As Black History Month continues in Scotland, Heriot-Watt University, in collaboration with the FJSS Group, has highlighted the importance of celebrating diversity and fostering community engagement by honoring AI leader Abel Aboh and 99 other influential individuals. The event aimed to recognize the impactful contributions of community leaders and role models of African and Caribbean descent.
FJSS Group, a grassroots organization dedicated to championing racial equality and diversity within the Scottish justice system, hosted the event under the banner “100PLUS,” which acknowledged 100 individuals for their significant roles in advocating for the Black African-Caribbean community in Scotland.
Among the honorees, Abel Aboh stood out for his leadership in data management and artificial intelligence (AI), as well as his commitment to empowering Black communities in Scotland. His inclusion among the recognized individuals highlights his contributions not only in his professional field but also in promoting greater inclusion and opportunities for people of African descent across the United Kingdom. Aboh has become a respected role model and an inspiration for many aspiring professionals both in the UK and Nigeria.
Expressing his gratitude, Aboh stated, “I am really humbled and grateful to Heriot-Watt University and FJSS Group for this recognition. To the person(s) who nominated me, thank you, because I was not aware, so I am pleasantly surprised. Congratulations to everyone on the list and others not mentioned too, for their incredible contributions in shaping our communities in Scotland and across the United Kingdom. What a privilege it is, because people make Scotland.”
This recognition follows several prestigious honors Aboh has received in recent years. In June 2023, Nigeria’s President Bola Ahmed Tinubu congratulated Aboh on his appointment to the Board of The Data Lab Scotland, recognizing his outstanding contributions to data, AI, and the global technology landscape. This commendation from President Tinubu was a proud moment for Nigeria, showcasing the significant strides its citizens are making internationally.
Additionally, Honourable Dr. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), awarded Aboh the “Diaspora of the Moment” title, celebrating his achievements and contributions to elevating Nigeria’s image abroad.