LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM – A remarkable chapter in Britain’s multicultural community recognition movement has drawn to a close as the Building Blocks Initiative (BBI) celebrated its 23rd and final Achievement Recognition Awards (ARA) 2026, honouring distinguished global leaders, politicians, professionals, community champions and emerging young achievers.

Held under the theme “Celebrating Achievement, Diversity and Spirit of Togetherness,” the historic occasion brought together dignitaries, civic leaders and community representatives to celebrate excellence, inclusion and the transformative power of service.

The ceremony marked the culmination of 22 years of awards celebrations and 25 years of BBI’s commitment to community development and empowerment.

Founder and Executive Director, Cllr Dr Sunny Lambe, former Mayor of Southwark (2025–2026), hosted the occasion, delivering an inspirational address centred on achievement, diversity and togetherness. Described as “The Last Supper,” the final edition reflected on the organisation’s enduring legacy of recognising individuals whose contributions have strengthened communities and inspired generations.

Among distinguished guests were the Worshipful Mayor of Southwark, Cllr Claire Sheppard; former Mayor Cllr Naima Ali; former Mayor of Croydon Cllr Kola Agboola; Dr Lady Waynett Peters; H.E. Prof Pauline Long; Leanne Pero MBE; Annie Shepperd OBE; and Ambassador Dr Oyedokun Oyewole.

Award Winners and Categories

Honorary Awards: H.E. Mia Amor Mottley; H.E. John Dramani Mahama; Linda Ann Bellos; Amb. Dr Oyedokun Ayodeji Oyewole; Janet Daby MP; Stephen Akinsanya OBE; Ugbana Oyet; Diane Abbott MP; Prof Solomon Salako; Brig. Gen. Ganny Agboola Raji; Prof Stephen Adebanji Akintoye; Chief Dr Sunday Adeyemo (Igboho); H.E. Prof Pauline Long; Abena Oppong-Asare MP; and Taiwo Victoria Owatemi MP.

Community, Political and Professional Awards: Oluwayemisi Jenkins MBE; Eugene Ndubuisi Nwosu; Ronke Ali-Udofia; Cllr Alisa Flemming; Jenny Okafor; Dr Kennedy Okonkwo; Maxwell A. Nzekwe; Justin Onuekwusi; Marianne Alapini; Olu Ojuroye; Dr Nintin Munot Jain; Sahiri Cathy Louise Bolou; Omotayo Akobi; Cllr Valerie Bossman-Quarshie; Bukky Okunade; Apostle Fred Osei Annin; Keima Allen; Cllr Kola Agboola; Dr Omer Kokou-Tchri; Ayodeji Alaka; Maureen Salmon; Dr Boma Douglas; Joseph Carew; Victoria Lamaure; Anthony Everest-Àrèmúorin; Maureen Keke Layokun; and Jay Galley.

Southwark @60+ Recognition Awards: Florence Eshalomi MP; Miatta Fahnbulleh MP; Anood Al-Samerai; Cllr Sarah King; Hakeem Osinaike; Althea Loderick; Cllr James McAsh; Cllr Victor Chamberlain; Cllr Renata Hamvas; Cllr Rachel Bentley; Cllr Sabina Emmanuel; Annie Shepperd OBE; Dr Chris Elton Gonde; Nsikan Etuk; Sir Simon Hughes; Baroness Harriet Harman; RCCG Victory House London; Naima Ali; Chris Meregini; Felicia Boshorin; Nancy Respro; Cllr Richard Livingstone; Ebere Nwokenna; Leanne Pero MBE; Jacqueline Brazil; and Temitayo Ereola.

Youth Leadership Recognition (YEGA): Seun Odusanya, Kofi Baffoe and Kwame Baffoe.

Special Recognition: Annie Shepperd OBE received the Ambassador of the Year 2026 trophy following the guests’ interactive competition.

The Southwark recognition category also celebrated 61 years since the borough’s historic 1965 amalgamation.

Closing the occasion, BBI expressed appreciation to supporters, award recipients and partners whose contributions sustained its remarkable journey.

Although the annual awards have concluded, their legacy of celebrating achievement, encouraging leadership and strengthening multicultural communities remains an enduring contribution to British society.