A Night of Triumph: Heroes and Hope Shine at the 11th Bikila Awards
The 11th Bikila Awards Gala was an electrifying celebration filled with heartfelt inspiration, solidifying its status as one of the most uplifting community events of the year. Held on September 20, 2025, at the Daniels Spectrum in Toronto, the atmosphere buzzed with excitement as leaders, change-makers, and visionaries gathered to honor excellence and legacy.
Hosted by the dynamic duo Dr. Alpha Abebe and Teferi Kassa, the evening was ignited by a motivational keynote from Professor Getachew Engida, whose message of unity and purpose deeply resonated with attendees. The audience gave standing ovations as posthumous honoree Laureate Tsegaye Gebremedhin was remembered for his profound impact on modern Ethiopian literature—a moment beautifully acknowledged by his daughters Yodit and Mahlet. Mahlet read one of Tsegaye's poems about the Olympic hero Abebe Bikila, perfectly suiting the occasion.
The applause was thunderous for Dr. Debrework Zewdie, who received the Lifetime Achievement Award for her courageous contributions to global health that continue to save lives worldwide.
The hall was filled with awe and gratitude as Engineer Gedion Asfaw, a key figure in water management, was recognized for his role in the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, coinciding with the completion of its construction. Medical heroes Dr. Obsinet Merid, Dr. Tesfaye Telila, and Dr. Thomas Bogale were also honored for their transformative work in healthcare and humanitarian service. Dr. Tesfaye Telila’s personal journey and compassion captivated the audience.
The crowd erupted with pride as Dr. Mulu Geletu took the stage, inspiring youth through her unmatched mentorship. Entrepreneur Milkyas Tefera was praised for driving business success while uplifting others through philanthropy and community support. Young leaders Gelila Geremew and Robel Adugna, along with Academic Excellence and Scholarship Award recipients Nardos Wakjira and Hana Fikru, represented a hopeful future that everyone cheered for. Essete Makonnen is the winner of the 2025 Bikila Academic Excellence.
Social media was alive with posts and stories across Instagram and X, capturing the fashion, performances, and joyful reunions that extended late into the night. One clear message resonated: the 11th Bikila Awards Gala was a dazzling tribute to heritage, hope, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.
We extend our gratitude to our sponsors, Ethiopian Airlines, (Diamond Sponsor), Soul Enriching Foods (Gold Sponsor) served delicious food, Stony Creek Dental Village Dental (Silver Sponsor), Tekle Laws, and YBM Distribution (Event Sponsors).
We also thank our local media partners, Berhan TV, Addis Kignet, and Ethio Fidel and Ron Fanfair for a wonderful coverage.
Special thanks to our talented photographers and videographers —Abraham Samy Amanuel, Berhanu Tecklemichael, Dawit Tibebu and videographer Wondwossen Guessese. Thank you to Anteneh Feleke for his support as DJ.
Thank you to all attendees for your outstanding commitment and encouragement it wouldn't be successful without your participation. Specially for those who came all the way from far, from Ethiopia, France, England, New York, Florida, Houston, Denver, Virginia, Montreal, Ottawa, London, and Kitchener.
Lastly, we appreciate our volunteers; this event would not have been successful without their dedicated support.