EPRA-UK 2026 MAKES HISTORY AS NEW FACE OF EPRA INTERNATIONAL IS OFFICIALLY UNVEILED

One of the most memorable and prestigious highlights of the 8th Annual EPRA Leadership and Entrepreneurial Summit and Awards UK 2026 was the official unveiling and presentation of Chief Ambassador Ijeoma Ajaelu as the newest FACE OF EPRA INTERNATIONAL. The colourful and symbolic unveiling ceremony took place on Friday, 25 September 2026, at the London School of Management Education (LSME), Gants Hill, Ilford, United Kingdom, in the presence of distinguished academics, civic leaders, business executives, community champions and international dignitaries.

The historic occasion marked another significant milestone in EPRA International’s growing commitment to celebrating outstanding leadership, promoting women’s empowerment, strengthening international partnerships and recognising individuals dedicated to making a positive difference in society.

Distinguished International Leaders Officially Unveil the New Face of EPRA International. The prestigious unveiling was conducted by a distinguished assembly of EPRA executives and invited dignitaries, including:

Lady Tayo AkobiJP. The Founder and Chief host of the prestigious EPRA Award UK.

Mayor Olami Ajibola, Co-Founder and Chairman. EPRA Awards UK.

Professor Oluwatoyin Isaac Ojutalayo – Patron, EPRA Award UK

Professor Oluwaseyi Olayinka Yusuf – Patron, EPRA Award UK

Dr Ravi Kumar – Founder and Executive Director, Patron, EPRA Award UK

Chief Bimbo Roberts Folayan – Executive Director, Patron, EPRA Award UK

Queen Florence Okonkwo. EPRA UK Brand Ambassador

A New Chapter for EPRA International

Their collective participation added dignity, significance and prestige to the unveiling, symbolising the values of unity, international collaboration, inspirational leadership and community empowerment. The presence of these distinguished personalities reflected the international recognition and growing influence of EPRA as a platform dedicated to celebrating excellence and promoting positive social change.

The official unveiling of Chief Ambassador Ijeoma Ajaelu as the Face of EPRA International represents an important chapter in the organisation’s continued efforts to strengthen its international identity, promote excellence and celebrate individuals who demonstrate exceptional leadership and commitment to humanity.

Distinguished Leaders Unite in Celebration

The honorary recognition provides an opportunity to advance EPRA’s vision of recognising outstanding achievements, encouraging entrepreneurship, supporting humanitarian initiatives and promoting meaningful engagement across diverse communities. As the newly unveiled Face of EPRA International, Chief Ambassador Ijeoma Ajaelu is expected to champion and promote the organisation’s core values of leadership, integrity, excellence, empowerment, cultural diversity and service to humanity.

Her new ambassadorial role also presents opportunities to strengthen relationships with community organisations, professional networks, business leaders and international partners.

Distinguished Leaders Unite in a Celebration of Excellence

The participation of respected professors, former mayors, business executives and other distinguished personalities highlighted the international character of EPRA and its commitment to bringing together influential individuals from diverse professional and cultural backgrounds. Their involvement in the official unveiling reinforced the importance of collaboration between academia, civic leadership, entrepreneurship, humanitarian service and community development.

The ceremony also served as a celebration of women’s leadership, recognising the valuable contributions of women who continue to inspire change, create opportunities and strengthen communities.   For guests and participants, the unveiling was a memorable highlight of an evening dedicated to honouring exceptional achievements and encouraging the next generation of leaders.

EPRA-UK Celebrates Leadership and Global Representation

Speaking on behalf of the organising committee, Mayor Olami A. Ajibola (Mayor Olafancy), Convener and Organiser of EPRA Leadership and Entrepreneurial Summit and Awards UK, extended warm congratulations to Chief Ambassador Ijeoma Ajaelu on her prestigious unveiling as the newest Face of EPRA International. The organising committee also expressed sincere appreciation to the distinguished personalities who participated in the unveiling ceremony and contributed to making the occasion a memorable celebration of leadership, recognition and international friendship.

The recognition further reflects EPRA’s ambition to expand its global network, strengthen community relationships, encourage international collaboration and promote initiatives that empower individuals and improve lives. The unveiling was particularly significant within the broader theme of EPRA-UK 2026:

“Building a Better Life in a Changing World: Empowering People through Health, Skills, and Opportunity.” By recognising outstanding personalities and creating platforms for international engagement, EPRA continues to demonstrate its commitment to building bridges between communities, institutions and future generations.

ACCEPTANCE SPEECH: A NEW CHAPTER OF LEADERSHIP, EMPOWERMENT AND GLOBAL SERVICE

Distinguished Royal Fathers, Honourable Mayors and Former Mayors, Esteemed Professors, Distinguished Guests, EPRA Executives, Ladies and Gentlemen,

Good evening, everyone.

I stand before you today with a heart full of gratitude, humility and excitement as I officially embrace the honour and responsibility of becoming the newest FACE OF EPRA INTERNATIONAL.

First and foremost, I give all glory and thanks to Almighty God for His grace, guidance and blessings upon my life.

I am deeply honoured by this prestigious recognition, and I sincerely appreciate the leadership and management of EPRA International for considering me worthy of this distinguished ambassadorial role.

I would particularly like to express my heartfelt appreciation to Lady Tayo Akobi JP. The Founder and Host and Mayor Olami Ajibola, popularly known as Mayor Olafancy, the Convener and Organiser of the EPRA Leadership and Entrepreneurial Summit and Awards UK, for his vision, dedication and unwavering commitment to celebrating excellence, recognising outstanding individuals and empowering communities.

I also extend my sincere gratitude to the distinguished personalities who participated in my official unveiling, including:

Professor Oluwatoyin Isaac Ojutalayo, Professor Oluwaseyi Olayinka Yusuf, Dr Ravi Kumar, Dr Boma Douglas, Dr Mrs June Douglas, Chief Bimbo Roberts Folayan, Hon. Cllr Dr Sunny Lambe, Lord Brett McLean and Hon. Chief Dr Mrs Patricia Ekechi.

Your presence and participation have made this occasion truly memorable. I am sincerely grateful for the honour, encouragement and support you have shown me.

A Recognition That Comes With Responsibility

Ladies and gentlemen, I recognise that becoming the Face of EPRA International is not simply about receiving a title, wearing a crown of honour or standing before distinguished personalities.

It is about accepting a responsibility to lead, inspire, empower and serve humanity.

Leadership is not measured by the titles we hold, but by the positive difference we make in the lives of others.

True leadership requires humility, integrity, courage, compassion and a willingness to create opportunities for those who may not have a voice.

As I accept this prestigious recognition, I do so with a renewed commitment to uphold the values and vision of EPRA International.

My Vision as the Face of EPRA International

As the newest Face of EPRA International, my vision is to contribute meaningfully to an organisation that celebrates leadership, entrepreneurship, education, healthcare excellence and humanitarian service.

I hope to use this platform to promote initiatives that empower women, inspire young people, strengthen communities and encourage international collaboration.

I believe that every individual, regardless of background or circumstances, deserves an opportunity to discover their potential, develop their talents and achieve meaningful success.

I am particularly passionate about encouraging women and young people to embrace leadership, pursue education, develop entrepreneurial skills and become positive agents of change.

When we empower a woman, we strengthen a family. When we educate a young person, we invest in the future. And when we support our communities, we create a better world for generations to come.

Building Bridges Across Nations and Communities

In today’s rapidly changing world, no individual, community or nation can achieve sustainable progress in isolation.

We must continue to build bridges across cultures, professions, generations and geographical boundaries.

As the Face of EPRA International, I look forward to supporting opportunities for collaboration between the United Kingdom, Africa and the wider international community.

I hope to encourage partnerships that promote education, entrepreneurship, professional development, humanitarian initiatives and community empowerment.

Together, we can transform challenges into opportunities and create platforms through which more people can realise their dreams.

A Commitment to Humanitarian Service

I strongly believe that the true value of success lies not only in what we achieve for ourselves, but also in what we contribute to the wellbeing of others.

There are countless individuals in our communities who need encouragement, mentorship, education, care and opportunities.

Some are young people searching for direction. Others are women striving for economic independence, families facing difficult circumstances or vulnerable individuals who simply need someone to believe in them.

As I begin this new chapter, I am committed to using my voice, influence and opportunities to support meaningful initiatives that bring hope, dignity and positive change.

Let us be remembered not merely for the positions we occupied, but for the lives we touched and the opportunities we created for others.

My Appreciation to the EPRA Family

To the entire EPRA International family, I say a very big thank you.

Thank you for welcoming me into this remarkable platform of leaders, achievers, professionals, entrepreneurs and humanitarian champions.

I am proud to become part of a family that recognises excellence, celebrates unsung heroes and encourages people to make meaningful contributions to society.

To my family, friends, colleagues, supporters and everyone who has encouraged me throughout my journey, I sincerely appreciate your love, prayers and unwavering support.

Your encouragement has strengthened my determination to continue striving for excellence.

My Promise as the New Face of EPRA International

Today, before this distinguished gathering, I make a personal commitment:

I will represent EPRA International with dignity, integrity, humility and dedication.

I will endeavour to promote its vision, uphold its values, encourage meaningful partnerships and contribute positively to initiatives that empower people and strengthen communities.

I recognise that this honour is not the end of a journey, but the beginning of a greater responsibility.

I therefore embrace this opportunity with gratitude, enthusiasm and a strong determination to make a meaningful difference.

Once again, I sincerely thank the management of EPRA International, the distinguished dignitaries who officially unveiled me, and everyone present here today.

I am honoured, humbled and proud to accept this prestigious role.

Together, we shall inspire. Together, we shall empower. Together, we shall make a difference.

May God bless EPRA International.

May God bless all our distinguished guests.

And may God bless everyone working tirelessly to make our world a better place.

Thank you, and God bless you all.

CHIEF AMBASSADOR IJEOMA AJAELU
Face of EPRA International

EPRA INTERNATIONAL — Celebrating Quality Through Leadership.