Mentoring Cmdt Ambassador Alistair Soyode has been honoured in London for his contributions to media leadership, community development, global engagement and African advocacy….
Mentoring Cmdt Ambassador Alistair Soyode has been honoured in London for his contributions to media leadership, community development, global engagement and African advocacy.
Soyode, founder and chairman of BEN Television, received the AfroEuropa 2026 Star Leadership Award at the fifth AfroEuropa Gala & Awards Night held at The City Pavilion in Romford, London, on Saturday.
The award plaque recognised his “remarkable contributions to Media Leadership, Global Engagement, Community Development and African Advocacy.”
The recognition highlights Soyode’s decades of engagement across media, diaspora relations, mentoring and community initiatives aimed at strengthening connections between Britain, Africa and the wider African diaspora.
He has also been involved in initiatives designed to connect individuals, institutions and opportunities across borders.
One of his recent engagements was helping facilitate the development of the Nigerian Netball Association and Nigeria’s participation in the African Netball Championships in Kenya.
Receiving the award, Soyode expressed gratitude to the organisers, his family, colleagues and supporters, describing the recognition as an encouragement to continue serving.
“I receive this award with great humility and gratitude. My greatest thanks are to God, who gives us life, strength and the opportunity to serve.
“I sincerely thank the AfroEuropa organisers, my family, colleagues, friends and everyone whose support has enabled me to continue contributing over the years.
“I accept this recognition as encouragement to continue doing whatever good we can while we are alive and able. If our experience and relationships can help create opportunities or strengthen communities, then it is worthwhile.”
The gala, themed “Fostering a United & Flourishing Community for Future Generations,” brought together African and European community leaders, entrepreneurs, professionals, business executives and civic representatives.
Among those in attendance were the Mayor of Barking & Dagenham, Councillor Manzoor Hussain; the Mayor of Islington, Councillor Rosaline Ogunro; and two-time Mayor of Enfield, Dr Kate Anolue.
Other individuals were also recognised at the event for contributions to humanitarian service, education and leadership.
Convener of AfroEuropa, Maureen Charming-Layokun, thanked supporters whose contributions helped make the fifth edition possible.
She said the event reflected the collective efforts of people who had supported the platform through encouragement, resources and commitment to its vision.
AfroEuropa was established in 2022 by Charming Production Limited, publishers of Charming Magazine, as a platform for cultural celebration, community engagement, networking and recognition of contributions within African and European communities.
For Soyode, the latest honour adds to a career built around using media and community engagement to create connections between people and opportunities across borders.
