Alex Okosi’s First Major Project At YouTube Was A Huge Success, Here Is Proof
Barely five months after joinin YouTube as Managing Director of Emerging Markets in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, Alex Okosi has proven that there is no ocean too deep for his fish to swim.
Delivering his first major project at YouTube – The Africa Day Benefit Concert – on Monday May 25, 2020, Okosi has made it impossible for anyone to argue that his first five months have not been an extraordinary success.
Coming onboard at a time of uncertainty when the world is fighting a common and unseen enemy, Okosi has once again shown that being an innovative business leader is much more than making motivational speeches but taking bold actions that will add value to the society and position the organisation as a responsible global leader.
He could have folded his arms and blame his inaction on the pandemic, but he is turning challenges into opportunities to deliver dynamic and innovative contents to audiences in their homes.
It is not surprising that in partnership with ViacomCBS, YouTube delivered the first of its kind and biggest virtual concert that brought together Africans from different parts of the world to raise their voices against COVID-19 which is altering life across the world and also raise funds for the vulnerable members of the society.
The Africa Day is an annual celebration of the successes of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) now the African Union (AU) from its creation on May 25, 1963, in the fight against colonialism. The 2020 celebration was incorporated into the present global pandemic to raise funds that will go to the World Food Program and UNICEF supporting communities affected by coronavirus across Africa.
Speaking on his appointment in February 2020, Okosi had said “YouTube is a game-changing platform that plays an increasingly important role in our lives today through the dynamic content and innovation that it delivers”. The important role YouTube plays in our daily lives was brought to fore on Monday, as several music stars like Benin’s Angelique Kidjo; Nigeria’s Yemi Alade, Teni, Timi Dakolo, Cobhams Asuquo, Niniola, Rema, Adekunle Gold, Tiwa Savage, Reekado Banks, Seun Anikulapo-Kuti, Burna Boy; Ghana’s Stonebwoy; Kenya’s Sauti Sol; Togo’s musical group Toofan; South Africa’s AKA, Sho Madjozi, DJ Maphorisa and Kabza De Small; Uganda’s Bebe Cool; Tanzania’s Nandy; Senegal’s Ismael Lo among many others thrilled over 50,000 viewers to live music concert for two hours on YouTube.
The concert was hosted by Idris Elba, a COVID-19 survivor himself, no one else could have told the story better than Elba who won the battle against the deadly virus. Other African acts like Angelique Kidjo, Trevor Noah, Falz, Jamaican singer Sean Paul, Ludacris, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, among others interjected the show with messages of hope and better enlightened the people about the pandemic. Aside from entertainment, this will go a long way in dispelling the many fake news and conspiracy theories circulating on the internet about the virus.
Before COVID-19, Africa has been battling several humanitarian crises, the pandemic if not well managed would make it worse. Ramaphosa in his opening remark painted a bleak picture of how the pandemic will impact Africa. “Though we are all affected, it is poor countries who will suffer the most,” he said. “Poor countries whose health systems are underdeveloped and have limited resources would be the hardest hit.”
He went further to highlight how funds raised from the concert would help the continent during these difficult times.
Rammaphosa said “The social relief that is needed to support men, women and children across Africa is extensive, the money raised from this Benefit Concert would make the world of difference in the lives of those who need it most”.
Commending the noble initiative and its impact for those at the frontline of combating COVID-19 in Africa, the South African President said “the positive message of today’s concert is being felt in homes across the continent and the world. You have lifted our spirit and indeed infused us with strength and courage to continue in this fight”.
With this giant step, it is clear that Okosi is already ticking the right boxes and applying the magic wand that made him stand out in his previous roles. Should he continue on this pedestal, there is no stopping Alex Okosi. Just the way he left a huge footprint at ViacomCBS after his exit in January, his success at YouTube will be so magnificent.
