By Tomiwa Fawunmi
The sixth edition of the Future Awards which took place on Sunday, January 30, 2011 at the Landmark Events Centre, Oniru Estate, Lagos, brought together the younger and older generation in Nigeria under one roof to celebrate and reward young people between the ages of 18 and 31; young people who have distinguished themselves in their respective fields over the last 12 months.
The event supporters Access bank, Hi TV, MicCom Golf, Virgin Atlantic and Anabel Mobile as well as media partners Y Naija, Cool FM and Wazobia FM partnered with organisers Redstrat to deliver a fabulous event.
ARRIVAL
Clad in glamorous attires, guests showed up on the Green carpet looking radiant and ready for the night. These include Honourable Minister for finance, Olusegun Aganga, Prof. Pat Utomi, NCP Presidential candidate, Dele Momodu, former Gubernatorial aspirant, Jimi Agbaje, Genevieve Nnaji, Denrele Edun, Noble Igwe, Koffi, Godwin Tom, Gbemi Olateru-Olagbegi, Kunbi Oyelese, Eku Edewor, Omowunmi Akinnifesi, Matse (Wazobia FM), Freeze(Cool FM), M.I, Sound Sultan, Naeto C, Soul Snatcha, Tosin Martins, Suspect, Sossick, OB Jazz, Timi Dakolo among many others.
Patrick Doyle came in with his wife, Iretiola as they held hands and strolled together on the green carpet.
Star actress, Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde was dressed up in a green flowing gown, but came alone to the surprise of many.
Nollywood actor cum Politician, Richard Mofe Damijo also graced the occasion without his wife Jumobi.
IN THE HALL
After much delay, the show eventually kicked off at exactly, 8:00pm as Segun Obe, Ego Ogbaro and Chidynma performed the National Anthem to welcome guests, after which awards were presented at several intervals.
Vixen (Yvonne Ekwere) of Silverbird Television and Writer – Lawyer Ebuka Obi-Uchendu were the night’’s initial comperes (before handing over to Dolapo Oni and Dr SID of Mohits).
The Keynote address tagged ‘I AM NIGERIA’ delivered by Olusegun Aganga saw him encourage Nigerian youths to be good leaders, bear positive minds and be responsible.
‘I was told (by Okonji Iweala) that I would be impressed and I think I’m personally impressed. I wish to extend my thanks to the young people who have come together to put up this award. This is a time for deep reflection and contemplation. It is a failure of leadership that led us to where we are today. I founded the Nigerian Leadership Initiative six years ago. Too many Nigerians talk down on the country and fail to recognize the positive notes. It is indeed true that Nigeria’s future belongs to you. I want to challenge you all to act responsibly. It is your responsibility to make a difference. I also implore you to listen to us’, Mr Aganga said.
He also highlighted issues of unemployment that affects young people and assured that things will be put in place.
‘The President will be appointing a special adviser on Job creation in partnership with Aliko Dangote. We thank and applaud people like Adebola Williams and encourage you to keep the flag flying. It is time to act, I commend the work you’re doing but I also encourage you to double your efforts’, he added.
This was immediately followed with a speech by the Future awards creative director, Chude Jideonwo in which he addressed more pertinent issues that were left out by the finance minister, thereby challenging him to financially invest in the youth projects.
WHO PERFORMED?
The first performance on the night was delivered by Chase – a group of three young ladies, to the song ‘I believe’. It wasn’t exactly a great performance but they did well enough to be remembered with near-excellent movements on stage within five minutes.
Photographer, Aisha Augie-Kuta read a short piece to introduce Lara George who came on stage along with three back up singers. The inspirational vocalist thrilled the whole audience with her high spirited voice.
A performance of the political conscious song ‘2010’ by Sound Sultan with six back up singers was made resounding with the introduction of M.I as he got the loudest ovation raising the issue of unstable electricity in the country, thereby earning them the best performance of the day.
The last performer on the night, Banky W put aside his usual up-tempo and party renditions; instead he passionately rendered a relatively unknown song ‘why’. This put many into a solemn mood as he sang about the increasing economic crisis in Nigeria.
In the end, the messages of all songs performed revolved around the Future of Nigeria and Nigerian youths – the purpose for which everyone had gathered.
NOTICEABLE ABSENTEES
The actor of the year, Mercy Johnson was nowhere near the event as Genevieve Nnaji received the award on her behalf. Hit Producer, Don Jazzy and Africa’s biggest duo, P-square were also not available to be honoured in the young person of the year category. Others that were missing in action include D’banj, Omawumi, Omoni Oboli, Vincent Enyeama, and J martins.
THE GENERAL VERDICT ON THE WINNERS
In the Creative Professional category, many expected either Emem Ema or Nike Fagbule to win instead, Janet Nwose of TAQSI won. Nwose manages music star Asa.
While many rooted for Toolz and Tosyn Bucknor, Wazobia FM presenter, Matse picked up the On Air personality of the year award (Radio) for the second year running.
Also, many were shocked that Genevieve Nnaji, who had a very brilliant year in 2010 was not named young person of the year.
Other winners were all applauded as they walked on stage to receive their respective awards.
MAJOR HAPPENSTANCES AT THE EVENT
Down-to earth producer, Sossick was joined on stage with many friends after defeating several other profound names to the Music Producer of the year award with so much excitement.
Comedian, Seyi law who had been nominated in two previous editions won his first award and with so much joy, he dedicated it to his fiancée, who’ll be walking down the aisle with him in March, 2011.
Peak talent show host, Tana Egbo rushed off to the stage to receive the On-air Personality of the year (TV), spending almost five minutes dedicating the award to several people.
In a bid to crack up the audience, Salewa of Tinsel did all she could to tease the audience, but it just didn’t work out.
When Banky W went on to receive the award for Musician of the year, he was joined on stage by M.I, Naeto C, AY, and Sound Sultan.
The Young Person of the Year category saw all nominees rewarded with a scroll of honour as presented by the Future Awards Operations Director, Adebola Williams.
Surprisingly, Nnaemeka C. Ikegwuonu, an Advocate from Imo state against all odds was the most recognized figure in the young person of the year award category, beating big names such as Don Jazzy, P-square, Genevieve and Nneka.
Timing is one problem that’s difficult to be resolved as regards events in this country. There were a few issues on coordination between the back stage presenters and the audience also noticed.
THE COMPLETE LIST OF WINNERS
ACTOR OF THE YEAR – Mercy Johnson
BEST USE OF ADVOCACY – Muyideen Salau
BEST USE OF SCIENCE – Debo Olaosebikan
BEST USE OF TECHNOLOGY – Iroye Tolulope
BUSINESS OWNER OF THE YEAR – Bode Pedro (Veda Technology)
COMEDIAN OF THE YEAR – Seyi Law
CREATIVE ARTIST OF THE YEAR – Aisha Augie-Kuta
CREATIVE PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR – Janet Nwose(Manager)
DESIGNER OF THE YEAR – Bridget Awosika
EXCELLENCE IN PUBLIC SERVICE – Emmanuael Etim
JOURNALIST OF THE YEAR – Tolu Ogunlesi
MAGAZINE OF THE YEAR – FAB
MUSICIAN OF THE YEAR – Banky W
MUSIC PRODUCER OF THE YEAR – So Sick
ON-AIR PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR(RADIO) – Matse Uwatse(Wazobia FM)
ON-AIR PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR(TV) – Tana Egbo
PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR(CORPORATE) – Tokini Peterside
SCREEN PRODUCER OF THE YEAR – Clarence Peters
SPORTPERSON OF THE YEAR – Vincent Eyeama
TEAM OF THE YEAR – Super Falcons
8 comments
I am so glad for all the winners. The Young person of the Year deserved his award for positive impacts. I am also so happy for Matse of Wazobia Fm, She is one in a million. Congrats to Banky W too.
They al dserve it in there areas,they’ve all tried,thumbs up.more power to ur elbow.
I agree with this from start to finish. I was really rooting for Nike Fagbule, but I think Asa’s manager got the award because she is Asa’s manager and they will need more favours from them. Who is Emem Ema? Can’t remember what she does
they deserve it
@Dick, Emem Ema is the rapper in Kush and runs a company called one management, they represent talent and consult.
Am happy 4 d winners. Thumbs up 4 u
I honestly do not think Tana Egbo deserved to win the award for Tv personality of the year. Those who only hosted contract jobs were one off presenters and should not have been in the category in the first place.