CRITERIA 

• Social Recognition in Finland / Abroad

• Point Based Award assessed by the selection and planning team

• Personal and Professional milestone

• Leadership recognition

• Professional Growth / Expansion

• Professional Recognition

• Social / Cooperate Responsibility 

• Achievement of realistic entrepreneurship success 

• Media and Social Coverage as an influencer / Brand to the Society 

In recognition of pioneering contributions to the economy which are outstanding with professional efforts of having a blazed  a trial internationally. An icon of celebration in the African / Immigrant society in Finland changing the narratives.  

In recognition and acknowledgement for outstanding contributions to individuals, companies and the economy at large. 

For thinking out of the box and being driven above and beyond changes in professional growth and achievements in international business.

(2) Honourable Yankuba  Darboe (Mayor)

Chairman (Business Conf.)

Residence : Gambia / UK

Yankuba Darboe is the Chairman/Mayor of Brikama Area Council, West Coast Region, The Gambia. West Coast is the biggest region in Gambia, and Yankuba won the council elections under a UDP ticket.

Honorable Darboe launched the "SENEYA" initiative on July 18, 2023, to tackle waste collection issues. He also initiated a Green initiative on August 19, 2023, starting with tree planting which commenced at the BAC complex and expanded several locations to combat climate challenges and promote sustainability. These initiatives have expanded to various communities and have reaped significant progress so far.

Hon. Darboe also led cleansing exercises at Brikama and Coastal Road markets to improve sanitation, especially during the rainy season. Emergency operations were carried out to clean waterlogged areas, which helped to address infrastructure deficiencies like poor drainage systems.

He's participated in the UN Habitat Assembly in Nairobi, Kenya, to further project his commitment to global best practices in governance and sustainability. A council resolution has since been passed to ensure transparency in financial transactions as a result.

The BAC organized its first Tobaski Kids Fun Day on June 28, 2023, to ensure children's safety, and also conducted additional cleaning exercises at Lamin, Tanji, and Coastal Road markets on July 8, 2023, ensuring market cleanliness and hygiene.

Previously, the Council operated with a deficit exceeding D10 million, relying on overdrafts to meet financial obligations. Under Honorable Darboe's leadership, financial threshold mechanisms were introduced, reducing the deficit to D330,000 within the first 100 days, and eliminating the need for overdrafts. The Council recovered D9 million in geology royalty funds for mining-affected communities, disbursing them to various hospital ward development committees.

Additionally, Honourable Darboe established a voluntary compliance team to address revenue under-lodgment in market dues collection, significantly increasing daily revenue. The Council also provided D5000 in financial aid to each of the 12 victims of the June 11th fire incident in Brikama Central Market. The Council remains committed to the sustainable development of the West Coast Region, regardless of political affiliations or social differences.

(4) Edwina Gilda Annan

Residence : Ghana 

Aunty Nyaniba is a tireless Media Personality who works all the time on the air and in the community in Ghana.

She has risen through the Media Space in Cape Coast and beyond with her outstanding programming. She makes sure that Cape Coast is always put on the Map.

Let's talk about her show on Asaase Radio where the indigenous rich culture of Cape Coast and Central Region is shared for all to learn, get informed and entertained. 

She also has the plight of the needy at heart. This is the core mission of her foundation : Nyanis Restore Hope Foundation, where the vulnerable and the needy are attended to. The foundation for instance engages Young girls in learning Entrepreneurial skills such as make up, sewing, hairdressing etc. 

In improving their lives, she has helped many young people to attend Senior High school. 

Aunty Nyaniba has won many prestigious awards. The recent was the 2023 RTP Awards where she emerged as the Media Personality in the Central Region of Ghana. She has also been awarded the best female presenter and the best Radio Program host for 2023-2024 in the just ended Central Media Awards. 

Her personality brings a warm embrance and acceptances to the masses. Her charisma is contagious and this makes her a wonderful personality in most of her appearances. 

(5) Prof. Godwin Awabil

Dean at the University of Cape Coast Ghana 

Prof. Godwin Awabil is a well-accomplished teacher and counsellor educator, a researcher as well as a professional counsellor at the University of Cape Coast for two decades (2004 to 2024). During this period, he has contributed significantly to the training of teachers and counsellors including over 30 master’s and PhD students who successfully graduated. 

In the area of research and publications, Prof. Awabil has to his credit one book chapter, one book,11 monographs and over 40 articles in peer-reviewed high-impact journals which are widely read by students, teachers and researchers. 

He has held four administrative positions in a decade (2014 to 2024) including being the Dean of the Faculty of Educational Foundations since 2020. In each of the administrative positions held, he has provided quality leadership which has had a positive and significant impact on teaching, research and publications, counselling services and staff development. He has also made a great contribution to the efficient and effective functioning of his Faculty and the University as a whole through his service to committees and boards.

Besides, he has founded a professional guidance and counselling association which is assisting the training and regulatory institutions in the country to uphold standards in counsellor education.

In recognition of his remarkable contribution to teacher and counsellor education, research and publications, staff development and the administration of his University, Ceci-Educare Oy, Finland is delighted to honour Prof. Godwin Awabil with the Quality Excellence Award for Training and Education Institutions.

(7) Jibola Emmanuel Folarin

Residence : Finland 

He is a resident of Finland for about nine years.

He has a strong foundation in Civil Engineering and Talorankentaminen ammatti along with a strong entrepreneurial streak that runs in his family which was also instilled in him by his dad.  

He is the founder of Fola Nature Oy, with three other companies - Fola Nature global Nig Ltd. (founded in 2022), Folaji Global Resources (founded in 2012), Fola Nature Greenhouse Organisation (an NGO founded in 2023) - all based in Nigeria.

As his followers may be aware, Fola Nature is dedicated to promoting sustainable energy solutions, and takes pride in the environmentally friendly approach to biomass production. Their Biomass Briquettes, Pellets, CHP, Biochar, and Green house, serve as efficient alternatives to traditional fossil fuels, significantly reducing carbon emissions and contributing to mitigating climate change http://www.folanature.com

He is a goal achiever and a herald of positive change for my generation and future generations.He has conducted, promoted, and instructed people on the effects of climate change, the environment, and humanity.

(8) Mr Raam Faal

Ambassador at Large (Finland - Gambia)

Residence : Finland 

CEO 

Gam-Excel  and Fintrust Medical Supplies company ltd. 

Raam is an experience entrepreneur and consultant with experience in facilitating business between Western African regions and Finland. 

During a 28 year tenure in Finland, Raam has spearheaded several projects, businesses and charitable projects in the provision of Medical Supplies to the Gambia and Western African.

(9) Sainey Jabbi

Residence : Finland 

He is the CEO and founder of jabbi fang Ndema foundation, sainey jabbi is a Gambian currently based in Finland, a human right activist and a philanthropist who has help lots of Gambians through his foundation.

Sainey jabbi involved in many organisations that helps people in the Gambia and around the world.

Sainey jabbi is a registered nurse in Finland, he still continues to assist Gambians

(10) Kingsley Ify 

Residence : Finland 

Kinglsey Ify is the former founder of Springboard, a B2B platform connecting businesses between Nordics and Africa. One of the few “Africa” experts in the Nordic states. He is the premiere! 

Kinglsey have built a magnificent brand! And have helped the Finnish Government amend their strategy and approach to Africa, curated events and investment opportunities and shone a spot light on business collaboration for Nordic investments and partnerships. 

As a current founder of elitezone, through fitness and exercise he helps entrepreneurs and cooperate teams prioritize  physical health and well-being to achieve every level of success. 

As a formal athlete and founder, he is now focusing treating founders and cooperate employee's like high-performance athletes that train their body and brain to manage stress more effectively and prioritizing self-care. 

Along his business experience, he is a loving family man, a husband and a father.

(12) Ulla Jarvisalo

Ulla jarvisalo is a retired Head Nurse. She also worked as a Specialist in infection control . She headed  different departments in health care and in social welfare services in Finland during her active career journey. Ulla is known for her expertise in multiculturalism.

Ulla jarvisalo has been a mother, father and a leader to many Africans, Finns and Immigrants in general who worked at Katrina Hospital in Finland. 

Ulla is a natural born leader with uncomparable skills and  qualities. As a renowned and humble philantropist , she has assisted several people especially Africans in finland who tried to break into the Finnish healthcare labor market.

Among the many immigrants she has impacted into includes Sainey Jabbi. She employed Sainey and many others regardless they had no knowlege in the finnish language 10years back.

Ulla at her position  in Katrina Hospital was an attractive point and a gateway to so many Africans including other immigrants who never thought they could have an opportunity to work in a Hospital even though discrimination , institutional racism and many barriers were holding the immigrants down especially the Africans, a decade and more ago. Ulla made it possible for several immigrants to have succesful professional careers.

Ulla is very trustworthy and not only a leader but she offered voluntary counseling to employees and anyone that reached out to her for support in their private and family welfare matters.

Many  Africans , as testified by Sainey Jabbi who were working at Katrina Hospital saw and understood  the pressure Ulla encountered by paving way for everyone to get food on their plates and provide for their family’s daily bread.

To all immigrants and the African population out there who received an impact from Ulla kindly join hands with us in person or via virtual means on 30th of August to extend our profound gratitude to her selfless support to everyone she met and boosted their confidence.

Cheers to you Ulla and may you live long.

(13) Alhajie Jabbi 

Residence : Finland 

Alhagie Jabbi is a Finnish Gambian. He graduated with Primary Teachers Certificate from School of Education, Gambia College.

Mr. Jabbi holds a bachelors degree in Social Services and qualifies as an early childhood educator in Finland. Both qualifications were obtained from Laurea University of Applied Sciences, Finland.

Mr. Jabbi holds a Master's degree in educational leadership from Jyvaskyla University in Finland. Recently, he completed a postgraduate course in professional teacher education that qualifies him as a professional teacher in Finland. He also obtained an Advanced Diploma in International Executive Strategic Management, Leadership and Business from Ceci-Educare 

He is the headteacher of UMKA Kindergarten, a bilingual and international kindergarten in Helsinki, Finland. He has a wealth of experience in the education field from Gambia to Finland.

Mr. Jabbi is the CEO and co-founder of Zoom Africa Tv, an online media house. He is also the assistant CEO of Ceci-Educare oy in Finland.

He is the Secretary General of Gambian Association in Finland and also the secretary general of United Democratic Party (UDP) Finland Chapter.

(14) Anthony Nwajei

Residence : Gambia 

Engr Anthony Nwajei is a CEO / Founder of Tonetech Group of Company and resides in the Gambia.

He is originally born from the Delta State of Nigeria. 

He studied Building and Construction

Anthony is a Trader / Engineering in the Construction and Real Estate Industry 

(16) Baba Touray 

Residence : Finland

CHAIRMAN UDP FINLAND CHAPTER 

He spent his early years in the Gambia, in a small village called Bakoteh near the town of Serekunda. As a child, hunting and wrestling were the main sports in his village, so he learnt these activities from his older brother, who had many of the village's famous hunting dogs. Despite the focus on physical activities, he always understood the importance of education. Both Islamic and Western education were essential part of the curriculum for children in his generation.

As he grew older, he recognized the significance of education, which led him to move to Finland. In Finland, he completed his preparatory studies for university and pursued various life achievements. He has lived in Finland for almost three and a half decades and have a beautiful family consisting of four daughters and a son. 

In addition to family life, he has been heavily involved in community engagement. He have had the honor of leading one of the most active organizations of Gambians living in Finland and represents one of the largest political parties of the Gambia here in the diaspora, responsible for their campaign and organizing.

(17) Prof. Godwin Awabil

Dean at the University of Cape Coast Ghana 

Prof. Godwin Awabil has worked at the University of Cape Coast for two decades (2004- 2024) as both a teacher and a counsellor educator as well as a professional counsellor. During this period, he has contributed significantly to the training of teachers and counsellors including over 30 master’s and PhD students who successfully graduated and are working in various sectors of the Ghanaian economy. Besides, he has provided counselling services for staff to promote their mental and emotional well-being with the view to enhancing their productivity.

In recognition of his significant contribution to human resource development and the psychological well-being of people which has positively impacted the Ghanaian economy, Ceci EducareOy, Finland is delighted to honour Prof. Godwin Awabil with the Outstanding Contribution to the Economy Award.

(18) Keba Ansumana Sabally

Residence : Finland 

ANSUMANA KEBA SABALLY is a Finnish Gambian and among the first generation of African immigrants to settle in Finland.

He is the pioneer and brain behind the formation of SUOMI-GAMBIA-YHDISTYS, an immigrant of association of Gambians and friends of The Gambia in Finland. His objective was to establish a community service for Gambians in Finland purely on humanitarian grounds and to strengthen the Gambian community in Finland.

Mr. Sabally served two terms as the president of the Gambian association, and currently, he is the public relations officer of the association. He is also the PRO for Fatou Saine Sabally Foundation and UDP Finland Chapter. He is serving as focal point of UDP Diaspora Outreach Committee. Also, he was the assistant coordinator of Finnish metal union and employed as a youth worker for Helsinki City for the past 15 years.

Mr. Sabally is a recognised and registered member of Social Democratic Party (SDP) Finland. He was the SDP candidate in 2004 and 2008 municipal council elections in Helsinki region. Mr. Sabally is a leading voice of immigrants in Finland and  voice of the voiceless for Gambian youths in Europe and Africa. He is a beacon of hope and the face of the Gambian community in Finland.

(19) Dr Thomas Babila Sama

Dr. Thomas Babila Sama is a leading figure in the fields of social and public policy, with a distinguished career marked by academic excellence and impactful contributions to society. Currently, he serves as a Non-Resident Fellow in Economic Affairs at the Nkafu Policy Institute and as a Postdoctoral Researcher and Lecturer in the Faculty of Social Sciences, Unit of Social and Public Policy at the University of Helsinki, Finland.

Dr. Babila Sama's educational background is extensive and diverse. He holds a BA in Medical Anthropology from the University of Yaounde 1, Cameroon, an Master Of Social Sciences, and a D.Soc.Sc. in Social and Public Policy from the University of Jyväskylä, Finland. Additionally, he has earned a Postgraduate Certificate in Education from the Teachers’ Education College of Jyväskylä University of Applied Sciences and a Teacher’s Grade 1 Certificate from Government Teachers’ Training College in Kumba, Cameroon.

Beyond his academic achievements, Dr. Babila Sama has made significant strides in fostering the development of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), the Third Sector, and Civil Society. His research focuses on addiction, particularly within the alcohol and gambling industries, contributing valuable insights and policy recommendations to address these critical issues.

As the President of the African Association of Central Finland, Dr. Babila Sama has been instrumental in promoting cultural diversity and supporting the African community in Finland. His leadership has strengthened the association's role in advocating for the rights and welfare of Africans in the region.

Dr. Babila Sama’s career is a testament to his dedication to advancing social justice and public policy, making him a respected and influential figure in his field.

(20) Satu Harnesk

Satu Harnesk is greatly committed to fostering a healthy educational environment by combating the use of harmful substances by students in both primary and secondary levels of education. Despite the normalization of these substances among secondary school students, she tirelessly educates them on the health risks, striving to counteract misconceptions and promote well-being.

Satu Harnesk has served as the principal at Klara Theoretical High School for a year and a half, bringing a rich background in education to the position. Her extensive experience includes a role at the Swedish National Agency for Education, where she contributed to the development of mandatory principal training in 2008. Since becoming a principal in 2014, she has been instrumental in establishing a primary school and four preschools at Järvafältet in northwest Stockholm.

In addition to her leadership roles in schools, Satu is a dedicated advocate for educational excellence and professional development. She is a member of the federal board of Sweden's School Leaders and has been actively involved in union activities since 2001. Her commitment to advancing educational standards was further recognized when she was recently elected chairman of the newly founded national association, Sweden's School Leaders Academedia.

Satu Harnesk’s career is marked by her dedication to creating supportive and healthy learning environments and her influential role in shaping educational policies and practices in Sweden.

(21) Dr. Eric Komla Fangnon

Dr. Eric Komla Fangnon is a distinguished research scientist, renowned author of several scientific publications, a passionate advocate for sustainable energy, and a life enthusiast. Currently, he is a researcher in Materials for Emerging Technologies at VTT (Technical Research Centre of Finland).

Dr. Komla earned his Doctor of Science (Tech) from the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Aalto University, where he made significant contributions to investigate the mechanical performance of steels in hydrogenated environments, critical for hydrogen transport and storage applications. 

His research advanced key concepts related to critical hydrogen concentration and the mechanisms of its interaction with metallic materials. Notably, he developed machine learning tools for predicting hydrogen damage in steels with minimal experimental data.

During his Master’s studies, Dr. Komla contributed to designing and constructing a fast and semi-autonomous thermal desorption spectroscopy machine, enabling high-accuracy profiling of hydrogen in metallic materials. This advancement is crucial for fostering a sustainable energy ecosystem.

As an advocate for clean, cost-effective, and sustainable energy, Dr. Komla has participated in numerous Finnish and European Union (EU) research consortium projects focused on materials for safe hydrogen usage. He was a special guest speaker at the 2024 Annual General Meeting and Conference by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) National Committee of Ghana, in collaboration with the Ghana Standards Authority and the Volta River Authority. In his presentation, "Hydrogen Fuel, a Potential Energy Generation Source for Africa: Challenges and Prospects," he emphasized the crucial role of standardization in harnessing the full potential of the hydrogen value chain, essential for unlocking Africa’s energy future. 

Dr. Komla continues to raise awareness about hydrogen energy's immense potential in Africa, advocating for investments in skills and infrastructure development.

Dr. Komla, fluent in both French and English, is  deeply committed to education and capacity building in the Global South, particularly in Sub-Saharan Western Africa. In 2017, he founded Computer Aided Engineering Africa (CAEA), an organization dedicated to educating young talents in computer-aided design and manufacturing, using state-of-the-art tools and techniques. 

His zeal to promote innovation and sustainability in energy and education emphasizes his significant impact on both the scientific community and broader society.

(22) Rosie Kinyanjui  

Rosie is the founder and CEO of White  Lounge & Decor events in Kenya. 

 While her most cherished role is being a devoted mother to two incredible children, she also wears the hats of a wife and a thriving business entrepreneur. Her journey is fueled by a deep passion for creating beauty in all its forms.

As a space transformer in the corporate and social events arena, I’ve had the privilege of orchestrating events that range from state functions graced by esteemed dignitaries to international conferences and high-profile gatherings. Each project is an opportunity to blend creativity with precision, and it never feels like work—because, for me, it's about bringing dreams to life in dynamic, engaging ways.

Her ultimate vision is to see Africa, particularly  her homeland, rise as a leader in the global events industry. The masterclasses she completed with the Finland Academy of International Business have been instrumental in honing her skills and shaping her approach to this ever-evolving field.

She believes that continuous learning is the key to excellence, and she encourages leaders and business owners to invest in sharpening their skills to achieve the highest standards in their work.

She is immensely grateful for the opportunities that have come her way and for the chance to contribute to an industry that she loves so deeply.

Rosie is also responsible for the branch of Finland Academy of International Business in Kenya. 

(24) Yahya Sonko

Yahya Sonko is a distinguished professional with a robust academic background and diverse experience in the fields of economics, business administration, and international relations. Holding double master’s degrees, Yahya earned an MA in Economics from Ibn Haldun University in Istanbul, Turkey, and an additional master’s degree in Leadership for Change - Governance for Sustainable Change from Tampere University in Finland. 

These advanced studies were built on a solid foundation of a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from Bolu Abant Izzet Baysal University, Turkey. During this time, Yahya expanded his international exposure by participating in an ERASMUS exchange program at Lodz University in Poland, focusing on management studies.

In the professional sphere, Yahya has amassed a wealth of experience across various roles and sectors. His career began at Reliance Financial Services Ltd, where Yahya excelled as a Direct Sales Representative, honing his skills in client relations and sales strategies. Following this, Yahya pursued academic opportunities as a Research Assistant at both Malmö University in Sweden and Ibn Haldun University in Turkey, contributing to significant research projects and gaining valuable insights into academic research methodologies.

Currently, Yahya serves as a Project Assistant at the CMI - Martti Ahtisaari Peace Foundation, where he plays a pivotal role in supporting mediation efforts by African Union, a Finnish Foreign Ministry funded project. In this capacity, Yahya contributes to preventive diplomacy initiatives, focusing on enhancing mediation support mechanisms within the African Union framework. His work is instrumental in fostering peaceful resolutions and promoting stability across the African continent.

Yahya’s academic achievements, combined with his professional experience in both research and diplomacy, underscore a deep commitment to contributing to global peace and economic development. His cross-cultural experiences and multilingual capabilities further enhance his effectiveness in international environments, making Yahya a valuable asset in any multidisciplinary team.

 25) Lukumanu Iddrisu 

Professional Achievements : 

Master's thesis of the year (2022)

VAMK's Alumnus of the year (2021)

Summer Employee of the year  in Finland (2021)