Witness Newspaper Publisher, Enyeh Akpovire, Bags African Media Personality Award in London

By Vivian Okejeme

The Publisher and Managing Director of The Witness Newspaper, Enyeh Julius Akpovire, will be honoured with the African Media Personality Award at the 15th edition of The Voice Achievers Award and Business Summit scheduled to hold in London on August 21, 2026.

The prestigious event, organised by The Voice News Magazine, will take place at the Hilton London Kensington Hotel and is expected to bring together African trailblazers, entrepreneurs, diplomats, and global partners driving positive change across the continent.

According to the organisers, the 2026 edition will focus on the theme: “Putting Africa In The Right Perspective—Focusing On Mental Empowerment For Economic Inclusion & Growth.”

At the event, Akpovire, a leading investigative and experienced journalist will also serve as a panellist and contribute to the dialogue session themed: “Mental Empowerment for Economic Inclusion & Growth – The Role of the African Media.”

The Voice Achievers Award said Akpovire’s recognition as the African Media Personality Award recipient highlights his contribution to journalism, media development, and public discourse through The Witness Newspaper.

According to the organisation: “Mr. Enyeh Julius Akpovire’s nomination is a testament to his outstanding contributions to the African media landscape. His dedication to professional excellence, impactful storytelling, and the advancement of the media industry has not gone unnoticed. He is being recognized as a pioneer whose work continues to put Africa in the right perspective while fostering the ‘mental empowerment’ necessary for the continent’s economic inclusion and growth.

“He is a renowned journalist and steadfast media practitioner who has remained undeterred despite facing imprisonment and significant personal hardship in unwavering dedication. The Voice Achievers Award honors his courageous efforts in informing and educating the public, as well as his commitment to challenging flawed government policies in the line of duty. As the publisher of The Witness Newspaper (https://witnessngr.com), he has navigated the many hazards of the industry with remarkable resilience, continuing to serve as a vital pillar of the fourth estate for the benefit of his audience.

“Beyond his enduring media engagements, Mr. Enyeh Julius Akpovire’s nomination also recognizes his profound humanitarian impact through The Witness Cares Foundation. Launched in 2021 as the corporate social responsibility arm of the newspaper, the foundation has become a vital lifeline for the less privileged. By championing laudable projects that provide access to quality education and healthcare for widows and vulnerable children, he has demonstrated that his commitment to society extends far beyond the newsroom, embodying the very spirit of empowerment our award seeks to celebrate.

“In addition, through another of his companies, Dial Icon Communications Limited (Dial Icon Public Relations — https://dialiconpr.com/), he has engaged in strategic communications for individuals, corporate entities, and government agencies across various sectors. The firm has successfully handled diverse communication assignments, including media relations, reputation management, crisis communication, stakeholder engagement, and public advocacy campaigns.

“These communication initiatives have helped strengthen public trust, enhance institutional visibility, and amplify voices that drive social impact. Beyond visibility and branding, the firm’s interventions have also contributed to shaping narratives that support economic empowerment, entrepreneurship, and inclusive development, thereby positioning African institutions and initiatives for greater investor confidence, cross-border collaboration, and sustainable growth across the continent.”

President of the organisation, Elvis Ndubuisi Iruh, said the event is designed to promote mental and economic empowerment across Africa while strengthening connections between African visionaries on the continent and those in the diaspora.

The event will feature a high-level Business Dialogue Summit, an Award Gala Night, fashion showcases, and networking sessions aimed at fostering strategic partnerships and collaboration among African leaders and professionals globally.

The organisers said the decision to host this year’s edition in the United Kingdom reflects the award’s growing international profile after previous successful editions held in major cities including Amsterdam, Dubai, Nairobi, Banjul, Lagos, and other global hubs.

Originally launched in The Netherlands in 2012 as a community-focused initiative, The Voice Achievers Award has evolved into a global platform celebrating Africans and friends of Africa making remarkable contributions in leadership, business, diplomacy, media, humanitarian service, and innovation.

Over the years, the award has recognised several notable personalities, including former International Criminal Court Chief Prosecutor and current Gambian Ambassador to the United Kingdom, Fatou Bensouda; former Nigerian Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu; and Mama Ida Odinga of Kenya.

The award has also honoured African First Ladies known for impactful development initiatives, including Constancia Mangue Nsue de Obiang of Equatorial Guinea, Jeannette Kagame of Rwanda, Fatoumata Bah Barrow of The Gambia, and Dr. Fatima Maada Bio of Sierra Leone.

This year’s edition will recognise 28 distinguished personalities from across Africa and the diaspora for excellence in leadership, innovation, public service, media, business, education, healthcare, diplomacy, and humanitarian service.

Among the announced awardees are Professor Kishan Devani, BEM, FRSA; Hon. Zuwaira Gambo; Dr. Walton Ekundayo Gilpin; Dr. Farzam Kamalabadi; Hon. Ketlhalefile Motshegwa; Apostle Dr. Ernestina da Silva Diogo Matias; Hon. Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey; HRM Naa Tsotsoo Soyoo I of the Ga Kingdom, Ghana; Robert Dupuch-Carron; Ambassador Sabah Zita Benson; Apostle George Amandi; Chief James Chijioke Ume; Ms. Kathi Scott; Dr. Funmilola Tella; Roseline Sanni-Ajose; Nsikan Etuk; Dr. Leticia Moshwe; Istvan Dylan Salamon; Sean Tatenda Zvandasara; Barrister Dr. Konyere Adiele-Uzoma; Ugi Augustine Ugi JNR; Enyeh Julius Akpovire; Ukori Jude Ebitimi; Chief Vincent Uchenna Anyanwu; Mazi Godson Azu; Arinze Edward Oranye; Dr. Ansy E. A. Egun; and Dada Olusegun.