Thisday awards Honoured MTV's Alex okosi

Alex Okosi, Senior Vice President and Managing Director, MTV Networks Africa, has been honoured by the editors of Thisday newspaper for his contribution to Nigerian arts and culture.

Nigerian-born Okosi, who heads up the African business operation of MTV Networks International’s Emerging Markets division, was declared one of Thisday's 2011 "New Champions for an Enduring Culture”.  The awards ceremony, now in its 16th year, recognises Nigerians who have played a key role in launching Nigeria onto the global stage through arts and culture. 

Okosi received his award in Nigeria on Friday night from the former Governor of California, Arnold Schwarzenegger, in the presence of guest of honour, President Bill Clinton.  Other recipients recognized at the same time include Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie (author), Chiwetel Ejiofor (actor) and Innocent Idibia a.k.a.2face (musician). 

Okosi, 36, fulfilled a long-held dream by launching a dedicated MTV channel for Africa (MTV base) in 2005, followed by Nickelodeon Africa – a channel for African kids and parents - in 2008.  Under Okosi’s stewardship, MTV Networks Africa has grown into a fully-fledged multi-platform network reaching more than 90 million viewers across Africa.

A champion of African youth-culture and music, Okosi achieved another personal and MTV milestone in 2008 by launching the MTV Africa Music Awards.      

Dedicating the award to his parents, Okosi said: “My heartfelt thanks to Thisday's editors for selecting me for this great award - I am honoured to receive it and to stand in such illustrious company.  As a Nigerian I am proud to have played my part in putting Nigerian arts and culture on the global map.  My role at MTV Networks Africa has provided me with the opportunity to demonstrate my passion for promoting African youth and music culture and to show the world what Africa can offer.  I believe the future of our continent rests on its young people, and I will continue to champion their talent.”