Raheem Akingbolu
Media visionary and global executive Alex Okosi was celebrated with a Special Recognition Award at the 17th edition of The Headies, honouring his outstanding contributions to the creative industry and innovative leadership in advancing the digital eco-system across Africa.
The award recognises Okosi’s decades-long transformative impact on the continent’s entertainment landscape and his role as a bridge between global innovation and African creativity. The award ceremony was held on Sunday, April 27, 2025, at the Landmark Event Centre, Lagos and featured notable individuals across the entertainment and media industry, including Lagos State governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Minister for Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy Hannatu Musa Musawa, Grammy nominee Davido, X3M Ideas CEO Steve Babaeko, and many others.
Currently serving as Google’s Managing Director for Africa, Okosi leads initiatives that are shaping the continent’s future, championing responsible AI to improve healthcare access, introducing agricultural tools to address food security, and empowering startups and small businesses to thrive in evolving markets. His leadership reflects a vision of inclusive innovation and digital equity that resonates across the globe.
Prior to his role at Google, Okosi served as Managing Director for YouTube’s Emerging Markets in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. He was a driving force behind major global initiatives, including the $100M Black Voices Fund and the annual Africa Day Benefit Concert, initiatives that provided critical support and visibility for African creators and artists on the world stage.
“Alex Okosi is building bridges and platforms that have provided African creators with vital resources and visibility. This award celebrates his vision, leadership and commitment to advancing the creative industry in Nigeria and beyond,” says Ayo Animashaun, Executive Producer of The Headies.
Okosi also spent 22 years at ViacomCBS in the US, Europe and Africa. Among his career highlights was developing the business plan and leading the rollout of the conglomerate’s entry into Africa. Not only was he responsible for driving the development and growth of entertainment brands BET, Comedy Central, MTV, MTV Base, MTV Music, Nickelodeon, Nick Jr and NickToons across Africa, he was also charged with leading the BET business in Europe and Asia.
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