Standing an imposing six feet, nine inches, Nigerian Bakare Mubarak is determined to be a giant in African commerce. A model who excelled in high fashion, his promise as an entrepreneur has been recognized by various organizations throughout that continent.
The latest acknowledgement comes from the Most Important People of African Descent (MIPAD) which named him in its persons to watch Under 40. MIPAD “highlights individuals, organizations and governments who have distinguished themselves in the advancement of people of African descent worldwide.”
Bakare, designated a Youth Ambassador by the African Achievers Award, is founder of Expedition 54 Limited, an investment company that focuses on building economic ties on the continent; and BILATERAL, which promotes African arts, culture and media.
The MIPAD recognition, he stated, is significant.
“It was a very great feeling, I was so humbled. But then I thought it was yet another wake-up call, to keep being more impactful in the grand scheme of things,” said Bakare. He added that, “My perception about it is that it just simply means that I am doing something significant and the world is watching and I appreciate the fact that I was found worthy to have been bestowed the honor.”
MIPAD was established by Nigerian Kamil Olufowobi in 2015, when the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 2015-24 the International Decade For People of African Descent. Since 2017, MIPAD has recognized the accomplishments of persons with African heritage in areas of commerce, international relations, innovation and governance.
Bakare believes MIPAD cited his rounded contributions.
“I think that has to be how strategic and how meticulously I have been able to fuse fashion and modeling, art, culture and tourism together; leveraging all of these and my unique status, to promote and uphold the African culture and portray Africa in a good light, contrary to popular beliefs,” he said.
From September 20-22, MIPAD will honor its awardees in New York, during its Most Influential 100 Recognition Week 2024.
