6th Accolade Yellow Ball Awards honour leaders, entrepreneurs for excellence

6th Accolade Yellow Ball Awards honour leaders, entrepreneurs for excellence

The 6th edition of the Accolade Yellow Ball Awards 2026 has honoured outstanding entrepreneurs, women leaders and public officials for excellence and developmental impacts across various sectors.

Voice Media Trust (VMT NEWS) reports that the awards recognised remarkable contributions to governance, public service, entrepreneurship, humanitarian service and community development.

The event, held in Abuja on Friday night brought together dignitaries from the public and private sectors, including political office holders, entrepreneurs, philanthropists and stakeholders in nation-building.

The ceremony celebrated excellence and highlighted individuals and organisations making significant impacts across Nigeria and the African continent.

Among the award recipients was the Governor of Benue, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, who received the award for Best Performing Governor in Infrastructural Development.

The Governor of Enugu State, Dr Peter Mbah, was also represented at the event by the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Mrs Ugochi Madueke.

Other dignitaries at the event included the Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim; the Minister of State for the FCT, Dr Mariya Mahmoud among others.

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Speaking during the ceremony, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Accolade Dynamics Ltd., Mrs Doofan Tor, described the awards as a platform dedicated to recognising excellence.

She said the initiative celebrated individuals and organisations demonstrating resilience, innovation and transformational leadership across Nigeria and Africa.

“Tonight is about recognising excellence across different spheres, including entrepreneurship, technology, philanthropy and humanitarian service.

“We are here to honour individuals who were nominated and voted for by the public through Accolade Dynamics Ltd.

“This is the sixth edition of the Accolade Yellow Ball Awards and we are delighted by the massive support and attendance.

“Over the years, the platform has distinguished itself as more than just an awards ceremony. It has become a platform that honours visionaries and trailblazers shaping the future of the continent,” she said.

Tor explained that this year’s selection process involved public participation through a voting system.

“This year, we didn’t only recognise politicians. We honoured entrepreneurs, companies, foundations and individuals making real impact in society.

“The public voting system allowed Nigerians to decide who they believed deserved the awards. It was not just an Accolade decision; it was a people-driven process that ensured the voices of Nigerians were heard,” she said.

She added that the awards celebrated individuals who rose from humble beginnings to attain success through hard work and dedication.

Speaking on behalf of Gov. Alia, former Governor of the state, Sen. Gabriel Suswam, said the award reflected the governor’s ongoing efforts in infrastructural development and governance.

“I think the award accurately represents what the governor is doing in Benue State.

“He is laying a solid foundation for future generations through infrastructural development despite the many challenges facing the state and the country generally,” he said.

Suswam noted that security challenges, including clashes between herders and farmers as well as criminal activities, remained major concerns in the state.

He, however, expressed optimism that the situation would improve with support from the Federal Government.

Also speaking, the Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, said the recognition demonstrated that the ministry was on the right path in advancing women’s empowerment and social development.

“A few days ago, women across Nigeria gathered under the ‘Power of 10 Million’ initiative to endorse President Bola Tinubu’s vision for women, children, families and vulnerable groups.

“Women from different political parties, generations and regions came together to speak with one voice in support of the President’s commitment to women development,” she said.

The minister added that the Federal Government was taking steps to strengthen the social welfare system through the operationalisation of the Social Work Council Act.

“Mr President has prioritised the implementation of the Social Work Council Act, and very soon Nigerians will witness the emergence of a stronger social work council and a more effective social welfare workforce in the country,” she said.

Highlights of the awards ceremony included thrilling performances by musicians, comedians and other entertainers.