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| Tinubu honored at Manhyia Palace Ghana |
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has been honoured with the Lifetime Africa Achievement Award. The prize came from Ghana’s Millennium Excellence Foundation at its 25th-anniversary ceremony in Kumasi .
The event took place on Saturday night at the Manhyia Palace. Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, Asantehene, hosted the celebration and handed the award . The president was represented by Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs .
Tinubu praised the foundation’s mission of lifting African achievers. He said its work echoes Nigeria’s goals for growth and unity .
The award body began in 1988. It honours Africans who excel in leadership, service, and development . Past winners include Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Professor Wole Soyinka, and Dr. Mo Ibrahim. Tinubu noted these figures inspired new generations.
He thanked Otumfuo Osei Tutu II for hosting such a key event, he said Africa needs more leaders who serve with integrity and vision. He urged young people to rise in science, the arts, and public service.
Several Nigerians won awards that night. Dr. Benedict Oramah, of Afreximbank, got the Intra-Africa Trade Excellence prize. Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom won for governance and public service. Alhaji Abdul Samad Rabiu received the Business Excellence award . Such honours highlight Nigeria’s role on the continent.
Critics say awards risk flying above local challenges at home. Nigeria still faces power shortages and economic strain. Some argue such ceremonies must link more deeply to on-ground impact . Supporters counter these events shine a global light on Africa’s positive stories.
The ceremony wove tradition and modern flair. Drummers and dancers marked the start. Guests wore kente cloth and tailored suits. Speeches mixed English and Akan to welcome all attendees.
Officials from nearby countries joined too. Former Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama stood with São Tomé’s leader, Carlos Vila Nova, and others . Such turnout shows pan-African ties still hold weight.
Tinubu’s own team noted the award may boost Nigeria’s image abroad. They said it signals the Renewed Hope Agenda has continental reach. The president has pushed regional trade pacts and youth tech hubs.
The foundation’s founder, Ambassador Nana Agyeman-Prempeh, said the awards aim to bind Africa in shared success. He invited more leaders to work across borders for peace and progress.
Images from the night show Tinubu’s team receiving the glass trophy beneath palace walls. They beam beside Asantehene in royal robes.
The award adds to Tinubu’s portfolio of honours. He holds previous awards for economic reform and public service at home. Yet this one marks a clear nod from West Africa.
As Ghana and Nigeria deepen ties, such gatherings may grow. Both nations share language, culture, and history. They host joint trade fairs and security talks each year.
Viewers watching online saw speeches from Lagos and Accra. They posted praise on social media. Hashtags like #AfricaExcellence and #MillenniumPrize trended briefly.
At home, some news sites noted that the award gives Tinubu a fresh talking point. They said critics might press for more action on power and jobs. The president’s aides say the award validates his regional work.
This event closes with an open call. It asks all Africans to back leaders who serve, grow their communities, and build lasting peace. What steps can you take to shine in your corner of Africa?