Former President Goodluck Jonathan, former vice president, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, South African President, Cyril Ramaphosa, and Rwanda President, Paul Kagame, have been recognized as Africa’s peace icons by the Peace Ambassador Agency Worldwide, a global organization dedicated to promoting peace.
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 Mohammadu Abubakar, the sultan of Sokoto.
At a press conference held on Friday in Abuja to announce 100 individuals as the “100 Most Notable Peace Icons In Africa,” the group’s Project Director, Ambassador Kingsley Amafibe, said the icons were being honored for their commitment to fostering peace and tranquility on the continent.
According to him, the beneficiaries have consistently worked to end conflicts, strengthen social relationships, and build bridges among Africa’s many distinct cultures.
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 amplify the ripples of their endeavours, and produce a collective resolve to foster a more calm and prosperous Africa,” Amafibe stated.
He added, “Within this illustrious roster of 100 Most Notable Peace Icons in Africa, we encounter a rich shade of leaders, economists, financial experts, sports personalities, religious leaders, industrialists, entertainment entrepreneurs, traditional rulers, activists, thinkers, and creators who have transcended boundaries and overcome challenges to leave in-erasable legacies.
“Each narrative stands as a tribute to perseverance and determination, enclosing the cherished values of Africa: unity, harmony, and progress.”
He also announced plans by the organisation to provide scholarships to 20,000 indigent students across the continent.
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.
He said, “This scholarship programme is designed to empower and nurture the forthcoming generation of African leaders, equipping them with the knowledge and skills required to propel the growth and stability of their respective nations.”
“Acknowledging the youth as the vanguards of transformation, we are unwavering in our commitment to empower them through comprehensive training and skill enrichment initiatives.
“We will furnish the youth with the tools of success, we invest not only in their course but also in the collective ascension of Africa.
“These programme encompasses a diverse array of domains, spanning from entrepreneurship to technology, enabling the youth to steer innovation and constructive change.
“Additionally, we recognise the profound import of access to clean water in rural communities. Addressing this critical imperative, we are inaugurating the Pipe Borne Water Project, ‘CleanAqua4All.’
“It is an initiative aimed at ensuring clean and safe drinking water for underserved rural regions.
“By guaranteeing access to this foundational resource, we enhance the quality of life, bolster health and well-being, and engender progress in these communities,” he stated.