The Trumpet newspaper, has won the prestigious award for 'Best African Business' at the first People Earnestly Working for Africa Award (PEWA), courtesy of the Greater London Authority (GLA), City Hall and the Africa21 charity.

The Trumpet newspaper is currently the widest circulating black publication in Britain according to the Audit Bureau of Circulation (ABC). The event was held to recognise the achievement of distinguished Africans in the UK.

On receiving his PEWA award, Mr 'Femi Okutubo joked about the strange feeling of being at the receiving end of an award as opposed to giving them out at the Gathering of Africa's Best ceremony - an annual high-profile event which celebrates the achievement of distinguished people of African decent.

Offering words of encouragement to other African businesses he said: "African businesses should persevere in whatever they do. The road to this point has not been an easy one, but I think that God has given us that strength to persevere. As long as one perseveres and one does not cut corners, there's light at the end of the tunnel."

The Trumpet newspaper OFFICIALLY became the widest circulating black publication in Britain last year, according to the Audit Bureau of Circulations (ABC), surpassing both The Voice and New Nation in numbers circulated and distributed.

The PEWA awards recognise the contributions of a diverse range of UK-based organisations - including hometown associations, alumni associations, faith groups, professional associations, youth groups, community organisations - to Africa's development. These are the unsung heroines and heroes of African agency.

The award ceremony took place on 3rd July 2004.