Iconic summit drives impact, sets stage for under 40 awards

The Iconic International Holdings has described its 2026 100 Iconic Personalities Awards and Summit held in Lagos as successful and impactful. The organisation said the April 10 gathering attracted a diverse mix of leaders, entrepreneurs, policymakers and industry figures from across Africa and beyond. The summit focused on leadership, innovation, economic growth and sustainable development.

Malaika Lobengula, executive director, ICONIC INTERNATIONAL HOLDINGS, said the event delivered a well structured platform that combined thought leadership, recognition and engagement.

He noted that discussions were insightful and practical. Speakers shared experiences and ideas that encouraged collaboration and knowledge exchange.

Participants, he added, actively contributed to conversations that sparked partnerships and new opportunities. The atmosphere, according to him, remained vibrant and intellectually engaging throughout the sessions.

Lobengula also highlighted the evening segment of the event. He said the dinner created a relaxed setting for deeper interaction among guests and honourees. The arrangement, he explained, allowed for networking, reflection and celebration.

Temisan O. Louis, president and founder, ICONIC INTERNATIONAL HOLDINGS GROUP, said the awards ceremony was the major highlight.

He said 100 individuals were honoured for their contributions across different sectors.

Louis also commended visa liberalisation efforts by several African countries including Kenya, Seychelles, Rwanda and Ghana, as well as partial reforms by Uganda.

He urged other African leaders to adopt similar policies to accelerate regional integration and economic growth in line with African Union Agenda 2063 vision of a borderless continent.

Louis said the summit met its objectives of celebrating excellence, building connections and inspiring future leaders.

He disclosed that preparations have been concluded for the Iconic Africa Under 40 CEOs Awards scheduled for June 2026 in Johannesburg, South Africa.

The event, he said, will focus on recognising young business leaders under 40 who are driving innovation. It will also provide a platform for discussions, networking and collaboration across industries.

Ruth Tene Natsa

Ruth Tene, Assistant Editor, Agric/Solid Minerals/INEC Ruth Tene is an award-winning journalist with over 15 years experience in developmental reporting across several newsrooms, as a reporter, editor and other managerial roles. She holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Journalism from the University of Maiduguri among several other certifications She has attended several trainings and certifications both locally and internationally and has been recognized for her impactful work in humanitarian reporting, receiving the Gold Award for Humanitarian Services from the Amazing Grace Foundation. She is also a recipient of the Home Alliance Fellowship, reflecting her commitment to fostering a more humane, safer and more sustainable planet. An active member of professional journalism bodies, Ruth is affiliated with the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), the National Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), and the Agricultural Correspondents Association of Nigeria (ACAN), where she continues to advocate for excellence, ethical reporting, and development-focused journalism.