The Ọbafẹmi Awolọwọ Prize for Leadership is instituted by the Ọbafẹmi Awolọwọ Foundation on the basis of one of the major recommendations of its Special Dialogue on “Transformational Leadership and Good Governance: Lessons from the Awolọwọ Example”, held in July 2011. The national Prize is instituted in the name of Chief Ọbafẹmi Awolọwọ to reward leadership and good governance.

Chief Ọbafẹmi Awolọwọ, a Nigerian and Pan-African nationalist of global repute, was the First Premier of Nigeria’s Western region and, later, Leader of Opposition in the Federal Parliament. He was also, inter alia, Nigeria’s Federal Commissioner (now known as Minister) of Finance and Vice Chairman, Federal Executive Council. He played crucial roles in Nigeria’s constitutional and political developments in the country’s colonial and postcolonial history.

The Prize is awarded to an individual (male or female) who has demonstrated excellence in leadership and good governance. The recipient must be a person who has made relevant vital contributions within the country or abroad in the private or public spheres.

The Awolọwọ Prize for Leadership consists of a medal, a certificate and a plaque. The emphasis is on the intrinsic value of the award, which, itself, confers honour and recognition on the recipient as a strong incentive for the pursuit of excellence in leadership and good governance.

The Prize is awarded every two years.

Nomination

The call for nomination for the 2026 award is between August and October.

Female nominees are especially encouraged.

The deadline for the return of completed forms is October 31, 2026. Such forms shall be vetted and information on candidates verified by the Selection Committee. The Committee may seek additional independent information as may be necessary to enable it make informed decisions and recommendations.

Click the button below for more information and application instructions.