Wema Bank has unveiled the GAH Elite Club Black Card for the forthcoming 13th GAH Awards and Business Summit, with organisers describing it as a major step in expanding the platform’s influence across governance, enterprise and creative sectors on the continent, The PUNCH reports.

The summit, scheduled for 12 December at Eko Hotels and Suites in Lagos, is expected to attract high-profile figures including Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal, the Ooni of Ife Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Air Peace Chief Executive Allen Onyema, RAEC Managing Director Anthony Attah, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development Festus Keyamo, President of Women Arise for Change Initiative Joe Okei-Odumakin, Minister of Interior Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, human rights advocate Femi Falana and the Special Adviser on Works to the Governor of Lagos State, Odekunle Olayinka.

Convener of the awards, Princess Oghene, described the launch at the press conference held to open preparations for the event on Monday as the beginning of a new phase in the platform’s ambition to build a continental network that drives innovation, inclusion and sustainable growth.

She said the theme, “Africa Reimagined: Innovation, Inclusion and Sustainable Growth”, reflected the need to think beyond present limitations and embrace the continent’s economic and creative potential.

She said, “The 13th edition of the GAH Awards and Business Summit stands as a reaffirmation of our vision to build a Pan-African platform where leaders, innovators, enterprise builders and policy shapers converge to exchange ideas, inspire transformation and elevate the standards of excellence across sectors.”

She added that what began as a recognition platform had grown into a movement supporting empowerment initiatives across Africa. She said this year’s edition represented an elevation, with conversations expected to shape policy, business and social progress.

Oghene said a major highlight of the event would be the unveiling of the GAH Elite Club Black Card, powered by Mastercard and Wema Bank.

She said the card would offer global financial and hospitality benefits while granting complimentary access to all flagship GAH events. She added that the product was designed to connect members to a network of chief executives, policymakers, entrepreneurs and innovators.

“It is more than a financial asset. It is a gateway to influence, visibility and strategic opportunity. As we build toward December, I extend a call to institutions, governments, development agencies and corporate brands to partner with us. Reimagining Africa requires platforms that amplify voices, connect industries, empower communities and strengthen institutional capacity,” she said.

She expressed appreciation to partners, sponsors, board members and the media for their commitment to the GAH vision and said she looked forward to the impact of this year’s edition.

Alongside Oghene, guests at the event included Ceed Academy Chief Executive Ajibola Bamidele, Managing Director of The Luxury Network Nigeria Dr. Samuel Abiola Jacobs, Saalt Spa and Wellness founder Vandana Kaushal, Exquisite Magazine and Eloy Awards Foundation founder Dr. Tewa Onasanya and financial expert Grace Ofure.

Speaking on expectations of the awards for stakeholders, Ofure said the initiative sought to elevate Africa’s narrative through creativity and opportunity.

“This is Africa. We are writing not just for people to take things away but to show what has been put together through creativity and without burden. We are going to ensure that there is a guide who is going to help you,” she said.

“Finance and innovation, skills and opportunity, policy execution and local talent to global markets. We are taking local talent to global markets because only Africans can help Africa, and many Africans are already global. We are identifying local talent and making sure they become global talent.”

Ofure said the quantity of content and engagement expected this year would reflect the platform’s mission to tell Africa’s story with clarity and purpose.