President Bola Tinubu receives the Lifetime African Achievement Award from the Millennium Excellence Foundation in Ghana, recognized for his contributions to the continent

[dropcap]P[/dropcap]resident Bola Tinubu has been awarded the prestigious Lifetime African Achievement Award by the Millennium Excellence Foundation, a Ghana-based organization.

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The award was presented during the 25th anniversary celebration of the Millennium Excellence Prize in Kumasi, Ghana.

President Tinubu, represented by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Amb. Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, expressed his gratitude to the Foundation’s patron, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, Asantehene, for the invitation and the successful organization of the event.

In his acceptance speech, President Tinubu commended the Foundation for its vision and dedication over the past 25 years.

He highlighted the organization’s commitment to honoring integrity, service, and excellence, and its role in celebrating individuals whose contributions have positively impacted the African continent.

“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,” President Tinubu stated.

Specifically, the organisers for identifying and celebrating Africa’s shining lights, individuals whose lives and work had lifted the continent and inspired generations.

“Specifically, the organisers for identifying and celebrating Africa’s shining lights, individuals whose lives and work had lifted the continent and inspired generations.”

He also acknowledged the Foundation’s recognition of other esteemed figures, including the late Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Prof. Wole Soyinka, President Cyril Ramaphosa, and Dr. Mo Ibrahim.

President Tinubu called on the younger generation of Africans to actively contribute to the continent’s unity, peace, and prosperity, particularly in areas such as science, technology, education, governance, entrepreneurship, and the arts.

He emphasized the importance of collaboration among African nations to shape their shared destiny.

He urged the Millennium Excellence Foundation to continue inspiring excellence, promoting leadership with service, and investing in youth to foster cross-border collaboration.

“The award ceremony, from inception in 1988, remained a beacon of inspiration and recognition across the continent,” he noted.

“Its mission of identifying, celebrating and supporting those who had distinguished themselves in the pursuit of African development resonated deeply with the aspirations of Nigeria and indeed, all African nations.”

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Other notable recipients at the event included Dr. Benedict Oramah, President/Chairman of the African Export-Import Bank (AFREXIM), who received the Global Intra-African Trade Excellence in Africa award; Pastor Umo Eno, Governor of Akwa Ibom State, honored with the Lifetime Africa Achievement Prize for Governance and Public Service; Alhaji AbdulSamad Rabiu, Founder/Chairman of BUA Group, recognized for African Excellence in Business; and Mr. Dumo Lulu-Briggs, awarded for African Traditional Leadership and Business Excellence.