Cobhams Asuquo, Chiamaka Obuekwe, others make list of Most positively inspiring African Youths

A total of 17 Nigerians, including talented music producer Cobhams Asuquo and online travel/tourism promoter Chiamaka Obuekwe, have made the 2017 list of 100 Most Positively Inspiring African Youths (MPIAY).

Launched in Yaounde, Cameroon, on November 15, 2017, the 100 MPIAY is an annual list of 100 youths of African descent, who have inspired many to think, talk or act positively.

Run primarily by Positive Youth’s Africa (PYA), under the positive youths awards scheme, the initiative aims mainly at identifying, recognising and celebrating the works of 100 youths of African descent, whose works have had significant positive impact on their communities and the world at large.

For this first edition, the organisation received hundreds of nominations from 30 countries in Africa and the diaspora, an indication that Africans are rising up to give gratitude to the heroes, who have inspired them to make positive change, no matter how small it may seem. Nominations were done online from the November 10 to December 15, 2017.

The final selection, which began on December 16, was done by a committee constituting officials from Positive Youth’s Africa (PYA), Junior Chambers International (JCI), AFROPOLITANIS and the International network for the promotion of oratory art in Africa, the Caribbean and Pacific, better known by it’s French acronym as RIPAO.

After a rigorous selection process, 100 youths were chosen from 27 African countries with Nigeria taking the Majority with 17 honorees. Meanwhile, 53 of these youths were of the male sex, while 47 were of the female sex. While 56 of these youths were older youths between the ages of 26 to 38, 44 were younger youths within the ages of 17 to 25.

The honorees were classified into 7 domains namely; Community development (37 youths), Media and Entertainment (20 youths), Public service and Leadership (14 youths), Science and Technology (12 youths), Business and Entrepreneurship (11 youths), Arts and Literature (3 youths) and Academics and Research (3 youths).

Among Nigerians, who made the list are Aborisade Adetola, Babalola Omoniyi, Blessing Fortune Kwomo, Chiamaka Obuekwe, Cobhams Asuquo, Cornelius Adewale, Haneefah Adam, Joy Tiku Enighe, Justin Kingland, Kechi Okwuchi, Lola Odujinrin and
Obianugu Ekeotcha. Others include Omimi Okere, Ovbokhan Smart Ekhorutomwen, Tobby Lordwiliams, Victoria Udeh and Wadi Ben-Hirki.

According to the Executive President of Positive Youth’s Africa (PYA) Franca Sulem Yong, “As we navigate through the tumultuous waters of life, we meet people who inspire us negatively or positively. When we launched the 100 Most Positively Inspiring African Youths (100 MPIAY) scheme in November 2017, we hoped to recognise 100 African youths, who have inspired many others to think, talk or act positively. Much to our surprise, in just the first edition, we received hundreds of nominations from 30 countries in Africa and the diaspora, an indication that Africans are rising up to celebrate the heroes who have inspired them to make positive change, no matter how small it may seem.”

She continued: “We read very inspiring stories from the nominations, but while we rejoiced with the chosen 100 on their accomplishments, we were most struck by their journey of test, trial and triumph. We were touched by their seemingly small acts of kindness, the responsibility with which they saw a need and took the lead to solve problems in their communities. The scheme celebrates the person behind the achievement and the positive impact he or she has had. It is not about affluence, but about positive influence.”