The 8th edition of the Henna Ball and Tozali People’s Awards will hold seven days from today, on October 31 in Abuja.
at the Los Angeles Event Centre, Ahmadu Bello Way, Abuja, with organisers promising a blend of awards, cultural celebration, fashion, entertainment and humanitarian advocacy.
The event, organised by Tozali Media Group, will take place from 6 p.m. at the Los Angeles Event Centre, Ahmadu Bello Way, Abuja, with organisers promising a blend of awards, cultural celebration, fashion, entertainment and humanitarian advocacy.
Themed “Empowering Survivors. Restoring Hope”, the annual ceremony brings together government officials, traditional rulers, business leaders, philanthropists, media practitioners, entertainers and civil society organisations to recognise individuals and institutions contributing to national development and social progress.
Among the dignitaries expected at the event are former First Lady, Dr Maryam Sani Abacha, who will serve as Mother of the Day; Alhaji Bashir Mohammed Dalhatu, Wazirin Dutse, as Chairman and Chief Host; and the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, as Special Guest of Honour.
Other expected guests include former Minister of Women Affairs, Aisha Ismail, who will deliver the keynote address, and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, who will serve as Royal Father of the Day.
A major highlight of the ceremony will be the presentation of the Tozali People’s Awards to distinguished personalities and organisations for their contributions to leadership, public service, humanitarian activities, business innovation and women’s empowerment.
Among the awardees are former First Lady, Hajiya Turai Umaru Yar’Adua, who will receive the Tozali Woman of Distinction Award, while the Ooni of Ife will receive the Tozali Royal Leadership Award.
The Governor of Zamfara State, Dauda Lawal, is listed for the Governor of Excellence Award, while his Taraba State counterpart, Agbu Kefas, will receive the Champion of Women Empowerment Award.
Former Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (rtd.), is listed for the Outstanding Security Leadership Award, while Abdussamad Dasuki will receive the Distinguished Legislative Award.
Other awardees include Fatima Shinkafi for Excellence in Public Service; the Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation for Humanitarian Excellence; and Stonetech Square Limited for Excellence in Business Innovation.
Senator Datti Yusuf Baba-Ahmed, Nasiru Danu and Mohammed Bashir Dalhatu are also among the personalities listed for recognition in business leadership, humanitarian service and lifetime achievement, respectively.
The awards programme will also feature personalities from the entertainment industry, including Nazeeru Sarkin Waka, Hausa Guy, Amal Umar and Isa Bello Ja.
Beyond the awards, the event will feature the Runway Royal Fashion Show by Mohani, musical performances, celebrity appearances, a red-carpet experience and networking opportunities.
According to the organisers, the ceremony will celebrate Nigerian creativity, cultural identity and excellence while providing a platform for interaction among leaders and stakeholders across different sectors.
However, the organisers said the event’s central focus extends beyond entertainment and recognition to humanitarian advocacy, particularly support for women and girls affected by kidnapping, banditry, Boko Haram insurgency, displacement and other forms of violence.
Through its partnership with the Tozali Girl Child and Women Foundation, the initiative seeks to promote awareness and mobilise support for survivors, with emphasis on psychosocial care, education, healthcare, economic empowerment, rehabilitation and reintegration.
The organisers said the theme, “Empowering Survivors. Restoring Hope,” reflects the need to provide vulnerable women and girls with the resources and opportunities to rebuild their lives with dignity.
They added that the media has a responsibility beyond reporting events, including mobilising communities, amplifying the voices of vulnerable people and promoting meaningful social change.
The 2026 edition is supported by Trust Media Group as the major media partner, with the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) among the media partners. TAJBank is the banking partner, while Mohani is the fashion partner.
Digital media partners include Northern Hibiscus, Hausa Fulani, PR Nigeria, Newspoint and Fim Magazine, alongside other supporting platforms.
With seven days remaining before the event, Tozali Media Group has invited government officials, traditional institutions, corporate organisations, development partners, media professionals and members of the public to participate in the ceremony.
The organisation said the event would combine the celebration of achievement with a renewed commitment to supporting vulnerable women and girls and advancing humanitarian causes across Nigeria.
