President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has been honoured with the prestigious Lifetime African Achievement Award by the Millennium Excellence Foundation at a grand ceremony held in Kumasi, Ghana.
According to a report by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday, the award was presented to Tinubu during the 25th anniversary celebration of the Millennium Excellence Prize, where he was represented by Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu.
In his acceptance speech delivered by Odumegwu-Ojukwu, President Tinubu expressed his gratitude to the Patron of the Foundation, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene, for the honour and the successful hosting of the ceremony. He commended the organisers for their unwavering commitment to promoting values such as honour, integrity, service, and excellence.
“I salute the visionaries who have nurtured this institution for a quarter of a century and also celebrate the values of honour, integrity, service, and excellence that underpin its work,” Tinubu stated.
He praised the Foundation for recognising and celebrating Africa’s shining lights—individuals whose work has inspired generations and contributed significantly to the continent’s growth.
He noted the legacy of honouring iconic figures such as the late Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Nobel Laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, and philanthropist Dr Mo Ibrahim.
Addressing the youth of Africa, Tinubu called on them to rise with courage and contribute meaningfully to building a more united, peaceful, and prosperous continent. He stressed the need for innovation and leadership in science, technology, education, governance, entrepreneurship, and the arts.
He urged Africans to work together to shape a shared destiny and encouraged the Millennium Excellence Foundation to continue its mission of inspiring excellence and investing in young people.
“Let us always work together in shaping our shared destiny. The Millennium Excellence Foundation must continue to inspire excellence, uphold values of leadership through service, and invest in youth as the bridge to a better Africa,” he said.
President Tinubu also highlighted that the award, first established in 1988, remains a beacon of inspiration and recognition across the continent.
He noted that the Foundation’s mission resonates deeply with Nigeria’s aspirations and those of other African nations striving for sustainable development and unity.
Other notable recipients at the event included the President and Chairman of the African Export-Import Bank (AFREXIM), Dr Benedict Oramah, who received the Global Intra-African Trade Excellence Award.
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, was honoured with the Lifetime Africa Achievement Prize for Governance and Public Service. The Founder and Chairman of BUA Group, Alhaji AbdulSamad Rabiu, received the award for African Excellence in Business. Additionally, Mr Dumo Lulu-Briggs was recognised for his contribution to African Traditional Leadership and Business Excellence.
The ceremony, attended by dignitaries and leaders from across Africa, reaffirmed the continent’s dedication to acknowledging excellence and nurturing leadership that inspires growth, unity, and positive change.
NAN