Thousands of Rwandans and international guests gathered at Kinigi in Musanze District to celebrate the 20th annual Gorilla Naming Ceremony (#KwitaIzina), a landmark event dedicated to wildlife conservation and cultural awareness. During this year’s ceremony, names were given to 40 baby gorillas from 15 families — a significant milestone in Rwanda’s conservation efforts.
Recognized globally, the #KwitaIzina ceremony is one of Rwanda’s most celebrated cultural and conservation events. Each year, renowned international figures and conservationists are invited to name baby gorillas, helping to foster awareness and sustainable tourism. The ceremony showcases Rwanda’s dedication to safeguarding mountain gorillas and the environment.
This year’s ceremony featured prominent name-givers, including Nigerian superstar Yemi Alade, a Grammy-nominated artist known for her passion for humanitarian causes. Joining her was Reed Oppenheimer, founder of the Reed Jules Oppenheimer Foundation, contributing to sustainable development and social welfare. Sang-Hyup Kim, the Director-General of the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI), also took part, highlighting initiatives in sustainable economic growth and environmental protection.
Camille Rebelo, CEO of EcoPlanet Bamboo, brought her expertise in forest conservation to inspire the event, while David S. Marriott, CEO of Marriott International, represented the global hospitality industry as another dedicated name-giver.
Other notable personalities included Susan Chin, Deputy Director of the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), and renowned sports stars Javier Pastore, former PSG player, and Mathieu Flamini, former Arsenal midfielder, representing their commitment to wildlife preservation.
The #KwitaIzina20 ceremony was honored by distinguished Rwandan leaders such as First Lady Jeannette Kagame, Prime Minister Dr. Justin Nsegiyumva, and Minister of Local Government Dominique Habimana, emphasizing the national importance of the event.
Enriching the celebrations, Rwanda’s top artists, including Bruce Melodie, Ariel Wayz, Kivumbi King, and Chriss Eazy, delivered vibrant performances that thrilled the attendees and added a joyous atmosphere to this iconic event.