President Tinubu’s Recognition and Call for African Unity at Millennium Excellence Awards
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of Nigeria was bestowed with the prestigious Lifetime African Achievement Award by the Millennium Excellence Foundation, Ghana, marking another milestone in his distinguished career. The award ceremony, held in Kumasi, Ghana, commemorated the foundation’s 25th anniversary and celebrated individuals who have significantly contributed to the betterment of the African continent. President Tinubu, represented by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, expressed his profound gratitude to the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the patron of the foundation, for the invitation and lauded the organization’s commitment to recognizing excellence across Africa.
The President’s acceptance speech underscored the importance of acknowledging and celebrating individuals who have dedicated their lives to uplifting the continent. He paid tribute to past recipients of the award, including Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Professor Wole Soyinka, President Cyril Ramaphosa, and Dr. Mo Ibrahim, emphasizing their immense contributions to various fields. He highlighted the significance of their work as an inspiration for future generations and a testament to the potential of African leadership.
Addressing the youth of Africa, President Tinubu issued a clarion call for them to actively participate in shaping the continent’s future. He urged them to embrace courage and contribute their talents in areas such as science, technology, education, governance, entrepreneurship, and the arts. He emphasized the need for unity and collaboration among African nations to achieve shared prosperity and progress. The President’s message resonated with the audience, emphasizing the importance of intergenerational dialogue and youth empowerment in driving Africa’s transformation.
The Millennium Excellence Awards ceremony also recognized other distinguished individuals who have made remarkable contributions in their respective fields. Dr. Benedict Oramah, President/Chairman of the African Export-Import Bank (AFREXIM), received the Global Intra-African Trade Excellence in Africa Award for his instrumental role in promoting trade and economic development within the continent. Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria, was honored with the Lifetime Africa Achievement Prize for Governance and Public Service, acknowledging his dedication to public service and good governance. Alhaji AbdulSamad Rabiu, Founder/Chairman of BUA Group, received the African Excellence in Business Award for his entrepreneurial achievements and contributions to the African economy. Mr. Dumo Lulu-Briggs was awarded the African Traditional Leadership and Business Excellence Award, recognizing his leadership and contributions to both traditional institutions and the business world.
The event, which has been held since 1988, has consistently served as a platform to recognize and celebrate individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and contributed to Africa’s development. The Millennium Excellence Foundation’s mission aligns with the aspirations of African nations to promote growth, development, and progress across the continent. The awards presented highlight the diverse contributions of individuals from different sectors, showcasing the potential for transformative change within Africa.
President Tinubu’s recognition with the Lifetime African Achievement Award serves as a testament to his continued commitment to the betterment of the African continent. His call for unity, collaboration, and youth engagement emphasizes the importance of collective efforts in achieving sustainable development and progress. The Millennium Excellence Awards ceremony, with its focus on recognizing and celebrating outstanding individuals, reinforces the message of hope and potential for a brighter future for Africa. The diverse range of awardees further underlines the multifaceted nature of progress and the importance of contributions from all sectors of society.
