Millennium Excellence Foundation (MEF) has chosen President Goodluck Jonathan for its 2014 Lifetime Africa Achievement Prize for Leadership (LAAP). The award is for National Cohesion and Stability In Africa.
The award ceremony was held on Friday in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State capital.
Chairman of the Millennium Excellence Foundation, Ambassador Ashim Morton, said that the organization has certain standards for recognizing and rewarding meritorious achievements.
According to him, the organization was established 15 years ago in Ghana to recognise Africa’s most distinguished and highest prize honour. The award celebrates Africans that have distinguished themselves through making positive impact on the lives of fellow Africans. The Foundation has Ambassador Ashim Morton as the Chairman, while Mr. James Victor Gbeho is the President.
Others in the 2014 LAAP laureates are the Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, Asantehene of Ghana for Traditional Governance in Africa; Dr. Check Modibo Diarra for science research in Africa; Professor Calestous Juma for Food security, Argo processing and development and quality; Navanethem “Navi” Pillay, for humanitarianism and equity; Jay Naidoo for democratic governance and development; Tony O. Elumelu for Sustainable development in Africa; Tidjane Thiam for Action for Africa; Folorunsho Alakija for Action for Africa; Dr. Manilal Premchand Chandaria for economic development in Africa; Jim Ovia for Economic development in Africa; Donald Kaberuka for Nation building and African leadership; Ashish J. Thakkar for entrepreneurial excellence in Africa; Amadou Mahtar Ba for media development in Africa; Haile Gebrselassie for black star of Africa and Didier Drogba for black star of Africa.
President Jonathan was represented at the occasion by Vice President Mohammed Namadi Sambo, who said that greater cohesion amongst the African countries is key towards stemming developmental challenges.
According to him, unity among fellow African countries would not only help stabilize the continent, even as he said that Nigeria stands for the ideals of Pan-Africanism.
“No matter how independent we may be as individual African States, the truth is, we are indeed more interdependent than we so often realize. We are one people from the womb of one Africa! Whatever affects one may affect the other positively or negatively.”
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