LEADERSHIP LECTURE & IMPACT MAKER AWARD

2025 NELSON MANDELA

The Impact Makers Award is divided into two distinguished categories/Class:
Diamond and Sapphire.

The IMA celebrates exceptional individuals with uncommon courage, vision, and commitment to creating meaningful change —those who uplift, inspire, and lead by example. It is a platform that amplifies the voices and works of people who are actively solving problems, giving hope, shaping the future, building legacies, and transforming lives and institutions.

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Diamond Class: This is the national honour of recognition, reserved for individuals whose contributions have made an impact at a national scale, demonstrating a profound ability to influence and inspire a broad community.

Sapphire Class: The Sapphire category runs at the state level, celebrating grassroots leaders and Changemakers making significant contributions within their local communities & State, playing a vital role in fostering change at the grassroots level.

The Impact Makers Awards serve as a beacon of inspiration for others to follow, showcasing the power of individual and collective action. Through this award, we aspire to create a ripple effect, encouraging more people to take the initiative and contribute to building a better, more inclusive society.

NELSON MANDELA LEADERSHIP LECTURE & IMPACT MAKERS AWARD
(IMA DIAMOND CLASS) SERIES

The Diamond Class of the Impact Makers Award is annually held on July 18th in commemoration of the Nelson Mandela International Day, a day dedicated to honoring the life and legacy of one of the world’s greatest icons of peace, justice, and leadership.

Nelson Mandela was a symbol of selfless service, unwavering resilience, and transformative leadership. He sacrificed personal gain for the greater good, championed freedom, unity, and human dignity, and showed the world what it means to lead with humility and purpose.
His legacy is a beacon of light for current and future generations of leaders.

Mandela Day is more than a remembrance—it is a global call to action. It urges us to step up, serve others, and leave the world better than we found it. The Impact Makers Award (IMA Diamond Class) seeks to bring this vision to life in Nigeria by identifying and honoring exceptional Nigerians from all sectors who embody Mandela’s values: integrity, empathy, courage, and a relentless pursuit of justice and social good.

1. Impact Maker in Infrastructural Development: For significant contributions to the development of roads, housing, public utilities, transportation systems, and other critical community infrastructure.

2. Impact Maker in Education and Youth Empowerment: For advancing access to quality education, mentorship, leadership training, and skill acquisition for the younger generation.

3. Impact Maker in Healthcare and Medical Innovation: For improving healthcare delivery, promoting wellness, developing medical technologies, or pioneering life-saving health initiatives.

4. Impact Maker in Environmental Sustainability: For championing environmental conservation, climate change advocacy, green technology, and eco-friendly community practices.

5. Impact Maker in Business and Entrepreneurship: For building sustainable businesses, creating economic opportunities, and driving innovation in commerce and trade.

6. Impact Maker in Technology and Digital Innovation: For harnessing the power of digital tools and technology to solve societal problems and enhance quality of life.

7. Impact Maker in Public Service and Governance: For leading reforms, promoting transparency, and delivering impactful public services with integrity and accountability.

8. Impact Maker in Women Empowerment and Gender Equality: For advancing gender inclusion, promoting women's leadership, and combating gender-based violence through advocacy and action.

9. Impact Maker in Agriculture and Food Security: For innovative practices in farming, food processing, and sustainable agricultural development to ensure nutrition and livelihood security.

10. Impact Maker in Oil and Gas: For fostering responsible energy extraction, community development, and sustainable practices in the oil and gas industry.

11. Impact Maker in Real Estate Development: For transforming housing, architecture, and urban planning with a focus on innovation, accessibility, and sustainability.

12. Impact Maker in Philanthropy and Charity: For exceptional generosity and humanitarian service that addresses social, health, or economic challenges.

13. Impact Maker in Hospitality and Tourism: For enriching the travel experience, creating employment, and showcasing Nigeria’s culture through excellent hospitality and tourism services.

14. Impact Maker in Law and Human Rights: For defending the rights of the marginalized, ensuring access to justice, and strengthening legal frameworks that uphold human dignity.

15. Impact Maker in Arts, Culture, and Entertainment: For using creative expression—music, film, comedy, literature, and visual arts—to inspire, educate, and promote national identity and unity.

16. Impact Maker in Banking and Financial Services: For promoting financial inclusion, innovation in financial products, economic literacy, and responsible banking practices that drive national development.

17. Impact Maker in Non-Governmental and Civil Society Work (NGOs): For grassroots advocacy, humanitarian programs, and social justice campaigns that empower marginalized and vulnerable populations.

18. Impact Maker in Transportation and Mobility: For improving movement of people and goods through innovations in road, rail, maritime, or air transportation systems.

19. Impact Maker in Media and Journalism: For responsible reporting, investigative journalism, and storytelling that shape public opinion and drive accountability.

20. Impact Maker in Importation and Foreign Direct Investment (FDI): For driving economic growth through cross-border trade, foreign investment inflows, and global business partnerships.

21. Impact Maker in Social Media Influence and Digital Content Creation: For using social media and digital platforms to educate, advocate, inspire action, and promote positive change.

22. Impact Maker in Job Creation and Economic Empowerment: For creating sustainable jobs, vocational training, and scalable employment opportunities that alleviate poverty and build prosperity.

23. Impact Maker through the Gospel and Faith-Based Initiatives: For transforming lives and communities through faith-driven programs, spiritual leadership, and outreach missions.

24. Impact Maker in Family Support and National Service (Spouses of Uniformed Officers): For the courageous and often unseen contributions of wives of top military, police, and paramilitary officers who make personal and family sacrifices to support their spouses in the service of the nation. This award recognizes women who, despite the pressures and dangers of their husband's profession, actively promote peace, welfare, community development, and support initiatives for service families and widows. Their resilience, leadership in family and community, and unwavering patriotism embody true service behind the scenes.

25. Impact Maker in National Security and Public Safety: For exceptional individuals in the military, police, paramilitary, and private security sectors who demonstrate unwavering commitment to protecting lives, securing communities, and defending the sovereignty of the nation. This category honors those who go beyond the call of duty—whether through frontline operations, intelligence, disaster response, conflict resolution, or community policing—to ensure the safety and stability of society. Their courage, discipline, and service are a beacon of hope in times of crisis.

IMA Award Categories