The Future Awards 2012: Port Harcourt On Fire

Tonto Dike At the Future Awards 2012

The 7th edition of The Future Awards was held last (Sunday) night at the Aztec Atrium in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital. The N10,000-ticket event drew a stellar collection of who is who in the entertainment, business and politics of the state and Nigeria and attracted young entrerprenuers and innovators, who are toted as the future of the nation.

Organizers of the programme paid a courtesy visit on the Rivers State Government and were received by the Deputy Governor of the state, Mr. Tele Ikuru, and Commissioner for Information, Mrs. Ibim Semanitari, and top government officials.

Ikuru, in his address, said the Rt. Hon Chibuike Amaechi-led government in the state is prepared to support development initiatives by young men and women, adding that the government was putting structures in place to ensure that the future of its people is secured.

Earlier in his address, leader of the TFA team, Mr. Adebola William, said the award is aimed at changing the mindset of the youths and refocusing them on the development of the nation.
According to the organizers, The Future Project (TFP) - inspired by The Future Awards - is a social enterprise/change communications firm affiliated to Red Media Group that is set up based on a strong, practical commitment to human and capital development, especially in Nigeria.

“Our sworn mission is to empower the young Nigerian in practical ways (through the various trainings, networking sessions, mentorship programmes, and town hall meetings) especially towards entrepreneurship and value creation, with a 2025 target for the present cadre of young people to take over the direction of our country.” Ohimai Atafo, top Nigerian designer and Head Committee for The Future Awards, said “We’re excited that millions can be able to be inspired real time by this evening. From the performances to the conversations, this is well- choreographed to showcase the best of our country.

The keynote address was delivered by Tony Elumelu, former UBA Director and chairman of the Tony Elumelu Foundation, who told young entrepreneurs to think “about institutionalizing” their business. There were performance by Muma G, Timi Dakolo and comedy acts from within and outside the state.
The Awards.

The 2012 award focused on Change, Creativity, Entertainment, Entrepreneurship, Excellence in Service, Innovation and the Ultimate Prize.

Creativity category included: Creative Artist of the Year; Designer of the Year. Entertainment included Actor of the Year, won by home girl and Nollywood screen goddess, Tontoh Dikeh; Musician of the Year, won by Wizkid, the new music sensation. Others include On-Air Personality – Radio; On-Air Personality – Television; Producer of the Year – Music; Producer of the Year – Screen

In the Entrepreneurship category, there were Entrepreneur of the Year – Entertainment; Entrepreneur of the Year – Fashion; Entrepreneur of the Year – General; Entrepreneur of the Year – Media/Communication; Entrepreneur of the Year – Technology while Excellence in Service included: Excellence in Service – Government; Excellence in Service – Journalism; Excellence in Service – Corporate

For Innovation there are: Innovator of the Year – Education; Innovator of the Year – Science & Technology
The Ultimate Prize, The Young Person of the Year award is the biggest of all the awards, and was for a Nigerian between 18 and 31 years of age, who blazed a trail and achieved mind blowing success in any field. It was won by Idris Akinbajo, formerly of NEXT Newspapers and Head of Investigative Desk of Premium Times. he was finalist of CNN/Multichoice African Journalist Award 2012. The award was presented by the Deputy Governor, Mr. Ikuru.