By Okon Ekpenyong, with photos from Somali People TV

On a bright and beautiful Saturday, June 1, the Hilton Columbus at Easton was abuzz with excitement as the 2024 Global Somali Awards took place. It was a night to celebrate the achievements and successes of the Somali community worldwide and honor the influential leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators who have made a significant impact.

The awards aimed to bring together the diverse and talented individuals of the Somali community, promote unity, and showcase their positive impact on their communities and the world. Through this recognition, the awards hope to inspire and motivate others to continue making a difference in the world.

The event was a true testament to the unity and pride within the Somali community. Adorned in their finest attire, guests from all corners of the globe came together to acknowledge and applaud the remarkable contributions of their fellow Somalis. The room was brimming with a shared sense of pride, joy, and unity as everyone celebrated their heritage and collective accomplishments.

According to the organizers, it was indeed a memorable night, with the presentation of 20 awards and several certificates of recognition for exceptional contributions and around 500 attendees, including esteemed guests and high-ranking officials.

“I’m at a loss for words at the moment to describe last night, but here’s a picture until I find the right words to capture my joy and excitement,” Ifrah Udgoon of Columbus said.

The Global Somali Awards celebrated individuals’ accomplishments and exhibited Somalia’s vibrant culture and traditions. The event featured traditional Somali attire with its colorful patterns, delectable cuisine, lively cultural performances, and music, offering guests an immersive experience of the beauty and vibrancy of Somali culture.

Musician Dalmar Yare delivered electrifying performances that had the attendees on their feet. The Somali dance team showcased a mix of traditional and modern dance moves, leaving esteemed guests feeling that their Somali culture forever remains the soundtrack of their lives.

The awards ceremony itself was a testament to the talent and success of the Somali community. The winners represented diverse industries and accomplishments, from business and entrepreneurship to arts and entertainment. It was a true celebration of excellence and a demonstration of the great potential within the Somali community.

As the night came to a close, it was clear that the Global Somali Awards had achieved its goal of bringing together Somalis from all walks of life to celebrate their achievements and inspire future generations.

In a world where negative stereotypes often overshadow Somali success stories, the Global Somali Awards are a powerful beacon, illuminating the Somali community’s resilience, determination, and talent. It’s a recognition of greatness and a tribute to the extraordinary individuals who have made a positive difference in the world, inspiring hope, and empowerment for all.

The organizers of the Global Somali Awards were grateful and excited about the turnout. They sincerely appreciated the support and presence of so many people at the event to celebrate the exceptional achievements of Somali organizers and for contributing to making the event a truly memorable experience.

Winners

Hussein Abdirahman was honored with the Entrepreneur of the Year award, while Suleiman Ali clinched the Executive of the Year title. The Central Bank of Somalia was recognized with the Excellence in Banking Award, and Freedom Airline Express received the Best Travel Service award. Afro Deli & Grill was named the Best SME of the Year, and Ambfaduma Isaaq Biixi was presented with the prestigious Evening Lifetime Achievement award for her inspirational work. Omar Abdulkadir Artan was celebrated as the Sports Person of the Year, and Abdisalam Ibrahim was acknowledged with the Career Achievement in Journalism award

Mohamed Haldoor was recognized as the Author of the Year for inspiring thousands of Somalis to read and keep the spirit of their journey alive. Dr. Abduallah Ali received the Outstanding Educational Achievement award, and Amoud University was honored as the Higher Education Provider of the Year. Astaan TV was awarded the Art and Entertainment award, while Royal Transportation was acknowledged as the Company of the Year. The Outstanding Community Contribution award went to the Hormuud Salaam Foundation, and Dr. Abduladir Ahmed was named the Doctor of the Year in Infectious Diseases.

Kalkaal Hospital received the Best Medical Service award, and Yasmin Abdi was recognized as the Innovation of the Year winner. Faduma Adem was named the Best Woman in Business, and Wavemark Properties was celebrated with the Real Estate Excellence award. Taa Jmoney Transfer was honored as the Best Remittance Service of the Year.

Nomination

Private and public entities, as well as individuals, have the opportunity to nominate businesses, institutions, and individuals for global Award recognition. The initial jury will assess the entries and allocate a winning percentage to each nominee. The second-level jury will then have thirty days to gather information about each nominee for further evaluation. In the final jury review, the panel will assess the finalists in each category. Finally, in the fifth stage, the nominees will receive notification of their well-deserved win. The winners’ names are announced during the Global Somali Awards night.

Farxaan Jeyte, a former Columbus City Council Candidate, currently serves as the President of the Global Somali Awards. Abdirizak Ahmed of Columbus mentioned that attendees, nominees, and winners journeyed from locations as distant as Austria, Africa, and Europe to participate in the awards ceremony. Hon. Kasim Elmised, a member of the Parliament of the FGS, Counselor Habib Mohamed Egal, H.E. Ali Sharif Ahmed, who is the ambassador of the Somalia embassy in Washington DC, Federal Republic of Somalia, H.E. Ali Omar (State Minister of Foreign Affairs), and members of the Parliament of the FGS, along with Hon. Fatuma Hakar, Member of County Assembly (MCA) Garissa County were some of the night’s special guests of honor.

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