Kanayo, Orits Wiliki, others bag GAMA awards

Veteran actor Kanayo O Kanayo, reggae musician Orits Wiliki, and vocalist Yinka Davies bagged the Global Affairs Magazine Award on Saturday for their outstanding contributions to the growth of entertainment in Nigeria.

Arise News’ Rufai Oseni was given an award of excellence as the ‘Most Courageous Television Host’ of the year.

The Labour Party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, was awarded the best politician of the year 2023, while popular comedian Koffi Nuel got an award of excellence for service to humanity.

Reggae musician Orits Wiliki received his GAMA awards in Lagos on Saturday.

Also, Dr Daniel Olukoya, founder of Mountain of Fire and Miracle Ministries, bagged a lifetime achievement award for service to humanity.

The theme for the award celebration is “A Channel of Hope Where There is Despair.” Convener of GAMA, Regina Robinson,  during the award presentation, said that the award was to celebrate and reward distinguished men and women who are selfless and have impacted others positively.

“The award celebrates individuals and bodies who have over the years supported life-changing causes, especially in the areas of health and most prominently the less privileged, physically challenged and children with special needs as well as the teeming youth population.

“GAMA remains a platform for showcasing the brighter side of a perceived unattractive world.

“The occasion also provides us the opportunity to showcase the potential of our magazine and what we stand for.”

Also, Dr Bala Abraham, Chairman, Global Affairs Magazine, who coordinated the launch of GAM Foundation, pledged to attend to the needs of the needy in society.

Other recipients of the awards are Dr Akintoye Akindele and Dr Segun Musa, both entrepreneurs as well as Dr Bala Abraham, Chairman of Global Affairs Magazine, who bagged a Lifetime Achievement Award for service to humanity.

Pastor Wale Adefarasin, Senior Pastor of Guiding Light Assembly Church, Princess Ebuwa Iguehon, and Dr John Ejezie also won the award of excellence for service to humanity.

Rev. Ngozi Okorie of Full Life Christian Assembly; Eze Chika Nwokedi, Igwe of Ijegun/Ijeododo communities in Lagos and Mr Olawale Shittu, a Business manager, bagged awards of excellence for service to humanity

Dr Osita Offor, a former World Heavyweight Wrestling Champion, won the GAMA of Excellence for his outstanding service to the nation.

Responding, Nuel expressed his appreciation to the organisers of the awards, as he also appreciated his wife for her continuous support.

“This is for God, my family, and everyone in my team, also to my clients who keep paying for my services in face of hopelessness,” he said.

Raggae artiste, Wiliki said, “I like to appreciate the organisers of the award because it is not in our tradition to appreciate people when they are alive, but this is coming while we are still alive.

“I dedicate this to the last born in my family, Mrs Becky, we have weathered the storm together over the years.”

NAN