THE FUTURE AWARDS SEASON 4, HOTS UP

Well, i am connected to Future Awards in two major ways though so many people do not know about it. First, I was part of the volunteers that made the 2007 edition happened, from the planning to the final execution and the most important part is that I AM THE FUTURE, I am a youth of distinction, I am destined to chart a fresh course for this country, I am part of this generation-a generation yearning for for change like never before-a generation who has decided not to sit down and watch its dear nation crumble. I dare say again I AM THE FUTURE.

The season 4 of this foremost all youth awards comes up next year and as usual the preparations and planning are underway, they have been for as long as I can remember anyway. Recently, the season 4 edition hots up as another important personality identify with these young people
according to the pres release from Redstrat, the organisers of the Award. The press release is reproduced below.

THE FUTURE AWARDS EXTENDS NOMINATIONS

- Stella Okoli (MON) joins the Board of Trustees

The central working committee for The Future Awards Season 4 has announced the usual extension of nominations. Nominations were announced to end for the 31^st of October but have now been extended for two weeks – until the 14^th of November 2008.

Whilst the Committee has acknowledged the receipt of thousands of nominations, this year’s extension is to further allow for a national spread in the list of nominees, especially since the national tour is still in progress. At the moment, the tour has taken the team to Abuja , Enugu , Benin and Calabar – left to go are Jos and Ile-Ife. There will also be town hall meetings in London and in South Africa .

The Awards long list – a list of 160 nominees, which is always eagerly awaited by young people and the media – will be released shortly after.

It is important to state that there will be no further extension after this, and after this year’s nominations close, no exceptions will be made as with previous years, so the public is enjoined to send in any nominations now on www.thefuturenigeria.com.

The Awards is also proud to announce the addition of one more distinguished Nigerian to its august Board of Trustees: Chief (Mrs.) Stella Okoli (MON), Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Emzor Pharmaceuticals Limited, and one of Nigeria ’s most respected corporate players joined the board in October 2008!

An alumnus of the Harvard Business School, Okoli is a thorough professional with over 27 years of experience as a practicing/manufacturing pharmacist. More than ten years after the manufacturing plant of her company was commissioned, it has introduced over 50 successful products in Nigeria and West Africa . Amongst other things, she has been the National Vice President of the Nigeria Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture.

She joins other board members like Mrs. Obiageli Ezekwesili, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Chief Rasheed Gbadamosi, John Momoh (OON), Dr. Ibe Kachikwu, Dr. Reuben Abati, and Prof. Pat Utomi, who is the chair of the Board.

It will be recalled that at the launch of the event in October, there was a special tribute to the late Prof Jadesola Akande , Nigeria ’s first female law professor, who was a member of the Board until her passing away.

Reputed as Nigeria’s most respected youth event, The Future Awards’ rigorous and thorough nomination/judging process has been hailed again and again and has produced winners over the past three years who have stood the test of time including Ndidi Nwuneli, Tara Fela-Durotoye, Chimamanda Adichie, 2face Idibia, Gbenga Sesan, amongst others.