President Bola Tinubu has been conferred with the prestigious Lifetime African Achievement Award by the Millennium Excellence Foundation, a Ghana-based organisation committed to recognising excellence across the continent, according to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
Receiving the award as Special Guest of Honour at the Foundation’s 25th anniversary celebration in Kumasi, Ghana, President Tinubu was represented by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu.
In his acceptance remarks, Tinubu expressed appreciation to the patron of the Foundation, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene, for the honour and the successful hosting of the event. He lauded the Foundation’s commitment to celebrating individuals who embody the values of honour, integrity, service, and excellence.
“I commend the visionaries who have sustained this institution over the past 25 years,” Tinubu said. “It is commendable to see Africa’s luminaries—such as the late Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Prof. Wole Soyinka, President Cyril Ramaphosa, and Dr Mo Ibrahim—recognised for their contributions to the continent.”
The President used the platform to urge African youth to rise with courage and contribute to building a more united, peaceful, and prosperous continent. He highlighted the importance of engaging in fields such as science, technology, education, governance, entrepreneurship, and the arts.
Tinubu also emphasised the need for greater collaboration among African nations, encouraging the Foundation to continue fostering leadership, excellence, and youth empowerment across borders.
He noted that since its inception in 1988, the Millennium Excellence Awards have served as a beacon of inspiration, recognising individuals dedicated to Africa’s development—a mission that aligns closely with Nigeria’s aspirations and those of the broader African community.
Other distinguished honorees at the event included Dr. Benedict Oramah, President and Chairman of the African Export-Import Bank (AFREXIM), who received the Global Intra-African Trade Excellence Award; Akwa Ibom State Governor Pastor Umo Eno, awarded the Lifetime Achievement Prize for Governance and Public Service; Alhaji AbdulSamad Rabiu, Founder and Chairman of BUA Group, honoured for Excellence in Business; and Mr. Dumo Lulu-Briggs, who received recognition for African Traditional Leadership and Business Excellence.
congrats