The Nigerian creative and entrepreneurial landscape continues to gain global recognition as the prestigious CoolWealth Awards prepares for its ninth edition in January 2026. This platform has established itself as a crucial spotlight for African achievers who are making significant contributions through innovation, cultural preservation, and enterprise.
Event Details and Distinguished Guests
Scheduled for January 11, 2026, the awards ceremony will take place at Azalea Hall, Glover Court, Ikoyi, Lagos. The event promises to bring together an exceptional blend of traditional royalty and modern influencers, creating a unique convergence of Africa's past and future.
Among the distinguished guests expected to grace the occasion is His Imperial Majesty Oba Abimbola Owoade I, the Alaafin of Oyo, representing Nigeria's rich cultural heritage. The event will also host legendary musicians, media icons, business leaders, and creative entrepreneurs from across Nigeria and beyond.
Partnership and Expanded Reach
This year's edition marks a significant partnership with TMY Empire, a growing media and creative communications brand. This collaboration is expected to enhance the event's storytelling capabilities, visibility, and continental reach through sophisticated multimedia engagement.
TMY News will serve as the official media house for the 2026 edition, ensuring high-level production standards and comprehensive coverage that matches global benchmarks for award ceremonies.
Honourees and Selection Criteria
The CoolWealth Awards has evolved beyond mere celebrity recognition to become a cultural statement that values authenticity, value creation, and social relevance over popularity contests. The selection process prioritizes individuals whose work transcends daily applause and creates lasting impact.
Among this year's honourees is Jimmy Ofuoyan, popularly known as KhalilImages/360Kuts, whose creative work in Milan is projecting African creativity beyond continental borders. Also being recognized is Benjamin Oyemonlan, celebrated for his tech-driven empowerment initiatives and strong advocacy for youth development.
The awards span multiple sectors including arts, business, innovation, philanthropy, fashion, and digital culture, reflecting the diverse ways Africans are rewriting success criteria on their own terms.
Cultural Significance and Future Impact
According to the organizers, the CoolWealth Awards serves as a powerful reminder that the true wealth of any society lies in its creativity, cultural identity, resilience, and leadership. The event has grown from a simple awards ceremony into a movement that affirms Africa's role in shaping global future trends.
More than just recognizing individual achievements, the awards celebrate the collective progress of African nations in defining their place on the world stage. The 2026 edition promises to continue this tradition of excellence while pushing boundaries in how African success stories are told and celebrated.
As Nigeria's creative economy continues to expand its global footprint, events like the CoolWealth Awards provide essential platforms for showcasing the depth and diversity of African talent across multiple disciplines and industries.
