From Aidoghie Paulinus, Abuja
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has urged Africa’s next generation, particularly in science, technology, education, governance, entrepreneurship, and the arts, to rise courageously and contribute to a united, peaceful, and prosperous continent.
Represented by Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Tinubu spoke as the special guest of honour at the 25th anniversary of the Millennium Excellence Prize on Saturday night at Manhyia Palace, Kumasi, Ghana.
In a statement issued by Magnus Eze, Special Assistant on Communication and New Media to Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Tinubu emphasized his Renewed Hope Agenda, which aims to transform lives, foster inclusive growth, and position Nigeria as a cornerstone of regional integration and leadership. He called on attendees to inspire excellence, uphold leadership with service, invest in youth, and champion cross-border collaboration.
Tinubu praised the Life Patron of the Millennium Excellence Foundation, His Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, Asantehene, for hosting the event and extending the invitation. He lauded the foundation, founded in 1998, for its mission to celebrate African development. “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,” he said.
He commended the foundation for honoring luminaries like Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Professor Wole Soyinka, President Cyril Ramaphosa, and Dr. Mo Ibrahim, noting their contributions as inspirations for generations. “It is no small achievement to have honoured such illustrious figures,” Tinubu said. He congratulated the foundation, its patron, and all laureates.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu accepted the Lifetime Africa Achievement Prize on Tinubu’s behalf. Other Nigerians honored included Benedict Oramah of AFREXIM Bank (Global Intra-Africa Trade Excellence), Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom (Lifetime Africa Achievement Prize for Governance and Public Service), Abdul Samad Rabiu of BUA Group (African Excellence in Business), and Dumo Lulu-Briggs (African Traditional Leadership and Business Excellence).