Several African professionals, political leaders, and public figures were recognised at the 2025 edition of the *100 Most Notable Peace Icons Africa Awards*, held during the *Notable Africans Leadership and Business Summit* in Kigali, Rwanda.
Among the recipients were a psychiatrist and CEO of African Global Health, Dr. Imane Kendili of Morocco; the Regional Director of the Institute of Human Virology at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, Prof. Nicaise Ndembi; and the Governor of Jigawa State, Nigeria, Mallam Umar Namadi.
The awards were organised to honour individuals for their roles in promoting peace, public service, and development across the continent. The Project Director for Africa, Ambassador Dr. Kingsley Amafibe, said the selection was based on recipients’ demonstrable contributions to peacebuilding and national development.
“Peace remains the foundation for Africa’s growth and progress,” Amafibe said during the event. “Through this award, we are acknowledging the efforts of Africans who are using their platforms in various sectors to promote stability, collaboration, and socio-economic transformation.”
Other awardees included Hon. Prof. Mthuli Ncube; Hon. Dr. Pedzai Scott Pakupwanya; Dr. Torhile A. Uchi; Dr. Angel Nationota; Deputy Governor of Cross River State, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, and Dr. Mncedisi Dube.
Also recognised were Dr. Daniel Moses, businessman and public sector consultant, Chief Chris Agara, real estate executive Amb. Dr. Tosin Ladejobi; Hon. Dennis Idahosa; Eur Ing. Dr. Chinedu Ogwus; and Director General of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. George Kelly D. Alabo.
The list also featured professionals from various industries, including Dr. Peter Chuka Nwachukwu, Mr. Michael Odere, Hon. Sekibo, Dr. Amit N. Thakker, Mathew Elvis Ekpeohanreste, Ruqayya Tofa Basheer, and Munyakazi Sedate.
Cultural elements of the ceremony included a dinner reception and comedy performance by Nigerian comedian Wale Baba. The summit served as a platform for dialogue, networking, and recognition of contributions to peace across sectors such as health, governance, business, and civil society.
The organisers said they plan to expand the awards in the coming years to include grassroots peacebuilders and youth-led initiatives across more African countries.
