Has 2024 unfolded as you envisioned? Reflecting on the year for this blog, I’m struck by the contrast between the optimism of its early days and the sobering realities we’ve faced. Legacy liabilities and disappointing sponsorship outcomes have demanded a more measured tone as we close the year. Yet, life is about choices, and I choose to focus on filling the glass rather than lamenting the empty half. Gratitude abounds when we look for it, and our organizational challenges, while significant, have birthed successes that are brimming with transformative potential.

Since 1964, our mission at The Africa Centre has been to Connect, Educate, and Advocate. In 2024, we redefined this legacy through a series of impactful activities and events that exemplified these pillars. Over the year, we held or hosted 78 events, welcoming over 3,000 attendees. These ranged from book launches and cultural festivals to art exhibitions, debates, and symposia. Community engagement thrived with programs on language, nutrition, and spirituality, alongside live music and political awareness forums. These efforts firmly re-established The Africa Centre as a vibrant cultural institution.

We are particularly proud of the diverse audiences we’ve reached—celebrity icons, unsung pioneers, young professionals, and local children have all found a “home away from home” at The Centre.

Among this year’s highlights, three moments stand out for me personally. First, our AFCON 2023 screenings transformed The Centre into a unifying viewing hub, with fans from all 24 participating nations cheering together. The final match between eventual winners Côte d’Ivoire and Nigeria was unforgettable—after 90 minutes of good-natured rivalry, everyone rose to dance to Première Gaou, epitomizing the best of Africa’s unity and spirit.

Second, the Wole Soyinka Festival was a fitting tribute to Africa’s first Nobel laureate in Literature and an icon of The Africa Centre. Over nine days, we hosted live music, film screenings, debates, and discussions, culminating in an appearance by Soyinka himself. His audience with over 60 children was described as “magical” and “unforgettable,” leaving an indelible mark on all who attended.

Finally, our partnership with AfroNation took winners to Portugal for an unforgettable celebration of Afrobeats and Amapiano. Beyond this, our collaboration with AfroNation co-founder and The Africa Centre Ambassador SMADE bolstered our role as cultural leaders and advocates for Africa’s creative sector.

Despite resource limitations, it has been a privilege to lead The Africa Centre through a year of renewal. We’ve demonstrated our credibility and authority as a cultural powerhouse, setting a strong foundation for 2025. While challenges persist, we face them with determination, confident in our ability to create more moments of connection, awareness, and advocacy for the Global African. As our elders say, “Smooth seas do not make skillful sailors.”

To everyone who supported us in 2024—through donations, partnerships, or simply your faith in our mission—thank you. Your contributions have made a profound difference, and we are deeply grateful. My father used to tell me that “The reward for work well done is the opportunity to do more.” I look forward to doing more with you next year! 

Here’s to 2025 bringing us peace, achievements, and endless reasons to rise each day with gratitude. May this be our best year yet, Àṣẹ! Have a restful break, and see you on the other side!

Olu