In December 2013, the United Nations General Assembly adopted resolution 68/237, by which it proclaimed 2015 to 2024 to be the International Decade for People of African Descent, with the theme “People of African descent: recognition, justice and development”.
In support of this declaration, Most Influential People of African Descent stepped in to celebrate black excellence by recognizing high flyers of African decent from around the world, based on three pillars: recognition, justice and development. Since 2018 when MIPAD debuted, it has recognized the contributions of individuals — from about 80 countries where Africans are dispersed — towards humanity
Following the 77th United Nations General Assembly, between September 30 and 4th of October, black achievers from around the world gathered in New York for MIPAD Recognition Week. Staged in partnership with CNN, the 2022 edition featured Global 100 Under 40 and Global 100 Law & Justice.
Prince Deji Ajomale-McWord — founder of African Sports Tourism Week, World Sports Tourism Day, Organizer of International Diplomacy Stableford Golf Tournament, Editor-In-Chief of Afri Diplomat Magazine and Managing Partner at Run Africa Advisory — was recognized as one of the Most Influential People of African Descent, in the Media & Culture category.
Expressing how he felt about being recognized on a global stage, he said “I’m humbled and grateful that the lone moments of sacrifice and hard work didn’t go unnoticed, after all. I’ve been doing some epic stuff of global status, but MIPAD recognition is the official stamp of my global relevance and standing. It feels surreal and humbling at the same time — been recognized on the same platform and in the same year alongside The Mayor of New York and Dr. Vimal Shah who got recognized on Sunday night and was celebrated at New York Stock Exchange on Tuesday morning. Seeing a congratulatory message (meant for Dr. Vimal) and MIPAD logo on the screens of NYSE deepened the pride in being recognized on such platform”.
Though, he couldn’t make it to New York due to visa issues, he said he feels pumped up to do more and exhibit more of black excellence. This recognition is coming a few months after Prince Deji was presented a Special Recognition Award for Sports Tourism alongside Access Bank and organizers of Lagos City Marathon, at the Nigeria Tourism Awards. In the month of September, he was named among the Top 100 Most Powerful People in African Hospitality, by International Hospitality Institute
