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Tag: Nelson Mandela

  • FULL LIST: Chagoury, Mordi, other foreign nationals with Nigeria’s national honour

    FULL LIST: Chagoury, Mordi, other foreign nationals with Nigeria’s national honour

    The Nigerian National Awards are a series of ceremonial awards given to outstanding individuals for their exemplary service and contributions to the country.

    Also, these national honours are conferred on foreign nationals.

    These honours are divided into different ranks and categories, showing their hierarchy and significance.

    The National Awards were established by the National Honours Act No. 5 of 1964 and have been conferred yearly to deserving individuals since October 1963.

    The National Honours Awards Committee, the body in charge of nominations and award presentation, selects nominees according to different criteria, including efforts in nation-building, community development, service to humanity, professional excellence, and the upholding of national integrity.

    Here is a full list of foreign nationals who have been honoured:

    1. Queen Elizabeth II – GCON

    2. Nelson Mandela – GCFR

    3. Muammar Muhammad Abu Minyar al-Gaddafi – GCFR

    4. Susanne Wenger – OFR

    5. India Prime Minister Narendra Modi – GCON

    6. Gilbert Chagoury – GCON

    From the 8th to 10th of May, 1997, Muammar Gaddafi was on a visit to Nigeria and Niger Republic (he was awarded the GCFR on the night of Friday, 11th of May in Abuja by the Abacha government at a state banquet in Abuja, Abacha also honoured President Ibrahim Bare Mainnassara of Niger Republic, who had accompanied Gaddafi on his trip to Nigeria).

    Susanne Wenger MFR, also known as Adunni Olorisha (4 July 1915 – 12 January 2009), was an Austrian-Nigerian artist and Yoruba priestess who expatriated to Nigeria. Her main focus was on Yoruba culture, and she was successful in building an artist cooperative in Osogbo.

    Read Also: Femi Otedola celebrates ‘role model’ Chagoury at 80

    On 12 January 2009, Wenger died at the age of 93 in Osogbo.

    The sculptures that were placed in Oshun’s grove from the late 1950s onwards, sculptures that were created by her followers and local artists, have belonged to the UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2005.

    In 2005, the Nigerian government admitted her as a member of the Order of the Federal Republic.

    For her efforts on behalf of the Yoruba, she was given a chieftaincy title of the Osogbo community by the king, or Ataoja, of Oshogbo.

    Late Nelson Mandela visited Nigeria in 1990 to thank the country for its support during his incarceration. A state reception was organised in his honour at State House Marina, and he was awarded the highest Nigerian national honour of Grand Commander of the Federal Republic by President Ibrahim Babangida.

    Queen Elizabeth was awarded GCON in 1969. Then she was also awarded the GCFR in 1989.

    The national award – the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger – was conferred on Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his statesmanship and stellar contribution to fostering bilateral ties.

    Recently, President Bola Tinubu conferred Nigeria’s second-highest national honour, the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON), on Gilbert Chagoury, the Lebanese-Nigerian billionaire.

    Chagoury celebrated his 80th birthday on 8 January.

    Chagoury is the founder of Chagoury Group, whose operations span construction, real estate, hospitality, healthcare, industrial services, telecommunications, water purification, flour milling, insurance, furniture manufacturing, catering, and international financing.

    The group is involved in several high-profile infrastructure projects, including the $11 billion Lagos–Calabar coastal highway and the N1.1 trillion contract to renovate Tincan and Apapa Ports.

    The highest honours in the country include the Grand Commander of the Federal Republic, often reserved for past and present Presidents and Heads of State; Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic bestowed on Vice-Presidents, Senate Presidents and Chief Justices of Nigeria; and Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic; and the Member of the Order of the Federal Republic, often granted to Nigerians who have made great impact in their industry, communities and the nation.

    The second set of honours is the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger, the Commander of the Order of Niger, Officer of the Order of Niger, and Member of the Order of Niger. Some of the privileges attached to the recipients of the honours are a letter, a medal, and a certificate signed by the President.

    Beneficiaries also enjoy respectable treatment in public spaces.

    Recipients of the high orders of the Federal Republic, especially the GCON, may be issued a diplomatic passport, and when they die, a condolence message from the President of the country.

  • Mandela represents our aspirations, says envoy

    Mandela represents our aspirations, says envoy

    Charge d’Affaires in South Africa’s Consulate General in Lagos, Ms. Sebo Lenyai, has described the late President Nelson Mandela (Tata Madiba), as a symbol of humanity, equality, and justice.

    Speaking at the International Nelson Mandela Day, she said  his  values continue to resonate in the 21st century.

    Ms Lenyai spoke at an exclusive assorted wine tasting event, hosted in partnership with Wines of South Africa and Chief Executive Officer of Ugo Harry Associate Limited, Prince Ugochukwu Amam, at his Ikeja GRA home.

    Ms Lenyai  said: “Mandela represented what we aspire to be. He fought for the liberation of South Africans, stood up for women and children, and reminded us that the work of combating inequality and poverty remains in our hands.”

    The theme for this year’s Mandela Day, “It Is in Your Hands”, reinforces the call to action for individuals and institutions to take responsibility in addressing social injustices, especially those affecting vulnerable populations.

    “The wine pairing evening is not just about enjoying fine wine,” Lenyai explained.

    “It’s about strengthening people-to-people connections and inviting Nigerians to come and experience the richness of South Africa’s wine heritage, landscapes, and culture.”

    Read Also: Tinubu urges unity, pays tribute to late Awujale of Ijebuland

    Market Manager Africa for Wines of South Africa, explained: “We do this annually on July 18 to mark Nelson Mandela Day by educating people about South African wine and encouraging service. As Mandela taught us through his 67 minutes of giving, we combine learning, tasting, and honoring his legacy.”

    Mbatha said the wine showcase included a masterclass held a day earlier, where key players in Nigeria’s wine trade were introduced to South African wines, particularly those cultivated in Western Cape region.

    According to him, South African wine is not just a commodity, it’s a symbol of African excellence.

    “It’s an African product from the southern tip of the continent. As South Africans embrace Nigerian culture, we believe Nigerians should equally celebrate South African wine as a mark of African pride,” he said.

    Mbatha praised Amam for his passion and dedication to promoting African products. “He’s an importer, a partner, and an ally. Anyone who shows this kind of commitment deserves to be recognized as an ambassador, he concluded.

    Tiger Amam, speaking on behalf of his father, described the appointment as more than a personal achievement, calling it “a proud historical moment.”

    “This is about culture, heritage, and connection. Tonight marks the beginning of a stronger bridge between Nigeria and South Africa, two nations defined by resilience and freedom,” he said.

    He traced the roots of South African wine back to 1659, noting its evolution into one of the world’s most respected wine industries. “South African wine isn’t just a drink, it’s an experience. And thanks to my father’s leadership, that experience will now be accessible and celebrated here in Nigeria,” Tiga said.

    He also paid tribute to his father’s visionary spirit. “He brings people together, respects tradition, and embraces progress. I have no doubt he will represent South African wine with dignity and excellence.”

    Mona Lisa Amam, daughter of Prince Amam explained that the initiative seeks to introduce Nigerians to the richness and uniqueness of South African wines while creating investment and job opportunities.

    “This isn’t just about wine, it’s about cultural and economic exchange. The South African wine industry holds vast potential, and Nigeria is a key market for that growth,” she said.

    Amam emphasized the distinct quality of South African wines, noting their unique terroirs and grape production methods which set them apart from European and other international wines.

    Her sister, Divine, echoed similar sentiments, stating that the wine exhibition is poised to reach beyond African borders. “It’s not just about South Africa and Nigeria, this is going global. With our links to Italy, we see this as a platform for expanding African wine appreciation internationally.”

    Princess Ada Anam also stressed the authenticity of the wines being showcased. “We’ve brought the real thing, the best of its kind. It’s affordable, premium, and proudly African,” she said.

    The evening brought together South African officials, Nigerian business leaders, and wine enthusiasts, all united by a shared vision to strengthen cultural and economic ties through the promotion of African-made products.

    Beyond the speeches, the evening took on a lighter tone with a curated wine tasting session. The session featured a selection of bespoke wines from the Western Cape, offering guests a taste of the country’s vibrant viticulture.

    Nelson Mandela International Day is commemorated annually on July 18, Mandela’s birthday, to honour his 67 years of service and to inspire people worldwide to take action and make a positive difference in their communities.

  • SA: nobility died with Mandela?

    THERE is a popular belief about Karma — what you sow, you reap.  By Karma, those who sow evil must reap evil, even if payback time could be a later generation.

    But could Karma also come in advance, punishing the parents in anticipation of their unborn children’s future crime?

    Could the traumatic apartheid system, under White minority rule, have been just but advanced desert for criminal progenies now plaguing South Africa, well beyond the era of apartheid and White supremacy — and with some tacit official support?

    First, what is the difference between the racial violence of apartheid (separation and different development of races) that brought the South Africa of Nelson Mandela to its knees; and the xenophobic violence that criminal-minded South African natives inflict on fellow Blacks, which by the way, Bongani Mkongi, South Africa’s deputy Police minister, insists is no xenophobia, but just speaking “truth”?

    So, if South Africa has somewhat failed to satisfy the yearnings of its post-apartheid natives, the solution is to attack, loot the shops and kill hardworking foreign nationals in that country, even if some of these foreigners are themselves accused of drug pushing and sundry crimes?

    Minister Mkongi’s nativist bluster, in the face of clear evil, is a perfect manifestation of the popular quip: patriotism is the last bastion of the scroundrel!    Though Gen. Bheki Cele, the Police minister, has apologized for Mkongi’s vomit, that such crap could come from such a high official of state means the xenophobia, by the lowlifes, is not entirely an accident.

    Mkongi just told the world that since foreigners dominate South African cities and townships like Hillbrow to the tune of 80 per cent, no one should raise an eye-brow that the overwhelmed 20 per cent natives see looting and arson and murder as their sole salvation.  Good luck to such a criminal country!

    Yet, that violently jars against the spirit of the Madiba, the one and only Nelson Mandela, one of 20th century’s living saints.  Now, did all decorum and decency and nobility die with Mandela — Mandela who after spending 27 years in White gaol, still emerged as one of the noblest and most refined personage in the whole of the globe?

    Is this present redoubt of muggers, looters, arsonists and murderers really Mandela people?  Or Mandela was just a freak, conferring undeserved humanity to vandals, who thoroughly deserved the trauma and horror of apartheid?

    Mandela must be weeping in his grave!

    Still, it’s important to state that these barbarians, and petty, murderous thieves, can’t define South Africa, if Hardball is not to commit the illogic of sweeping profiling.

    Gen. Beki has apologized for Mkogi’s crap.  Julius Malema, the maverick leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) party, the radical breakaway of hotheads from the ANC, has also condemned this horror.  Let more weighty voices speak up, not the least President Cyril Ramaphosa — and ANC.

    Meanwhile, these scums and petty xenophobes are giving nobody but their country a bad name.  For starters, they portray their country as crawling with idle, lazy and spiteful denizens, looking out for foreigners’ trove to pounce on.

    After the foreigners have been scared to return to their home countries, or have fled elsewhere, the mad dogs will continue pouncing on their own kind.

    That is when this brewing lunacy would fully dawn on those decent South Africans who now, for political expediency, keep mute.

    Meanwhile, puff goes in smoke, the South African tourism market.  Who wants to go to a country of hateful xenophobes?

  • Southern Sun marks Mandela’s Day, visits orphanage

    Southern Sun Ikoyi joined the rest of the world in celebrating the tenth Nelson Mandela International Day by visiting an orphanage, gifts to children of the Arrows of God Orphanage in Ajah, Lagos.

    The Nelson Mandela International Day also popularly known as the Mandela Day is an annual call of celebration observed internationally to pay tribute to an exemplary individual for his values, legacy and contribution to society and humanity at large.

    As is tradition for Southern Sun Ikoyi over the last ten years in celebrating the memory of the global icon “Madiba”, the hotel paid its annual visit to the Arrows of God Orphanage, which  it adopted in bringing smiles upon the faces of the children and their careers through the donation of various items ranging from toys, activity books, textbooks, educational games, inspirational books and light refreshments to the delight of the children of the home.

    Speaking during the visit, Sales and Marketing Manager, Southern Sun Ikoyi, Ubong Nseobot, expressed delight on the warm reception received by the representatives of the hotel during the visit, as she used the opportunity to specially thank the management and care givers of the home for their unwavering, dedicated and committed service towards improving the children of the ward.

    She stated that, “the visit by the hotel is in furtherance with the hotel’s selfless acts in contributing meaningfully to the sustained growth, development and service to all within our community through little acts of kindness and love, an exemplary practice which Mandela’s life represented.”

    Ubong, further reiterated the hotel’s commitment in supporting the orphanage and its management, through social projects such as the much-anticipated annual golf day tournament whose proceeds have been used in supporting the orphanage daily needs in ensuring that children at the home do not live without the basic necessities of life.

    The Arrows of God Orphanage ,which is located in Ajah, Lagos State, cares for about 250 children in the ward. Through support and efforts by corporate social entities like Southern Sun Ikoyi, the administration is empowered with required tools and materials to supporting and developing the children into valuable members of our society.

  • Buhari extols Mandela’s value of humility, compassion

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday in New York extolled the immense values embodied by the late South African President and Nobel Peace Winner, Nelson Mandela.

    Mr Femi Adesina, the president’ Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, in a statement in Abuja on Tuesday morning, said Buhari stated this at a High Level Meeting on Global Peace in honour of the Centenary of the birth of Nelson Mandela.

    The event is also known as the Peace Summit.

    Adesina said the president, who was speaking on the sidelines of the 73rd Session of the United Nations General Assembly, described the anti-apartheid icon as “a man whose lifetime symbolised uncommon humility, compassion, courage and forgiveness.”

    According to the President, the centenary celebration provides an avenue to reflect on the legacies of Mandela and his unwavering advocacy for human rights, social justice and peace.

    He said: “It also affords us the rare privilege to rededicate ourselves to the service of humanity by championing democracy, conflict resolution, disarmament, mutual respect, reconciliation, gender equality and the fight against poverty.”

    Buhari noted that in the quest for peace and development, the world would definitely “draw inspiration from the life of Nelson Mandela.”

    He commended the adoption of the Nelson Mandela Decade of Peace by a Political Declaration.

    The Nigerian leader called for concerted efforts to build a just, peaceful, prosperous, inclusive and fair world, and revive the values for which Mandela stood by placing human dignity at the centre of our actions.

    “As we herald the Nelson Mandela Decade of Peace, Nigeria calls on all states to recognise that the United Nations is built on pillars of peace and security, development and human rights, which are the foundations for our collective well-being,’’ he added.

    According to him, there can be no peace without sustainable development and no sustainable development without peace and the full respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms for all.

    He added that racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance represent the very opposite of the noble purposes of the United Nations.

    Buhari also recognised that the inherent dignity and the equal and inalienable rights of all peoples of the world were the foundations of freedom, justice and peace.

    He noted that Nigeria also accepted that “tolerance of cultural, ethnic, racial and religious diversities are essential for lasting peace, understanding and friendship among peoples, nations, cultures and individuals.”

    According to the Nigerian leader, the world is currently facing diverse challenges ranging from conflicts, climate change, terrorism, desertification, poverty, arms trafficking and violent extremism, among others.

    He, however, believed that its also “a time of great hope and renaissance,” referring to Mandela’s famous declaration as he faced the death penalty during his Rivonia Trial in April 1964.

    “As Mandela passes into history, we stand with him in his aspirations for a better world.’’

    Buhari added that, “it is our duty to live up to his indelible legacy by collectively holding ourselves accountable to the values and principles of this Declaration by striving for a just, peaceful, prosperous, democratic, fair and inclusive world.’’

  • Ramaphosa thanks PM May for returning sunken WWI ship’s bell

    President Cyril Ramaphosa of South africa oon Tuesday thanked thanked British Prime Minister Theresa May for handing over the bell of a World War I ship on which over 600 black South African troops perished when it sunk in 1917.

    “We were extremely honoured to have been presented with the ship’s bell of the SS Mendi,” Ramaphosa said at the close of May’s visit to the former British colony.

    The gesture “honours the memory and the sacrifices of all those who perished so far away from their homes and loved ones,” he added.

    May’s trade trip to South Africa – which will be followed by stops in Kenya and Nigeria – comes as Britain seeks to shore up trade partners ahead of their exit next year from the European Union.

    “Both our countries have identified key sectors for investment to boost economic growth and development,” Ramaphosa said after meeting with May.

    “We also confirmed our wish that the negotiations on the UK’s exit from the European Union are concluded in a manner that restores stability to economic and financial markets,” he said.

    Earlier, May kicked off her first Africa trip in Cape Town, saying she saw huge potential for investment in the continent.

    May’s trip comes as she seeks to shore up trade partners ahead of Britain’s exit next year from the European Union, with British businesses sounding the alarm about the potential negative impact.

    She announced plans for about 5 billion dollars in investment for Africa and said job creation should be at the “very heart” of the British-African partnership.

    Britain was South Africa’s sixth largest trading partner in 2017.

    She spoke about the need to continue British aid to Africa, saying “I want to be clear, foreign aid works,” and offered assurances on Britain’s engagement with the wide world even as it prepares to break away from Europe.

    “We will remain a global champion for aid spending, humanitarian relief and international development,” she said in an address.

    On the plane to South Africa, May tried to calm fears of what would happen if Britain leaves the European Union without a negotiated Brexit deal, saying it “wouldn’t be the end of the world.”

    Britain published 24 documents last week on preparations for a no-deal Brexit, which analysts warn could have dire consequences for the economy.

    Read Also: Buhari, Ramaphosa to discuss security of Nigerians in South Africa

    At the press conference, May also voiced support for South Africa’s controversial land reform plans.

    Her U.S. counterpart Donald Trump last week angered the South African government after tweeting concerns about their intention to expropriate land without compensation in order to address historical inequality.

    “The UK has for some time now supported land reform … land reform that is legal, transparent,” she said, adding that she welcomed assurances already given by South African leader Cyril Ramaphosa that there would be “no smash and grab.”

    May’s comments will come as a relief to many in the country who were worried the land policy could scare off investment.

    The prime minister, however, stressed the need for strong legal frameworks and anti-corruption mechanisms in African countries in order for investors to be secure.

    “Corruption and dirty money,” she said, “both have the potential to push development off course.”

    More widely, the prime minister promised that Britain would support a permanent position for Africa on the United Nations Security Council.

    Britain will also be opening more embassies on the continent, including in Chad and Niger, May said, countries that have a closer connection to France because of their colonial history, but which are threatened by terror groups.

    “We will invest more in countries like Mali, Chad and Niger that are waging a battle against terrorism in the Sahel,” she said referring to the fight against islamist groups like Boko Haram.

    May will now meet with President Cyril Ramaphosa and, weather permitting, go to Robben Island – where South Africa’s first democratic leader Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for years by the apartheid regime.

    She then heads to Nigeria, where she’ll meet President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday as well as speak to victims of modern slavery.

    On the third leg of the trip, in Kenya, she will meet President Uhuru Kenyatta and see British soldiers training troops who will ultimately be sent to fight Al-Shabaab in Somalia.

  • Mandela day: Africa needs incorruptible leaders, says Ishola-Williams

    African needs more incorruptible leaders in the mould of former South African President the late Nelson Mandela, according to Major-General Olasehinde Ishola-Williams (rtd).

    He said the late Mandela was unique as a leader, and that Africa lacks his type.

    “Our African leaders are not only corruptible, but they are greedy,” he said.

    Ishola-Williams, former Transparency International (TI) Nigerian chapter president, spoke at the Freedom Park in Lagos at an event to mark the Nelson Mandela International Day.

    The Mandela Day is celebrated every July 18, Mandela’s birthday. The day was officially declared by the United Nations (UN) in November 2009, with the first UN Mandela Day held in 2010.

    The year’s event marks the centenary (100 years) of Mandela’s birth.

    Ishola-Williams, who chaired the event, said Mandela set an example for African leaders by not seeking tenure elongation.

    “It’s difficult to copy Mandela. I’ve not seen any African leader able to do that, to leave when the ovation is loudest,” he said.

    He said Mandela never forgot the role Nigeria played in the apartheid struggle, adding that he truly sacrificed himself for his people.

    Ishola-Williams regretted that not enough was being done to stop the endless killing of Nigerians in South Africa.

    “Nigerians are being killed in South Africa intermittently. We need to so something about that.

    “Nigeria and South Africa need to work together, and create regular dialogue so that we can understand each other.

    “We’ve got to think innovatively and find solutions. South Africa and Nigeria need to provide leadership to Africa,” he said.

    Read Also: Registrar bags 2018 Nelson Mandela Award

    The former military chief called for equity and stability in Africa, saying that peace and equality would be unrealistic.

    “Let us replace peace with stability, and equality with equity,” he said.

    He urged the new generation of South Africans to build on Mandela’s legacy.

    A member of the Nigerian Fact Finding Team to South Africa in 1991, Dr Femi Badejo, said the late Mandela was very humble.

    He recalled that he first met the former South African president in a general restroom in his office.

    “Mandela didn’t have a special toilet attached to his office. He used the general toilet,” recalled Badejo.

    The former diplomat, academic and lawyer added that Africa needed more “Mandela-type leaders”.

    Former Nigerian ambassador to Ethiopia, Olusegun Akinsanya, said the late Mandela stood for peace and social justice.

    He urged leaders and youths to emulate the late Mandela’s anti-corruption stance.

    United Nations Information Centre (UNIC) Lagos Director Donald Ronald Kayanja, who represented UN Secretary-General António Guterres, hailed the late Mandela who he said spent his life fighting for his country’s freedom.

    “We may be few here, but we’re joining millions of people who are marking this day,” he said.

  • Mandela Day: Obaseki salutes commitment to global peace, good governance

    The Edo State Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki, has hailed the Nobel Peace Prize winner and former South African President, Nelson Mandela, for his commitment to global peace and good governance, charging world leaders to emulate his dedication to better human society.

    Obaseki who gave the charge on the occasion of the commemoration of the Nelson Mandela International Day, marked on July 18, each year by the United Nations, said Mandela remains one of the greatest gifts from the African continent to humanity.

    “A special day for the Nobel Peace Prize winner, who fought with all he had for the liberation of black South Africans from the shackles of apartheid and the enthronement of a rainbow nation of many colours, is a call on world leaders to take actions that will enhance the wellbeing of majority of the people we swore to serve,” the governor said.

    Read Also:UN celebrates Nelson Mandela day

    Obaseki added: “Mandela demonstrated his unshakable faith in one diverse and united South Africa at great personal cost, and led from the front to challenge obnoxious, divisive and retrogressive laws and tendencies in order to foster a community where peace reigns supreme.”

    He urged leaders to use the Nelson Mandela International Day to reflect and draw up a checklist of workable solutions to pressing problems facing humanity, namely; health challenges, global security, food security, climate change, infrastructural deficit amongst others.

    According to the United Nations, “Nelson Mandela devoted his life to the service of humanity — as a human rights lawyer, a prisoner of conscience, an international peacemaker and the first democratically elected president of a free South Africa.”

    The UN explained that “in recognition of the former South African President’s contribution to the culture of peace and freedom, UN General Assembly declared July 18 Nelson Mandela International Day.

    “Resolution A/RES/64/13 recognises Mandela’s values and his dedication to the service of humanity in: conflict resolution; race relations; promotion and protection of human rights; reconciliation; gender equality and the rights of children and other vulnerable groups; the fight against poverty; the promotion of social justice.

    “The resolution acknowledges his contribution to the struggle for democracy internationally and the promotion of a culture of peace throughout the world.”

    The organisation urged everyone to mark Nelson Mandela International Day “by making a difference in their communities as everyone has the ability and the responsibility to change the world for the better.

    “Mandela Day is an occasion for all to take action and inspire change. Nelson Mandela International Day 2018 marks 100 years since the birth of Nelson Mandela (18 July 1918).

    The Nelson Mandela Foundation is dedicating this year’s Mandela Day to Action Against Poverty, honouring Nelson Mandela’s leadership and devotion to fighting poverty and promoting social justice for all.”

     

  • Registrar bags 2018 Nelson Mandela Award 

    West Africa Health Examinations Board (WAHEB) Registrar/CEO, Dr Gladys Nchelem Ihunda, recently received the 13th edition of the 2018 Nelson Mandela African Leadership Award on Administration and Humanitarian Services Par Excellence. The event held at the Central Medical Laboratory Hall, Yaba, Lagos.

    African Youths Parliament (AYP) Speaker, Hon Bankole Oladele Babs, leading the conferment of the award, said AYP’s quest seeking outstanding humanitarianism, found all the qualities required to win the international award in Dr Ihunda.

    He said: “We seek to find ourselves role models, outstanding and mentors in life as we found in Dr. (Mrs) Gladys  Nchelem  Ihunda,  an erudite  peace builder, experienced woman of invaluable intellectual prowess, a proven public and  private sector leader par excellence.”

    According to him, Dr Ihunda ranked among 12 African leaders, who earlier received the international award. They included former President of Ghana, Mr. John Agyekum Kuffor; Founder, Afe Babalola  University,  Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Aare Afe Babalola; former President  Goodluck Ebele Jonathan; former World Court Judge Bola Ajibola  and CEO, Peace Connect  Multinational  Companies,  Freetown,  Seirra-Leone, Prof. Clement K. Dzidonu, to mention a few.

    The AYP Head of Project Planning and Development, Oloja Olanrewaju, urged the government to fight against drug abuse, adding that Nigeria has been rated high in drug abuse, trafficking and consumption in the world. According to him, this is having negative effects on Nigerians in the Diaspora. He appealed to the youths to shun drug abuse, criminalities and social vices and focus on what will give them better life.

  • Barcelona announce South Africa friendly

    FC Barcelona will play a friendly match against South African champions Mamelodi Sundowns in Johannesburg on Wednesday, the club said on Thursday.

    The match will be part of celebrations to mark 100 years since the birth of Nelson Mandela.

    It will be played at the FNB Stadium, formerly known as the Soccer City Stadium, where Spain won the 2010 World Cup.

    The 2010 squad featured Barca players like Gerard Pique, Sergio Busquets and captain Andres Iniesta, who struck the only goal in their 1-0 win over the Netherlands.

    “FC Barcelona has always professed its admiration for Nelson Mandela, one of the greatest figures of the 20th century.

    “He had after 27 years in prison went on to become the first democratically-elected president of post-apartheid South Africa from 1994 to 1999.

    Read Also: Barcelona president fuels Griezmann speculation

    “Mandela represented the struggle for freedom and equality in the country, and played a huge role in unifying the racially-divided society.

    “It is precisely this kind of spirit with which FC Barcelona has always been identified,” a statement on the club’s website said.

    Mandela was born on July 18, 1918, but it appears the match has been brought forward because of the 2018 FIFA World Cup finals in Russia.

    The competition holds from June 14 to July 15.

    The friendly is now sandwiched between Barca’s penultimate Liga game away to Levante on May 13 and their final game at home to Real Sociedad on May 20.

    Ernesto Valverde’s side clinched a 25th Liga title, the King’s Cup on and are bidding to become the first team since 1933 to complete a Spanish top-flight season without losing a game.

    NAN