The governor of Akwa-Ibom state, Godswill Akpabio has been nominated for the prestigious African Achievers Award under the category of the African Achiever of the year. Also nominated for the Awards scheduled for February 28, next year in Ghana are Winnie Mandela, Nana Rawlings, Mandela Foundation, and a host of others.
Disclosing the development to newsmen at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, the convener of the most prestigious African Achievers Awards, Rex Idaminabo said that Akpabio’s nomination resulted from the outcome of an online survey conducted by the organizers. He said that half of Nigerians who answered the online questions nominated the Akwa-Ibom state governor, affirming that, apart from the result of the survey, the organizers also embarked on rigorous research to see what the PDP governor has done in his state.
He said ‘’we also sent some of our team members to Akwa-Ibom state to confirm what the governor has done. We were opportune to ask questions regarding his activities in the state before he was finally nominated. We have other nominees for the same category from all over Africa, and come February 28, at the Ghana state House, in Accra, the winner would be made public."
Also speaking, Ambassador David James Egwu, Director, Public Relations & Government Communications had called on Nigerians to nominate individuals of outstanding leadership and personal capacity who have contributed in their own little way towards the development of the African continents, as nomination forms are already available on the organization’s website. He said ‘’ this is a huge task. We cannot achieve this alone. We need people to tell us who should be considered for a particular award. That’s the essence of the nomination. We respect people’s opinion and we are open to any form of criticism.’’
David disclosed further that over 26 African countries would be participating in the next award that has been scheduled to hold on February 28, at the Ghana State-House, Accra.
The African Achievers Awards Ceremony is aimed at recognising excellent individuals and organizations that have distinguished themselves while contributing to the growth and development of Africa. The focus is to motivate all African leaders, including prospective leaders and the youth by recognizing individuals and organizations that have contributed remarkably to the development of Africa.
Recall that in 2012, the African Achievers Annual award was hosted by King’s College London after which the recipients of the awards proceeded to a Dinner at the prestigious Waldorf Hilton Hotel, London.
The Award recipients of that edition include; Arch Bishop Desmond Tutu, who was awarded in recognition of his fight for human rights, justice and peace; Rt. Hon. Joyce Banda (President of Malawi) in recognition of her excellence in leadership; Hon. Thokhozani Khupe (Deputy Prime Minister of Zimbabwe) in recognition of her women empowerment effort; Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN, amongst others. The event enjoys air coverage from Good Morning Africa (MNET official breakfast show on DSTV), BEN TV, UK, CNN, Afro Gossip TV, etc.
Relatively, the 2013 edition of African achievers awards held in Hilton Hotels, Nairobi, Kenya on February 23, 2013, with the theme, ‘THE FUTURE IS AFRICA.’
Notable African’s who won the award during 2013 edition include; Late Prof. Atta Mills, former President of Ghana. He was honoured with a Posthumous Award for excellence in leadership. Other recipients include; Dr. Rilwanu Lukman who won a Life Time Achievement Award, Ugandan Dr. Margaret Blick Kigozi won The Special Recognition for Excellence; also on the list of awardees were Sir Chukwuemeka Ihedioha (the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representative of Nigeria), Mrs. Divine Ndhlukula, a Zimbabwean business woman who won the African woman of the year.
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