On Friday, the former president of Nigeria, Goodluck Jonathan, the former vice president, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, the presidents of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa, and Rwanda, Paul Kagame, were each dubbed African peace icons by the international organization Peace Ambassador Agency Worldwide.
Other names on the list include William Ruto, the president of Kenya, Akinwumi Adeshina, the president of the African Development Bank, Tony Elumelu, Mr. Femi Otedola, the chairman of the Geregu Power PLC, Pastor Chris Oyakhilome, and Mohammedu Abubakar, the sultan of Sokoto.
Speaking at a press conference on Friday in Abuja during the unveiling of 100 people as the “100 Most Notable Peace Icons In Africa,” the project director of the group, Ambassador Kingsley Amafibe, said the peace icons were being recognized for their commitment to promoting peace and calm in the continent.
According to him, the beneficiaries have consistently worked to end conflicts, strengthen social relationships, and build bridges among Africa’s many distinct communities.
Amafibe stated that notable peace icons in Africa include economists, financial experts, sports figures, religious leaders, businesspeople in the entertainment industry, traditional leaders, activists, thinkers, and creators who have transcended barriers and overcome obstacles to leave irreplaceable legacies.
“By sharing their narratives, we intend to magnify the effects of their efforts and produce a collective resolve to foster a more peaceful and prosperous Africa,” Amafibe said.
We find a diverse range of leaders, economists, financial experts, sports figures, religious leaders, industrialists, entertainment entrepreneurs, traditional rulers, activists, thinkers, and creators in this illustrious list of the 100 Most Notable Peace Icons in Africa. These individuals have transcended boundaries and overcome obstacles to leave indelible legacies.
Each story serves as an homage to tenacity and grit while encasing Africa’s most valued ideals: unity, harmony, and advancement.
Additionally, he disclosed plans for the organization to award 20,000 needy students across the continent with scholarships.
He claimed that in order to make it simpler for the group to accomplish its goals and objectives, it will rely on the contributions and support of the peace icons.
Amafibe continued, “This scholarship program is aimed to empower and nurture the next generation of African leaders by providing them with the education and training necessary to promote the development and stability of their respective countries.We are steadfast in our commitment to empowering adolescents through extensive training and skill-enrichment projects because we recognize that they are the vanguards of progress.
“We will provide the youth with the resources they need to succeed; we invest not only in their future but also in Africa’s ascent as a whole.”These programs cover a wide range of topics, from entrepreneurship to technology, empowering young people to drive innovation and positive change.
We also recognize the critical importance of rural people having access to clean water. We are launching the Pipe Borne Water Project, “CleanAqua4All,” to address this urgent need.It is a project designed to provide underserved rural areas with access to clean, safe drinking water.
By ensuring that these communities have access to this essential resource, we improve the quality of life, support health and well-being, and foster progress.