President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on the next generation of Africans to rise boldly in the fields of science, technology, governance, entrepreneurship, education, and the arts, and help shape a peaceful, united, and prosperous African continent.
The Nigerian leader made this call as the Special Guest of Honour at the 25th Anniversary of the prestigious Millennium Excellence Prize held on Saturday night at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi, Ghana.
Represented by Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, President Tinubu stressed the importance of collaborative leadership and youth empowerment in achieving the vision of a new Africa.
“Africans must continue to work hand-in-hand in crafting our shared destiny,” Tinubu said, noting that his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda is designed to transform lives, drive inclusive growth, and position Nigeria as a key player in regional integration and leadership.
The President urged African leaders, innovators, and cultural icons present at the event to uphold values of integrity, leadership through service, and to invest actively in the continent’s youth while fostering collaboration across borders.
In his address, President Tinubu also paid tribute to the Life Patron of the Millennium Excellence Foundation, His Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, Asantehene, for hosting the distinguished gathering and sustaining a legacy of celebrating African excellence.
He lauded the award’s tradition, dating back to 1988, of recognizing individuals who have made remarkable contributions to Africa’s growth and development. He noted that its mission resonates with Nigeria’s aspirations and those of the wider African community.
“I salute the visionaries who have nurtured this institution for a quarter of a century. I also celebrate the values of honour, service, and excellence that define its work,” Tinubu stated.
He specifically commended the organisers for honouring African icons such as the late Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Professor Wole Soyinka, President Cyril Ramaphosa, and Dr. Mo Ibrahim over the years — figures whose legacies have inspired generations across the continent.
The President extended warm congratulations to the Millennium Excellence Foundation, its Life Patron, and both past and present laureates for their invaluable contributions to Africa’s story.
During the ceremony, Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu received the Lifetime Africa Achievement Prize on behalf of President Tinubu.
Other prominent Nigerians honoured at the event included:
Dr. Benedict Oramah, President of AFREXIM Bank — Global Intra-Africa Trade Excellence Award
Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State — Lifetime Africa Achievement Prize for Governance and Public Service
Alhaji Abdul Samad Rabiu, Founder of BUA Group — African Excellence in Business Award
Chief Dumo Lulu-Briggs — African Traditional Leadership and Business Excellence Award
The event further cemented Nigeria’s growing influence in regional leadership, business, and cultural diplomacy.
