Top 10 Rising Northern Stars Nominated for CEO’s Network Africa Awards 2025
The spotlight is turning towards the North as ten young trailblazers from Northern Nigeria earn nominations for the prestigious CEO’s Network Africa Awards 2025, a celebration of Africa’s most outstanding innovators, leaders, and changemakers.
Set to hold on December 14, 2025, at the National Assembly Complex, Abuja, the awards will honor 140 finalists from over 15,000 nominations received across the continent, a record-breaking turnout for the platform.
Among this year’s standout nominees from the North are a vibrant mix of entrepreneurs, artists, policymakers, and changemakers redefining what leadership means in modern Africa.
Leading the “Entrepreneur of the Year” category are Aliyu Mohammed, CEO of Sarkin Mota Cars; Al-Amin Muhammed Idris, CEO of Interface Africa; and Fatima Babakura, founder of Yerwa Secrets and Timabee. These names have been making waves in business innovation and youth-led enterprise.
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In the “Agriculture” category, Aminu Nyako, CEO of Sebore Group, represents the agribusiness frontier, championing food security and sustainable development.
The “Music and Entertainment” category sees creative talent Joseph Justice Elsa, better known as Firstklaz, carrying the Northern flag with his growing influence in the Afrobeats scene.
For “Politics and Governance”, Sadiq Rabiu, Special Assistant to the President on Capacity Development, joins the list for his strides in youth empowerment and policy innovation.
Meanwhile, in the “Social Impact” category, inspiring young women like Hassana Maina, Executive Director of ASVIOL Support Initiative; and Asma’u Ribadu, Yola Hub’s Impact Officer, are being recognized for driving social change and community engagement.
Representing the “Sports and Wellness” category, Sharwall Barau, President of Barau FC, stands out for his leadership in using sports as a tool for youth empowerment and community development across Nigeria.
With the theme “Driving Africa’s Resilient Reinvention,” the awards aim to spotlight the continent’s next generation of visionaries. As anticipation builds toward the gala night, all eyes are on these ten rising northern stars and the question on everyone’s lips is simple: who will take home the crown?
