The Metropolitan Senior Pastor of all House on the Rock Churches, Paul Adefarasin, was honoured with the Forbes Best of Africa Leadership Award 2023 at the Forbes media annual awards ceremony in New York City, United States. He was one of the few African leaders who were recognized by the magazine for their outstanding achievements and contributions to the continent.
Paul Adefarasin
The Forbes Best of Africa Leadership Award 2023 celebrates Paul Adefarasin’s vision and leadership in transforming lives and communities in Africa. He is the founder and president of The Rock Foundation, a charity that provides health care, education, and empowerment to the poor and vulnerable. He is also the host of ‘The Experience‘, the world’s largest gospel concert that showcases both local and international gospel artists.
Paul Adefarasin is also the convener of the globally renowned Word Conference, Spirit Life Conference, The African Praise Experience (aka TAPE) and many more. The 2023 edition of the Spirit Life Conference is billed to begin on Thursday 28th, September 2023. The conference has an array of seasoned speakers including Dallas’ Bishop T.D. Jakes, his daughter, Sarah Jakes Roberts, Ghanaian pastor and scholar, Pastor Mensa Otabil and many others.
Back in 2021, Paul Adefarasin received the Forbes’ Best of Africa Most Influential Personality of the Year Award. See the details here.
Paul Adefarasin expressed his gratitude and humility in accepting the prestigious award from the Forbes organization and the selection committee. He said he was deeply honoured and profoundly humbled to receive the award, which he dedicated to God and to his mentors, family, friends, and church members. He also pledged to continue to lead with excellence, integrity, and compassion.
Read his acceptance speech below.
“I am thrilled to share that I have been honored with the Forbes Best of Africa award for 2023! This recognition is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team, and I am truly grateful to Forbes for this prestigious acknowledgment.
I would also like to extend my heartfelt appreciation to @stephbusari , a daughter of the house, for graciously accepting the award on my behalf at the event in New York City. This award holds a special place in my heart as, in my acceptance speech (read the full transcript on my Facebook page – Paul Adefarasin)
Leadership, as we know, is not a solitary endeavor. It is a collaborative journey where each step is guided by the values, principles, and the vision from The LORD that has brought us this far. I am humbled by the opportunity to lead and contribute to the well-being of our communities, and I am grateful for the platform that this award has provided to further amplify our mission.
This recognition is not just a personal achievement but a testament to the collective efforts of an incredible team at the Rock Foundation and the @houseontherockchurch, including my wife, @ifeanyiadefarasin , and my family. Their unwavering support, commitment, and belief in our shared vision have been instrumental in achieving this milestone. Together, we have strived to make a positive impact in the lives of others, guided by the values and principles that have brought us this far.
I am deeply grateful and look forward to continuing this journey of leadership and service with renewed passion and determination. So help me God.”
Paul Adefarasin was represented at the ceremony by Stephanie Busari, a journalist and editor at CNN Africa. She congratulated him on behalf of Forbes and presented him with the award plaque. She also praised him for his remarkable leadership and impact on Africa.
Other honorees of the Forbes award include:
Jean Lengo Ledya (DR Congo) – “Best of Africa Entrepreneur of the year” (2023),
Khalil al Americani (CEO, VODACOM, DR Congo) – “Best of Africa Leading and Diversity” (2023)
Tim Viera (CEO, Brave Generations, Angola) – “Best of Africa Influencers of the Year” (2023)
Henri Wazne, (CEO, Sofibanque, DR Congo) – “Best of Africa Game Changer Leadership Award” (2023)