The annual Africa Day Awards celebration got bigger and better this year – thanks to the generosity of title sponsor Aligreen Recycling Ltd, and supporters including Concern Worldwide, WPI Textile Recycling Ltd, On-Site Refueling and MK Design.
More than 200 guests attended the third annual event – organised by Metro Éireann, Ireland’s only multicultural newspaper – at the Radisson Blu Royal Hotel in Dublin’s historic quarter.
Winners honoured on the night include individuals, organisations and businesses contributing to development in Africa and to the continent’s relationship with Ireland.
In the Private Sector category, Value Added in Africa were awarded for their ongoing work to identify indigenous companies in Africa producing high quality, competitively priced and export-ready goods, and introduce them to Irish and European businesses, thereby helping them to exercise corporate social responsibility in their supply chain.
The corresponding award in the Public Sector went to the National Transport Authority for its involvement in the ‘Transport Links, Racism Divides’ campaign.
During the ceremony, a Judges’ Special Award was made to the Irish Government’s overseas development assistance programme Irish Aid for its “consistent message” in sustaining development aid in Africa notwithstanding the current economic difficulties that Ireland faces.
A number of individual awards were also presented, with Brian McCormaic recognised for his worthy Harambee Education Project, while Sylvia Katete Gavigan was honoured for founding The Children’s Education Development Fund (both will receive their awards at a later date).
Dublin woman Tendai Madondo, originally from Zimbabwe and MC at the event, received a surprise award for her leadership in promoting political participation of ethnic minorities in Ireland.
Spaqz Tshiakatumba – known professionally as DJ Spaqz – was honoured for being a leader in promoting African music in Ireland.
An Appreciation Award was presented to Ceemex and Company, the Nigerian-founded solicitors and first ethnic minority-led law practice.
The Kimmage Development Studies Centre (KDSC) received an Education Award for its consistency in the delivery of education and training on development in Africa, while Friends of Londiani garnered a Not-For-Profit sector award for sustainable development work in health, education and clean water provision, which has had a strong impact on communities in Kenya.
The ceremony, which attracted people from all walks of life and nationalities, featured traditional songs performed by the famous Latvian Choir as well as African music and dance from the Dembe Dance Troupe and music from Nigerian teenage singers Oyin and Tomike.
VIPs in attendance include guest of honour and Minister of Trade and Development Joe Costello and his wife Emer Costello MEP; Eric Byrne TD; Latvian Ambassador to Ireland PÄ“teris KÄrlis Elferts and his wife Anta Spunde; and Dr Dáire Keogh, president of St Patrick’s College Drumcondra.
Others were Kenyan Olympic gold medalist Wilfred Bungei and his wife; Dr Linus Offiah, head of A&E of the Cavan and Monaghan Hospital Group, and his wife Meg Offiah; Gerry Murphy, chief executive of the National Transport Authority, and Paddy Reilly, director of the KDSC.
Joe Jenning of Concern Worldwide, and Adeola Ogunsina and wife Georgina of On-Site Refueling, represented supporters of the awards.
