Nollywood actresses Uche Montana and Tayo Sobola, popularly known as Sotayo Gaga, have emerged among the major winners at the 2026 edition of The Achievers Awards International (TAAI)/Under 40 Entrepreneurs Awards in Lagos.
The ceremony, organised by Glomay Alliance Ltd under the theme “Building Lasting Legacy,” brought together entertainers, business leaders, philanthropists and professionals to recognise achievements across different fields.
Montana won Best Lead Actress of the Year for her performance in Monica 1 & 2, while Sobola received the Best Indigenous Lead Actress of the Year award for her role in Osun Dagbonu.
In the acting categories, Ayo Olaiya won Best Indigenous Lead Actor of the Year for Oluranlowo, while Jennifer Obodo received Best Supporting Actress of the Year for Who Send Me. Dilinna Ezenwa was named Best Supporting Actor of the Year.
Chizoba Nwokoye received the Distinguished Actress of the Year award, while Ehiz Raphael won Best New Act (Male). Prittican Yakubu took home Best New Act (Female) for The Prize of Regret.
Music, content creation and emerging talents
In the music category, Akintunde Adedini Michael, known as AK Stunner, won Best New Act (Music). Content creator Sis. Ekwutos, popularly known as Mama Chiboy, was named Content Creator of the Year.
Marcela Aipoh received the Teen Act of the Year award, while Miriam Jonah Praise-Kingsley, known as Mim_shotit, won Emerging Content Creator of the Year (Event).
Femi Fowler was recognised as Visual Icon and Talent Architect of the Year for his work spanning talent management, casting, choreography, photography and visual storytelling.
Eunice Mekwuye Elema, chief executive officer of Eumech Events and Services and Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Events Management and Protocols, received the Outstanding Event Personality of the Year award.
Entrepreneurs and humanitarian organisations recognised
The awards also celebrated contributions to entrepreneurship and humanitarian work.
Timilehin Seyi Ogunsakin of MedxVerse won Young Entrepreneur of the Year, while Benita Yarr, founder of Beey Hope Foundation and Cosmic Beey Makeup, received the Promising Young Entrepreneur of the Year award.
Olayinka Comfort of Comfort and Grace Women Initiative was named Humanitarian of the Year, while Heartmenders Charity Foundation won NGO of the Year.
The ceremony also recognised 100 achievers from sectors including entertainment, business, technology, fashion, tourism and public service.
Among those featured in the Top 100 Achievers category were Dr Princess Kelechi Oghene, Chief Olumuyiwa Owadara Richard, Chief Oluwole Akinwale, Prince Tosin Enikuomehin, Kakea Mbacha, Ayo Twitch, Amb. George Osagiede and Ebhohon Shedrack Love.
Organisers outline legacy initiative
The event opened with a conference session examining artificial intelligence and the next 50 years before proceeding to networking, red-carpet activities, award presentations, cultural displays and the unveiling of the TAAI 2026 magazine.
According to the organisers, award recipients received the TAAI Medal of Legacy and a Certificate of Excellence, alongside automatic membership of the TAAI Legacy Circle.
The network is designed to provide members with mentorship, funding opportunities and greater visibility across Africa.
Speaking at the event, Glomay Alliance Ltd’s convener and managing director, Princess Joy Osusu, said the awards aimed to celebrate people whose work contributes to Africa’s development.
“What we witnessed at TAAI 2026 is the future of Africa. These winners are not just achievers, they are builders of legacy. We celebrate them today so the world can celebrate Africa tomorrow,” she said.
