Mr Viral
Opening Address by the Convener, Dr. Princess Kelechi Oghene
Distinguished members of the press, esteemed partners, respected board members, ladies and gentlemen,
It is my great pleasure to welcome you to the official press conference of the 13th GAH Awards & Business Summit. Today’s gathering formally signals the commencement of another landmark chapter in our collective journey to elevate excellence, innovation, and inclusive growth across Africa.
Meet the Convener
I am Dr. Princess Kelechi Oghene, a visionary entrepreneur and advocate for women’s empowerment, sustainability, and innovation. I serve as the Founder, Executive Chair, and Group Managing Director of GMYT Group Ltd, a diversified conglomerate with transformational footprints in fashion, education, enterprise development, and sustainable business growth across Africa and beyond.
My academic and professional journey reflects a lifelong commitment to leadership and global relevance. I hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Industrial Relations and Personnel Management from Lagos State University (2010), with further executive development at Lagos Business School (2017). Driven by global creativity and innovation, I undertook advanced studies at the University of the Arts London, London College of Fashion (2018).
I later earned an MBA from Business School Netherlands and an Executive Certification in Global Business Strategy from CEIBS (2024), alongside executive leadership programmes at Harvard Business School, where I deepened my focus on strategic leadership and decision-making.
My work in entrepreneurship and social impact has been recognised with several honours, including an honorary doctorate from Prowess University, Delaware, conferred at the Africa’s Under 40 CEO Awards & Summit (2024). I have also received industry recognition such as Enterprising Fashion Designer of the Year at the Green October Event (2017), among other awards.
Through GMYT Fashion Academy, GMYT Foundation, and the wider GMYT Group, I have led empowerment initiatives that have trained and supported over 5,000 women, enabling them to build sustainable careers and businesses. These efforts align closely with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in gender equality, education, and economic growth.
My mission remains unwavering: to build lasting legacies, empower communities, and shape a future where innovation and purpose-driven leadership redefine Africa’s economic and social landscape.
13th GAH Awards & Business Summit
Today marks the formal opening of a continental conversation that will culminate at Eko Hotels & Suites on December 12, 2025. This press conference is not merely an information session; it is the foundation of ideas, partnerships, and impact that will define the 13th GAH Awards & Business Summit.
The 13th edition reaffirms our vision of a truly Pan-African platform where leaders, innovators, enterprise builders, and policymakers converge to exchange ideas, inspire transformation, and celebrate excellence. Our theme, Africa Reimagined: Innovation, Inclusion & Sustainable Growth, challenges us to look beyond present limitations and unlock the immense creative, economic, and intellectual potential of our continent.
Over the years, GAH has evolved from an awards platform into a respected continental movement—one that empowers individuals, strengthens industries, and amplifies the voices shaping Africa’s future. Through consistency and commitment, we have honoured thousands of trailblazers, convened decision-makers across sectors, and supported women and youth empowerment initiatives throughout Africa.
The 13th edition, therefore, represents not just continuity, but elevation.
This year’s summit will host influential leaders whose work shapes governance, enterprise, advocacy, and social progress across Africa. Their participation underscores the relevance and urgency of the conversations ahead. This press conference outlines the strategic intent of the edition—its economic, social, and policy significance—while highlighting opportunities for institutional, corporate, and development partnerships.
The GAH ecosystem has expanded into a dynamic network connecting leaders across governance, enterprise, fashion, media, sports, real estate, and the creative industries. Through platforms such as GAH Elite Club, GAH Elite Magazine, GAH Media, GAH Sports, and the GAH Experience Zone, under the broader GMYT Group, we continue to build structures where industries thrive, leaders collaborate, and enduring legacies are created.
A major highlight is the unveiling of the GAH Elite Club Black Card, powered by Mastercard and Wema Bank. Beyond its global financial and lifestyle privileges, the Black Card offers complimentary access to flagship GAH events and connects members to a powerful circle of CEOs, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and innovators. It is not merely a card, but a gateway to influence, visibility, and strategic opportunity.
As we build towards December, I extend an open invitation to governments, development organisations, institutions, and corporate brands to partner with us. Reimagining Africa requires platforms that connect industries, empower communities, and drive collective progress. The GAH Awards & Business Summit remains one such platform.
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