Parallex Bank Plc has reaffirmed its commitment to nurturing African youth talent as it sponsored the 2025 edition of the Future Africa Leaders Awards, which recognises young Africans driving exceptional impact across their communities.
In a statement on Monday, the lender said that the 2025 award edition organised by the Future Africa Leaders Foundation honoured 10 outstanding young leaders across the continent for developmental projects spanning education, technology, healthcare, agriculture, community service and social innovation.
The star prize was won by Rejoice Waithera, a 23-year-old Kenyan agripreneur and humanitarian whose initiatives in food security, waste management and community health have been described as transformative and scalable.
Speaking during the public presentation of the winners, the Managing Director of Parallex Bank, Dr Olufemi Bakre, said the bank’s sponsorship reflects its belief in the continent’s young population and its potential to redefine Africa’s developmental trajectory.
Bakre, who was represented by the Head of Brands and Communication at Parallex Bank, Mr Ademola Adeshola, noted that Nigeria stands at an extraordinary demographic moment, with its large and youthful population representing significant national potential. Nearly 70 per cent of Nigerians are under the age of 30, a figure he believes illustrates both the nation’s vibrant energy and the opportunities embedded within this demographic advantage.
He added that Africa’s young population represents a dynamic force capable of driving innovation, accelerating economic growth, increasing social impact and reshaping leadership norms across the continent, provided they receive the right support, platforms and resources to thrive.
Bakre explained that Parallex Bank’s involvement in the awards aligns with its long-term commitment to youth empowerment, stating that the bank sees young people as central to Africa’s future and remains dedicated to initiatives that expand leadership potential across the continent.
He expressed strong admiration for the 2025 FALA winners and ambassadors, praising their courage, ingenuity, and resilience, and describing their achievements as evidence of a new generation determined to turn challenges into opportunities and build meaningful change within their communities. He encouraged the young leaders to remain committed to Africa’s development by leading with integrity, purpose and a deep sense of responsibility to uplift the continent.
The bank’s MD also commended the Future Africa Leaders Foundation for its sustained investment in youth leadership development, acknowledging the organisation’s role in inspiring hope and nurturing a legacy of impactful leadership across Africa in line with its founding vision.
