for their outstanding commitment to positive change.”

Each awardee was selected through a meticulous, multi-phase process involving public nominations, internal review, nominee verification, public voting, and final jury evaluations based on criteria that highlighted their outstanding contributions to their communities.

This year’s distinguished jury comprised thought leaders and advocates in sustainability and social justice, including Adeola Oyinlade, Senior Partner at Adeola Oyinlade & Co; Dr. Funmi Akinyele, CEO of Food Basket; Achaleke C. Leke, Executive Director of Local Youth Corner, Cameroon; and Marr Nyang, Executive Director of Gambia Participates.

The 2024 CAHR Africa Awards concluded with a powerful reminder of the role every individual, organisation, and corporation can play in building a just, inclusive, and sustainable Africa.

In an extraordinary double victory, the firm’s Managing Partner and Founder, Meka Niyi Olowola, was also recognised as Brand Strategist of the Decade, marking a momentous milestone in Zenera’s 10-year journey of industry excellence.

The Edge Awards, known for celebrating remarkable achievements across different sectors honoured Zenera for its sustained leadership and lasting impact in the communications industry.

This annual ceremony, which draws the top corporate players in Nigeria, uses a rigorous selection process to highlight only the most exceptional industry contributors.

In response to the double accolade, Mr. Olowola shared,

“Being named PR Firm of the Decade is a profound honour for our Public Relations team at Zenera. As a Brand Marketing agency that started out in PR, the past ten years have been marked by dedication and creativity. This recognition not only reflects the hard work and innovation of our PR practice but also the trust and belief our clients and partners have placed in us. We are excited about what the future holds and remain committed to pushing the boundaries of brand strategy and communications for years to come.”

On being named the Brand Strategist of the Decade, Olowola remarked:”

This accolade reflects not only my personal journey over the past decade but also the collaborative efforts of an exceptional team and visionary clients who continue to inspire innovation and creativity.”

The Edge Awards organisers highlighted Zenera’s trailblazing role in public relations, reputation management, and branding, distinguishing the firm from its peers.

The company has built a reputation for delivering dynamic, forward-thinking solutions that resonate with its diverse client base, both locally and internationally.

John Ajayi, CEO of Marketing Edge, praised Zenera’s consistent excellence, stating,

“Zenera Consulting’s rise to PR Firm of the Decade is a testament to its innovation and pursuit of excellence. Under Mr Olowola’s leadership, the firm has set new benchmarks for strategic communications, brand management, and reputation stewardship. His recognition as Brand Strategist of the Decade underscores his visionary approach and lasting contribution to the industry.”

As Zenera Consulting marks its 10th anniversary, these awards reinforce the company’s commitment to shaping the future of branding and communications in Nigeria and beyond. With a focus on sustainability-driven communication, Zenera continues to lead the way, helping brands carve out their niche in a competitive marketplace.

As Zenera embarks on its next chapter, the firm is primed to empower brands to discover and express their true identities, all while remaining at the cutting edge of integrated communications.