Julienne Ariori, a visionary 23-year-old from the Benin Republic, has risen to prominence as a beacon of innovation and selflessness, earning the prestigious Star Prize Award at the 2024 Future Africa Leaders Awards (FALA). The ceremony, held during the 31st December New Year’s Eve Service with Pastor Chris Oyakhilome, celebrated her remarkable achievements, which have significantly impacted lives across Africa. Her exceptional accomplishments distinguished her among an elite group of trailblazers, securing her this coveted honor.
Julienne has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to creating a sustainable future for Africa. Leading efforts to reduce the use of harmful GMO pesticides, she successfully achieved a 30% reduction in chemical usage in the Benin Republic. Her inventive fluoride-free Moringa Fresh Toothpaste stands out as a revolutionary product, which she ensured reached wide distribution within her nation.
Her influence extends beyond products; through various seminars, Julienne has trained over 1,000 youth in sustainable farming practices. Additionally, she spearheaded “Green-a-thon 2023,” educating over a million viewers on effective waste management practices. These and many other humanitarian initiatives culminated in her emotional walk to the stage to receive her well-deserved award. Her recognition as the Star Prize winner of FALA 2024 included a $25,000 cash prize presented by Chris Oyakhilome, the President and Founder of the Future Africa Leaders Foundation, under the Chris Oyakhilome Foundation International (COFI) umbrella.
Julienne’s accomplishments were celebrated alongside nine other remarkable young African leaders honored at the event. These leaders, hailing from various countries, showcased their dedication to addressing societal challenges through initiatives such as “Stop FGM Campaigns,” providing scholarships, donating thousands of books, distributing relief materials, constructing boreholes, renovating libraries, and supporting orphans and children with special needs.
Each recipient, including Favour Effiom from Nigeria, Ntung Ngela Landon from Cameroon, Mawada Abdalla from Libya, Israel Majak Yel from South Sudan, Anneckijet Joan Kapomba from Malawi, Akram Sebai from Morocco, Jessica Leonor Sampaio Baide from Guinea-Bissau, Collins from Kenya, and Youssef from Egypt, received a $10,000 cash prize to further expand their impactful projects.
Since its establishment in 2013, the Future Africa Leaders Foundation, founded by Chris Oyakhilome, has recognized exceptional young Africans who tackle significant challenges in sectors such as academia, agriculture, and various industries. Annually, outstanding young leaders are rigorously screened and nominated for the Future Africa Leaders Awards (FALA), with winners presented by LoveWorld President and Grand Patron, Chris Oyakhilome.
During the 2024 awards ceremony, Pastor Chris praised these young leaders for their problem-solving initiatives and encouraged Africa to produce more visionaries. He remarked, “Africa is wealthy, Africa has everything. But where there seems to be a shortage is in excellent leadership.” His call for champions to drive change and development resonated throughout the event.
The ceremony also welcomed globally esteemed African leaders as special guests. This year’s Chairman of FALA 2024 was Chief Olusegun Obasanjo (GCFR), former President of Nigeria. In his address, Chief Obasanjo inspired hope, emphasizing the importance of perseverance: “To lose hope is to lose everything, and we must not allow the youth of Africa to lose hope.”
The Star Prize winner announcement was made by the Special Guest of Honor, His Excellency General Yakubu Gowon (GCFR), former Head of State of Nigeria. He commended Julienne Ariori, her fellow winners, and the broader African youth for their inspiring contributions to the continent.
In his concluding remarks, Pastor Chris Oyakhilome highlighted the enduring legacy of FALA, which has honored over 81 young Africans since its inception. He congratulated the 2024 winners as part of an esteemed group of achievers and encouraged them to continue addressing pressing human needs in their nations and beyond.
Congratulations to Julienne Ariori, the Star Prize winner of FALA 2024, and all the distinguished honorees for their exceptional dedication to transforming Africa.
