The event is an important communication platform that encourages social cohesion and the diverse Nigerian and South African culture and entertainment.
The event always takes place during the first week of October every year, which falls under the celebration of Nigeria’s Independence. Nigerians are passionate about the Independence celebration considering their patriotism and how widely celebrated it is by millions of Nigerians at home and in the Diaspora. It is a perfect opportunity to celebrate Nigeria and South Africa’s relationship.
The awards were first organized in 2013 with headline sponsorship by Western Union and supported by the Nigerian High Commission and Consulate General of Nigeria. The event was at the Midrand Conference Centre, Midrand.
In attendance were the Nigerian High Commissioner, top Diplomatic officials from the High Commission of Nigeria, Pretoria, and the Consulate General of Nigeria, Johannesburg.
Also present were executives of Western Union, Travelex, Mastercard, and members of the Nigerian community.
The awards did not hold in 2014, 2015, and 2016. It re-surfaced in 2017 with headline sponsorship by Old Mutual Africa. Old Mutual is an established multinational organization in South Africa. They operate in 8 different African countries and including the United Kingdom. The award took place at the Encore Theatre, Hatfield, Pretoria.
In attendance were the Acting; Nigerian Ambassador, the Consul General of Nigeria, CEO, Old Mutual, Rest of Africa; Mr. Jonas Mushosho, his regional CEO for West and East Africa.
The 2018 Edition was glamour and class exemplified, which surpassed all the successes of the previous two editions, building on past triumphs and challenges.
Again sponsorship was by Old Mutual Africa, Mama Money, and other corporate organizations, including the High Commission of Nigeria, Pretoria, and the Consulate General of Nigeria, Johannesburg.
The venue was provided by Old Mutual Africa, at their magnificent Head office Auditorium at 1 Mutual Place, 107 Rivonia Road, Sandton.
Before the main event, Old Mutual Africa hosted all the VIPs for early lunch and a tour of their head office with the top executives of the company.
In attendance at the event were the Nigeria High Commissioner to South Africa, the Consul-General of Nigeria, and other top Diplomats from the Nigerian High Commission, Pretoria, and the Consulate General of Nigeria, Johannesburg.
Also in attendance were the Ambassadors of Ghana and Kenya, top executives from Old Mutual, led by their CEO Rest of Africa, Mr. Jonas Mushosho, and Regional Ceos from West and East Africa.
The 2019 Edition took place at the Brooklyn Theatre, a theater that sits 400 people. It was a turning point that occasioned a re-birth of inclusiveness. It brought to light the importance, significance, and power the event portends as an avenue to encourage unity, and the necessity, to open up the Nigerian community to South Africans and Africans in general.
The awards took place a week after the President of Nigeria was in South Africa for a state visit. Also, it was about a month after the September 2019 Xenophobic attack on other black nationals. During the xenophobic attack, Nigerians suffered the most attacks ever. During that period, every event had to cancel.
The 2019 Edition attracted sponsorship from one of the biggest Telecommunication companies in the African continent, MTN. They saw the significance and importance of the demand in creating an avenue for social cohesion, citizen to citizens interaction, and cultural exchange initiatives for citizens of Nigeria, South Africa, and other African nationals.
They saw it as a way to break down barriers of xenophobic attacks. MTN joined other corporate sponsors like; Old Mutual Africa, Mama Money, AFA Financial Services, Olifants Rentals, and Branama Television.
The 2019 Edition got the endorsement of the Nigerian Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Abuja. It also got that of the High Commission of Nigeria and Consulate General of Nigeria, Illovo.
Hon Abike Dabiri Erewa, the chairperson of the Nigerian Diaspora Commission, was represented at the event by a staff of the commission.
We are proud to inform you that the 2025 edition of the award was the most successful to date. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, 2021 and 2022, the event could not hold, but showcased positive growth in 2025 and received overwhelming support from the community. We are grateful for the presence of distinguished guests, including His Excellency Ambassador Haruna Manta, the Nigerian Ambassador to South Africa, and His Excellency Mr Andrew Idi, the Nigerian Consul General. Additionally, we were honoured to have senior diplomats from the High Commission and Consulate General of Nigeria, as well as five other African Ambassadors in attendance:
The resounding success of this year's event has set an exciting precedent for 2025. We are eager to elevate the experience even further, as we continue to grow and enhance our celebration of excellence. The Nigeria Community Excellence Award plays a vital role in fostering social cohesion, encouraging citizen-to-citizen interaction, and commemorating Nigeria's Independence. Join us as we look forward to an even more spectacular event in 2025!
Africa must unite. Importantly for Africa to unite and for its citizens to enjoy the benefits of the unity of Africa Nigeria and South Africa needs to unite not only at governmental levels but also at the level of citizen to citizen relationships that will give birth to partnership in business, education, entertainment, cultural activities, sports, arts, and relationships.
