Parallex Bank Plc has strongly reaffirmed its dedication to fostering and nurturing the immense talent of African youth through its sponsorship of the 2025 edition of the Future Africa Leaders Awards (FALA). The prestigious event, which took place on December 31, 2025, was organized by the Future Africa Leaders Foundation and serves as an annual platform to celebrate young Africans who are driving exceptional and transformative impact across their communities.
Recognizing Outstanding Young Leaders Across the Continent
The 2025 FALA ceremony honored ten outstanding young leaders from various African nations for their remarkable developmental projects. These initiatives spanned a wide range of critical sectors, including education, technology, healthcare, agriculture, community service, and social innovation. Each awardee was recognized for their dedication and innovative approaches to addressing local challenges.
Star Prize Winner: Rejoice Waithera
The star prize of the awards was clinched by Rejoice Waithera, a 23-year-old Kenyan agripreneur and humanitarian. Her initiatives, which focus on food security, waste management, and community health, have been widely described as both transformative and scalable. Waithera's work exemplifies the kind of grassroots innovation that the awards seek to highlight and support.
Bank's Commitment to Youth and Demographic Potential
During the public presentation of the winners, the Managing Director of Parallex Bank, Dr. Olufemi Bakre, articulated the bank's rationale for sponsoring the event. He emphasized that this sponsorship reflects the bank's firm belief in the continent's young population and its vast potential to redefine Africa's developmental trajectory. Dr. Bakre's remarks were delivered by Mr. Ademola Adeshola, the Head of Brands and Communication at Parallex Bank.
Dr. Bakre highlighted Nigeria's extraordinary demographic moment, noting that nearly 70 percent of Nigerians are under the age of 30. This figure, he believes, illustrates not only the nation's vibrant energy but also the significant opportunities embedded within this demographic advantage. He pointed out that Africa's youthful population represents a dynamic force capable of driving innovation, accelerating economic growth, increasing social impact, and reshaping leadership norms across the continent.
Providing Support and Platforms for Thriving Youth
However, Dr. Bakre stressed that this potential can only be fully realized if young people receive the right support, platforms, and resources to thrive. He explained that Parallex Bank's involvement in the Future Africa Leaders Awards aligns seamlessly with its long-term commitment to youth empowerment. The bank views young people as central to Africa's future and remains dedicated to initiatives that expand leadership potential across the continent.
He expressed strong admiration for the 2025 FALA winners and ambassadors, praising their courage, ingenuity, and resilience. Dr. Bakre described their achievements as clear evidence of a new generation determined to turn challenges into opportunities and build meaningful change within their communities.
Encouragement for Continued Leadership and Integrity
In his closing remarks, Dr. Bakre encouraged the young leaders to remain steadfast in their commitment to Africa's development. He urged them to lead with integrity, purpose, and a deep sense of responsibility to uplift the continent. This call to action underscores the bank's vision of nurturing a generation of leaders who are not only successful but also ethically grounded and community-focused.
Parallex Bank's sponsorship of the Future Africa Leaders Awards is a testament to its strategic focus on youth development and empowerment. By supporting such initiatives, the bank aims to contribute to a brighter future for Africa, leveraging the energy and creativity of its young population to drive sustainable progress and innovation.
