By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja
Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, has been listed among prominent global personalities to receive the 2026 Afro Award for Excellence and Humanitarian Services in recognition of his leadership and contributions to governance and societal development.
Otti is expected to join personalities from Africa, the United States and other parts of the world at the 5th Afro Awards ceremony scheduled for October 10 in Los Angeles, California.
Others listed for honours include American singer Adina Howard, fashion designer and entrepreneur Karl Kani, basketball star Russell Westbrook and Tyrone DuBose.
The Founder and President of the Afro Awards, Chief Taiwo Oduala, disclosed this in a statement made available to journalists on Tuesday in Lokoja.
Oduala described the Afro Awards as an Afro-centric platform established to celebrate individuals and 
making significant contributions to their communities and countries.
He said the awards promote responsible leadership, humanitarian service, economic growth and development.
Oduala described Otti as a “distinguished and notable personality,” saying his recognition would bring a significant leadership and governance dimension to the 2026 edition.
He said Otti’s inclusion would also place Abia State and Nigerian public leadership on an international platform alongside personalities who have distinguished themselves in various sectors.
The founder said the event would attract personalities from Africa, the United States, the United Kingdom and the global entertainment, business, political and cultural communities.
He said the 2026 edition would celebrate excellence, achievement, leadership, creativity and contributions to society.
According to him, the awards would recognise outstanding personalities and institutions across entertainment, fashion, sports, business and public service.
Among past honourees associated with the Afro Awards, Oduala listed Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, Inglewood Mayor James T. Butts Jr., actor and filmmaker Richard Lawson, business magnate Aliko Dangote and former President Goodluck Jonathan.
Other personalities listed for the 2026 honours include Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; Air Peace Chief Executive Officer, Dr Allen Onyema; music star Davido; Africa Magic; Governor Ademola Adeleke; First Lady of Kwara State, Olufolake Abdulrazaq; and First Lady of Sierra Leone, Fatima Bio.
Also listed are Ghanaian dancehall artiste Stonebwoy, actress Juliet Ibrahim, Nigerian actress Ayo Mogaji and Afro Nation’s Smade.
Oduala said the wide range of personalities reflected the awards’ focus on leadership, business, entertainment, culture, aviation and community development.