The epochal Global New Year’s Eve Service with Pastor Chris, which recorded the largest gathering across the globe that night, was adorned with the grand celebration of the Future Africa Leaders Awards 2023 (FALA). Currently in its 11th edition, the program has recognized outstanding young Africans who have distinguished themselves by solving daunting societal problems and steering apt socio-economic development in their respective nations and beyond. This year, 10 young Africans who stood out among the 30 brazing nominees were shortlisted as winners of the FALA Awards 2023, among whom one would finally emerge as the Star Prize Winner of the year. In his opening address, the President and founder of the Future Africa Leaders Foundation, Reverend (Dr.) Chris Oyakhilome charged African nations to invest in their youth as they’re the future. “If you fail to invest in young people, you fail to invest in your future,” the President echoed as he charged African nations to channel resources to furnish and encourage their young ones because they hold the future. He expressed deep appreciation to the shortlisted winners for their outstanding efforts throughout the year, citing them as springboards to greater heights in the coming year. Chairing this year’s edition of the FALA Awards again was eminent son of Africa; former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo (GCFR). Addressing the global audience, he recounted the contributions of vibrant and dynamic Africans across the globe. “It is up to us to get what we want out of the world,” he remarked, urging all Africans to bring out the leadership skills in them and make a difference in their respective nations and beyond. Serving as the Special guest at this auspicious event was the Former President of the Republic of Malawi, Her Excellency Dr. Joyce Hilda Banda. She had utmost praise for the FALA initiative and sought to partner with the fecund young Africans in creating further opportunities for all Africans across the continent and beyond. Following suit was Rt. Hon. Jemma Nunu Kumba, (Speaker, National Legislative Assembly, Republic of South Sudan) who challenged Africans to further the course of Pan-Africanism, championed by the several African greats including Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, Nelson Mandela, among others. The resounding charges from the FALA President, together with his iconic guests, stirred a burning desire among the global audience who were spurred to make an impact in their respective societies. No sooner had the reverberating speeches rounded off than the announcement of the 2023 FALA Award winners commenced. With joy, the winners surged forward as the outstanding accomplishments were announced walking down their aisle for their prestigious accolades. From Togo, Ghana, Uganda and several African countries, the young champions were duly recognized for their innovative and humanitarian projects to make the continent a better place for Africans. As always each award was accompanied with a special financial prize to the sum of $10,00 and the Star Prize winner got an additional $25,000. It’s on record that in the past 10 years, over $1m has been given to winners of the Future Africa Leaders Award by the founder and President of Future Africa Leaders Foundation, Reverend (Dr.) Chris Oyakhilome DSc., DD. .