It was a night that shone with brilliance, but not without its share of mixed sentiments. As Mariam “Taaooma” Apaokagi held her award, the collective atmosphere at the Landmark Event Centre in Lagos was one of admiration and festivity. The Future Awards Africa’s 2025 edition, themed “Threads of Legacy,” gathered a diverse crowd to celebrate the continent’s brightest young achievers, a testament to innovation, creativity, and leadership across multiple sectors.

Hosted by the charismatic Nollywood actor Mike Afolarin and media personality Azeezah Hashim, the event effortlessly combined glamour and purpose. Yet, as the stars of the night shone brightly, notions of apathy lingered among those who questioned whether the accolades truly reflected the challenges faced by the youth today. Could the celebration have done more to address pressing issues, rather than simply showcasing individual achievements?

With a palpable buzz in the air, attendees cheered as Taaooma was announced the winner of the Prize for Content Creation. Her win sparked admiration on social media, with many praising her creativity and influence. Conversely, some voices expressed outrage at the continued focus on entertainment figures, arguing that more emphasis should have been placed on grassroots activists and community leaders.

The night honored other notable figures as well. Super Falcons forward Rasheedat Ajibade received the Prize for Sports for her significant contributions to African football, stirring pride among sports enthusiasts. Meanwhile, veteran comedian Ali Baba’s honorary Prize for Service to Young People was met with mixed reactions; while many respected his mentorship, others felt it was time to spotlight newer voices who are also making impactful contributions.

The highlight of the evening was undoubtedly Fola David, a medical doctor and visual artist, being named Young Person of the Year. His recognition sparked admiration among many who saw it as a refreshing shift from traditional categories. Yet, for every cheer of delight, there were murmurs of skepticism questioning the criteria behind such accolades and the representations of true leadership.

The list of winners across various categories reflected the diversity of Africa’s new generation, from Taiwo Abisoye Joel in creativity to Okeowo Oladotun Alani in music. Yet beyond the applause, a segment of the audience remained apathetic, feeling that while these stories of success are inspiring, they often overshadow the systemic issues that persist in society.

In the aftermath of the awards, the public discourse turned towards the implications of such events. Some applauded the recognition of vibrant young leaders, while others lamented the disconnect between celebration and the realities many still face. The Future Awards Africa may well be a beacon of hope for some, but for others, it’s just another night of glittering lights that fails to illuminate the deeper challenges of the continent.

As the cheers faded and conversations continued, it was clear that while the awards highlighted individual achievements, they also ignited discussions on how to foster a more inclusive and impactful recognition of Africa’s potential. Only time will tell if these voices will lead to meaningful change or remain divided in admiration, outrage, and apathy.