Maryam Abacha, Ooni, Governors, Others to Grace 2026 Tozali Awards in Abuja
….Henna Ball to Honour Distinguished Nigerians, Mobilise Support for Women and Girls Affected by Insecurity
Preparations have intensified for the eighth edition of the Henna Ball and Tozali People’s Awards 2026, scheduled to hold on Saturday, October 31, in Abuja, with prominent political leaders, traditional rulers, business executives, philanthropists and entertainers expected to attend.
The annual event, organised by Tozali Media Group, will take place at the Los Angeles Event Center, Ahmadu Bello Way, Abuja, beginning at 6 p.m.
With the theme, “Empowering Survivors. Restoring Hope,” this year’s ceremony will combine recognition of outstanding Nigerians with humanitarian advocacy, cultural exhibitions, fashion, music and initiatives aimed at supporting vulnerable women and girls affected by insecurity.
According to the organisers, the event will celebrate individuals and institutions whose contributions to leadership, public service, business innovation, philanthropy and community development have made significant impacts across the country.
Former First Lady, Dr. Maryam Sani Abacha, is expected to attend as Mother of the Day, while prominent lawyer and traditional titleholder, Alhaji Bashir Mohammed Dalhatu, Wazirin Dutse, will serve as Chairman and Chief Host.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris Malagi, is billed to attend as Special Guest of Honour, while former Minister of Women Affairs, Aisha Ismail, will deliver the keynote address.
The Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, is expected to grace the occasion as Royal Father of the Day.
A major highlight of the ceremony will be the presentation of the Tozali People’s Awards to distinguished personalities and organisations recognised for their contributions to governance, humanitarian service, entrepreneurship, security, women’s empowerment and national development.
Among the prominent awardees is former First Lady, Hajiya Turai Umar Yar’Adua, who will receive the Tozali Woman of Distinction Award, while the Ooni of Ife will be honoured with the Royal Leadership Award.
Zamfara State Governor, Dr. Dauda Lawal, is listed for the Governor of Excellence Award, while his Taraba State counterpart, Dr. Agbu Kefas, will receive the Champion of Women Empowerment Award.
Former Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (rtd.), OFR, will be recognised with the Outstanding Security Leadership Award for his contributions to national security.
Similarly, Honourable Abdussamad Dasuki will receive the Distinguished Legislative Award, while Fatima Shinkafi will be honoured with the Excellence in Public Service Award.
The Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation has been nominated for the Humanitarian Excellence Award, while Stonetech Square Limited will receive the Excellence in Business Innovation Award.
Other personalities scheduled for recognition include Senator Datti Yusuf Baba-Ahmed for Business Leadership, Nasiru Danu as a Humanitarian Icon, and Mohammed Bashir Dalhatu for Lifetime Achievement.
The awards programme will also feature prominent entertainment personalities, including Nazeeru Sarkin Waka, Hausa Guy, Amal Hassan and Isa Bello Ja, alongside other individuals who have distinguished themselves in their respective fields.
The organisers explained that the awards were designed not only to celebrate personal achievements but also to encourage responsible leadership, community service and greater investment in initiatives that improve people’s lives.
Beyond the recognition ceremony, guests will be treated to an evening of cultural entertainment, fashion exhibitions, musical performances and networking opportunities.
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One of the major attractions will be the Runway Royal Fashion Show by Mohani, showcasing contemporary fashion, traditional elegance and creative expressions inspired by Nigeria’s cultural heritage.
The programme will also feature celebrity appearances, red-carpet activities, special presentations and performances by notable entertainers.
However, Tozali Media Group emphasised that the significance of the annual Henna Ball extends beyond glamour and entertainment.
Through its partnership with the Tozali Girl Child and Women Foundation, the organisation is using this year’s event to draw national attention to the plight of women and girls affected by kidnapping, banditry, insurgency, displacement and other forms of violence.
The humanitarian initiative seeks to mobilise support for survivors, particularly those who require psychosocial assistance, healthcare, educational opportunities, economic empowerment, rehabilitation and reintegration into their communities.
The organisers noted that many women and girls affected by violent conflicts face prolonged difficulties in rebuilding their lives, including trauma, disrupted education, loss of livelihoods and limited access to essential services.
They explained that the theme, “Empowering Survivors. Restoring Hope,” reflects the need to move beyond sympathy by creating practical opportunities for survivors to regain confidence, acquire skills and achieve economic independence.
According to Tozali Media Group, the media industry has an important responsibility not only to report humanitarian challenges but also to mobilise public support, amplify vulnerable voices and encourage meaningful interventions.
The organisation therefore called on government institutions, corporate organisations, philanthropists, development partners and individuals to support initiatives that promote the dignity, recovery and long-term wellbeing of affected women and girls.
It maintained that the Henna Ball provides a platform for connecting influential personalities and institutions with humanitarian causes requiring sustained public attention and collaborative intervention.
The 2026 edition is supported by several media, financial, fashion and digital communication organisations.
Trust Media Group is the major media partner, while the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) is among the media organisations supporting the event.
TAJBank is serving as the banking partner, with Mohani as the official fashion partner.
Digital media partners include Northern Hibiscus, Hausa Fulani, PRNigeria, Newspoint and Film Magazine, alongside other platforms supporting publicity and awareness.
Tozali Media Group expressed appreciation to its partners for their contributions towards promoting the event, celebrating the awardees and amplifying its humanitarian message.
The organisation also invited government officials, traditional rulers, business leaders, development partners, media professionals, entertainers, fashion enthusiasts and members of the public to participate in the ceremony.
Media organisations, lifestyle publications and digital content creators were particularly encouraged to provide coverage of the event and highlight the humanitarian issues central to this year’s celebration.
The organisers described the eighth Henna Ball and Tozali People’s Awards as an opportunity to celebrate excellence while strengthening collective responsibility towards vulnerable members of society.
They reiterated that the event would provide a platform for recognising achievements, promoting Nigerian cultural heritage and encouraging partnerships capable of restoring hope to survivors of violence.
Tozali Media Group operates across television, digital media, news, lifestyle programming, cultural promotion and public-interest initiatives, using its platforms to celebrate excellence, promote social awareness and support community development.
The eighth edition of the Henna Ball and Tozali People’s Awards will commence at 6 p.m. on Saturday, October 31, 2026, at the Los Angeles Event Center, Ahmadu Bello Way, Abuja.
By PRNigeria
