Ottawa, Canada – July 13, 2024

During the grand celebration of Her Royal Majesty Queen Vickylextar’s Golden Jubilee, the spotlight shone on Moses Abayomi Pratt, a recipient of the 2024 Omanye Royal Kingdom Community Award. This award recognized his significant contributions to community development, particularly his dedication to youth empowerment and his efforts to bridge diverse communities.

Moses Abayomi Pratt was born in Lagos, Nigeria, and moved to Ottawa, Canada, in 1979 to pursue higher education. He earned a degree in Mechanical Engineering from Algonquin College, followed by a Bachelor’s degree from the University of New Brunswick, and a Master’s in Educational Administration from the University of Ottawa. He also achieved his Ontario College of Teachers Certification from Queen’s University.

Starting his teaching career in 1988, Abayomi taught various grades in Toronto and Ottawa. He spent the final years of his career teaching Intermediate Math and Science at Lester B. Pearson Catholic High School until his retirement in 2017.

Beyond his professional achievements, Abayomi is a cornerstone of the Nigerian community in Ottawa. He co-founded the Isokan Yoruba of Ottawa Association and established the Global Community Alliance (GCA) in 2009. The GCA is renowned for its annual gala and award ceremony during Black History Month, celebrating the efforts of individuals and businesses making a difference in their communities. The event recognizes achievements in community building, professional and business success, and youth contributions.

The Omanye Royal Kingdom, known for its commitment to unity, empowerment, and community development, found a perfect match in Abayomi’s work. Her Royal Majesty Queen Vickylextar’s dedication to honouring community members who invest in the growth and development of their peers, especially the youth, is evident in this award. Omanye’s mission aligns with Abayomi’s vision of uplifting and supporting diverse communities through recognition and celebration of their contributions.

Abayomi’s GCA was inspired by his desire to revive a gala tradition from Black History Ottawa. When no one stepped up to continue it, he took the initiative to establish the GCA as a platform for giving back to the community and recognizing those who do the same. His connections as a former teacher led to the inclusion of a youth category, highlighting the importance of empowering the next generation.

Now retired, Abayomi continues to impact the community through seminars on Youth Empowerment, Financial Literacy Enhancement, and Goal-Oriented Personal Development. His commitment to sharing knowledge and fostering growth embodies the spirit of the Omanye Royal Kingdom.

The 2024 Omanye Community Award not only honours Moses Abayomi Pratt’s lifelong dedication to service but also reinforces the values of unity and community development that the Omanye Royal Kingdom champions. His story is a testament to the profound impact one individual can have on their community, inspiring others to follow in his footsteps.