Tinubu Urges African Youth to Rise with Courage, Champion a United and Prosperous Continent.
By Caroline Ameh
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on the next generation of Africans to rise with courage and actively contribute to building a united, peaceful, and prosperous continent.
Tinubu’s message was delivered on Saturday night at the 25th Anniversary of the Millennium Excellence Prize held at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi, Ghana, where he was the special guest of honour.
Represented by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, President Tinubu emphasized the importance of African unity and collaboration in achieving shared development goals.
“Africans must continue to work together in shaping their shared destiny,” he said, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to transformative governance under the Renewed Hope Agenda. According to him, the agenda is designed to foster inclusive growth and establish Nigeria as a key pillar of regional integration and leadership.
The remarks were disclosed in a statement signed by Magnus Eze, Special Assistant on Communication and New Media, Office of the Honourable Minister of State for Foreign Affairs.
President Tinubu urged leaders and stakeholders present at the ceremony to invest in Africa’s youth, uphold the values of leadership through service, and promote cross-border collaboration. He lauded the role of the Millennium Excellence Foundation in recognizing and inspiring excellence across the 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,” Tinubu stated.
He also extended appreciation to the Life Patron of the Foundation, His Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene, for the invitation and for hosting the prestigious event.
Tinubu praised the Foundation for its consistent dedication to celebrating Africa’s finest minds and leaders, citing past honourees such as the late Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Professor Wole Soyinka, President Cyril Ramaphosa, and Dr. Mo Ibrahim.
The President congratulated all past and present laureates and reaffirmed Nigeria’s alignment with the Foundation’s mission of honouring those committed to African development.
At the event, Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu received the Lifetime Africa Achievement Prize on behalf of President Tinubu.
Other distinguished Nigerians honoured included Dr. Benedict Oramah, President/Chairman of the African Export-Import Bank (AFREXIM), who received the Global Intra-Africa Trade Excellence award; Akwa Ibom State Governor Pastor Umo Eno, awarded the Lifetime Africa Achievement Prize for Governance and Public Service; Alhaji Abdul Samad Rabiu, Founder/Chairman of BUA Group, honoured for African Excellence in Business; and Chief Dumo Lulu-Briggs, recognized for African Traditional Leadership and Business Excellence.
