Nigerian Leads African Team to Victory at the 2024 Sustainability World Cup!

Dr. Daniel Chidubem Gbujie, a Nigerian leading a pan-African team, has brought glory to the continent by clinching the 2024 Sustainability World Cup! His team, Team Hakuna Matata Akabor Umuedo Africa (THAMAU), were announced winners at the Digital Enterprise Show in Malaga, Spain, which was held from June 11-12, 2024. This crowning moment underscores the brilliance and creativity of the five-member team.

Dr. Gbujie, named the 2024 Best Sustainability Leader, skillfully guided Silas Kimara Ochaka (Uganda), Prince Chinaza Uchegbu (Nigeria), Leonard Tabengwa (South Africa/Zimbabwe), and Delight Gbujie Chimduto (Nigeria). Working as a team, they were able to wow the international judges and secure the championship title. The eight-week competition saw 50 finalists in ten global teams. THAMAU’s victory transcends individual triumph – it’s a win for all of Africa, especially Nigeria. It shatters stereotypes, showcasing the continent’s potential for creativity, innovation, and leadership. Young Africans now have a global role model, proving they can compete and succeed on the biggest stage.

The tireless efforts of 2024 Sustainability World Cup organizers Edmund Bradford, Ignacio Villoch, Prof. Leila Lunguleac-Bardasuc, and the judges were instrumental. The competition served as a springboard for exceptional people, especially young minds across the globe, passionate about digitizing sustainable development for worthy causes locally and globally. The competition’s individual and team awards fostered career growth in this crucial field.

In a press release, Dr. Gbujie emphasized the urgent need for global leaders, particularly African leaders, to empower the youth within their territories by intentionally including them in the pursuit of sustainable development goals across the continent. He highlighted the significant challenges faced by African youth, such as limited opportunities, exclusion from decision-making processes, human rights abuses, local violent conflicts, and corruption. Dr. Gbujie stressed the importance of involving people transparently in all decisions affecting their communities.

He believes that the success and victory of the African team at the Sustainability World Cup will inspire others and pave the way for increased participation of Africans in future competitions and initiatives that advance sustainable development goals. Dr. Gbujie called for the creation of more platforms in various sectors to accelerate sustainable development across Africa.

Team members Chimduto and Kimara expressed gratitude to youth leaders such as Mary Apollo (South Sudan) and H.E. Chido Cleopatra Mpemba (African Union Youth Envoy). Appreciation also went to elders like Hajia Ramatu Ahmed, Prof. Nelson Aluya, and Sierra Leone President Julius Maada Bio. President Bio, through his Youth Envoy and Ambassador to the US, invited and honored the team for reaching the finals of the competition at the Sierra Leone Youth Diaspora Summit in Washington, DC, during the Africa Day celebration on May 25th, 2024. Hon. Desmond Pessima, Sierra Leone’s Presidential Youth Advisor, echoed this sentiment and advised that youth work with the government to make the continent great.

Gratitude was also extended to Ms. Rhiannon Gallagher Jones, the American sponsor whose financial and moral support proved invaluable. “As a Nigerian from Mbaise, Imo State,” Dr. Gbujie said, “I am deeply rooted in the principle of community and collective progress. With newfound knowledge and promised support for organizers and sponsors of this competition , we hope to implement sustainability projects across Africa and raise awareness about the SDGs. Millions of young Africans and I stand ready to work with organizations to rewrite our narrative and dispel negativity.”

Team54Project International volunteers, including Jefter Senya K. Agbo (Ghana), Johnbosco Ife (Nigeria), Daniel Awomnab (Ghana), Dr. Ezioma Uchegbu Gbujie (Nigeria), and Prof. Nelson Aluya, provided crucial backing. Dr. Gbujie further expressed his deep appreciation to God.

The Sustainability World Cup is a remarkable initiative fostering creativity in a digitally evolving Africa. African leaders must seize this opportunity to address pressing challenges. By creating more platforms like this, Africa can harness the power of its youth for a sustainable future.

The championship ceremony concluded with a flourish – Team Africa bagged three additional awards: Best Business for Prosperity, Best Environmental Performance, and Best Social Performance. The Best Sustainability Leader award solidified the team’s dedication and the competition’s ability to identify individuals who seamlessly blend sustainability principles with academic knowledge, corporate practices, and advocacy for the SDGs.

Edmund Bradford, co-founder, congratulated Dr. Gbujie and Team Africa for their remarkable achievement. He acknowledged their talent and Africa’s potential to lead in global sustainability and innovation.

With newfound knowledge and the backing of sponsors and organizers, the team hopes to bring their learnings back to Africa and implement sustainable practices across the continent, working towards a better and more sustainable future for all.

Congratulations once again to Dr. Gbujie, Team THAMAU, and all of Africa for this incredible feat! May this victory pave the way for a brighter, more sustainable future for the continent.