NIGERIA: President Tinubu Honoured with Lifetime Africa Achievement Prize In Ghana

By Ameenat Hamzat, Lagos, Nigeria

Nigerian president Bola Ahmed Tinubu has been conferred with the Lifetime Africa Achievement Prize by the Millennium Excellence Foundation during its 25th anniversary celebration, held at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi, Ghana.

The event, which took place on Saturday night, recognised outstanding African leaders and institutions whose contributions have significantly advanced development across the continent.

President Tinubu was represented by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, who received the award on his behalf.

According to a statement released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, President Tinubu expressed appreciation to the Life Patron of the Millennium Excellence Foundation, His Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene, for the invitation and for hosting the ceremony.

He described the award as a reflection of the values of honour, integrity, service, and excellence, which he said were central to Africa’s developmental aspirations.

The President acknowledged the foundation’s longstanding commitment to recognising individuals and institutions making a significant impact on the continent, noting that the award has, since its inception in 1988, celebrated figures who have helped shape Africa’s progress.

He lauded previous recipients, including the late Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Professor Wole Soyinka, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, and businessman Dr. Mo Ibrahim, stating that their legacies have served as sources of inspiration for generations of Africans.

In his address, President Tinubu called on young Africans to take ownership of the continent’s future by engaging actively in science, technology, governance, entrepreneurship, education, and the arts.

He reiterated his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which he said is designed to foster inclusive growth, transform lives, and strengthen Nigeria’s role in regional integration and leadership.

The President further urged the gathering to remain committed to inspiring excellence and fostering collaboration across African borders, stressing the need to invest in youth and uphold leadership that is grounded in service.

Other notable Nigerians honoured at the ceremony include President of the African Export-Import Bank (AFREXIM), Dr. Benedict Oramah, who received the Global Intra-Africa Trade Excellence Award; Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, who was awarded the Lifetime Africa Achievement Prize for Governance and Public Service; Founder and Chairman of BUA Group, Alhaji Abdul Samad Rabiu, who was recognised for African Excellence in Business; and Chief Dumo Lulu-Briggs, who received an award for African Traditional Leadership and Business Excellence.

The ceremony was part of the Millennium Excellence Foundation’s mission to promote good governance, business leadership, and societal impact across the African continent.