Toyosi Akerele Nominated for 2014 MTVBASE Africa MAMA Awards

    It has been announced that Toyosi Akerele, CEO of Rise Networks, amongst four other Africans representing South Africa, Tanzania, and Uganda, has been nominated for the 2014 MTVBASE Africa MAMA Leadership Award. The category for the “MTV Base Leadership Award“ was created by Viacom International Media Networks and MTV Base as part of the 2014 MTV Africa Music Awards (MAMA). The award show will take place on Saturday 7th June 2014 at the Durban International Convention Centre (ICC) in South Africa. The MTV Base Leadership Award is given to a young African under the age of 35 who is making a positive impact towards their leadership and contribution towards the growth and development of Africa across a broad spectrum of disciplines.   Mr. Alex Okosi, Senior Vice President & Managing Director, Viacom International Media Networks Africa, commented stating “We are delighted to recognise the achievements of these extraordinary and inspirational young individuals who are working every day to make positive change on the African continent.” This year’s nominees are as follows; Ludwick Marishane (South Africa) – Founder/CEO of Headboy Industries and is South Africa’s youngest patent-filer after having invented DryBath® at the age of 17 Toyosi Akerele (Nigeria) – CEO of Rise Networks, Nigeria’s leading public and private sector funded social enterprise committed to wholesome youth and education development. Dr Sandile Kubheka (South Africa) completed his MBChB degree at the College of Health Sciences at the age of 20, making him the youngest graduate in the college’s history. Ashish J. Thakkar (Tanzania) – Founder and owner of the Mara Group, is an entrepreneur who founded his first business in 1996 at the age of 15 with a $5,000 loan. Humphrey Nabimanya (Uganda) has been a HIV/Aids activist since 2004, advocating for safe sexual behaviour among Ugandan youth. The winner of the MTV Base Leadership Award is chosen by MTV Base. Voting in the music categories is open at www.mtvbase.com and closes on midnight on 4 June 2014. Voting for Song of the Year closes during the show on 7 June.