Godwin Haruna, Omololu Ogunmade and Crusoe Osagie
18 February 2008
Lagos — Former French Prime Minister, Mr. Dominique de Villepin, yesterday at the 13th Annual THISDAY Awards ceremony in Lagos declared that the cheering news he had is that Africa is back on track in world affairs.
Speaking at the ceremony held at the magnificent THISDAY Dome in Ikoyi, Lagos, Villepin said Nigeria stood a good chance of leading Africa into the new epoch in the world.
Villepin and former Australian Prime Minister, Mr. John Howard, were guest speakers at the awards ceremony where eminent Nigerians including former head of state, Gen. Yakubu Gowon, former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Dr, Ola Vincent and former vice-chancellor of the University of Benin, Prof. Grace Alele-Williams, bagged the Lifetime Achievement awards.
Villepin said the six per cent growth rate of Africa was an indication that the continent is on a threshold of a better future compared with two per cent growth of some European countries.
He identified three events in recent history, which have also changed the world, namely, the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, which, he said represented a big moment of hope and liberty.
The others, he said, included the events of 9/11 in the United States, which has made the world unsafe and the third is the war in Iraq, which he said had shown that military force is not a solution to the problems of the world.
He said Nigeria and Africa were integrating themselves into the world in a way that was not known before.
"People in Africa are dealing with China, India, Australia and so many other countries in Asia and South America. People are coming to you because they want something from you not only because you are rich, but because you have something to sell to the world; some lessons to give from what you have achieved since independence," the former prime minister said.
Villepin added that Nigeria's legendary reconciliatory effort was something desirable in the world.
He said at the turn of the century, 46 per cent of the world's conflicts were in the African continent, but it was remarkable that Nigeria played important roles to change the equation.
He cited such important contributions to peace building in Sierra Leone, Liberia, Congo Democratic Republic, Cote d'Ivoire and the others.
The former prime minister said such contribution has reinforced democracy, peace and stability in the continent.
He said as a writer himself, he recognised Nigeria's immense contribution to the growth of arts in all its ramifications adding that the country produced Prof. Wole Soyinka, the Nobel laureate in literature.
He counselled those in positions of authority to hold on to education and health as priorities for the nation to build on its efforts of affecting more lives, adding that these were the things that would make any nation proud and great.
Also speaking at the well-attended event, Howard, former Prime Minister of Australia, stated that with Nigeria's enormous resources, there was nothing the country could not achieve.
Howard stated that from his experience in power, Nigeria should work more on foreign investment inflow to the country.
He also called for more investment into infrastructural development, which he said was essential to the building of a modern nation.
He said Nigeria should not relent in continuing on the path of reform and fight against corruption and other vices.
Howard stated that Nigeria was destined for success like some of the Asian countries today, if she adopted good economic policies.
"Considering Nigeria's extra-ordinary resources, there is the possibility that she will get there if she takes the path of reform," he said.
Earlier in his welcome address, Chairman/Editor-in-Chief of THISDAY Newspapers, Mr. Nduka Obagbeina, stated that the event centre was a testament to the Nigerian spirit.
He congratulated the award winners and said it was a way of motivating others in the arduous task of nation building.
Other Lifetime Achievement Award winners are A.G.F. Abdulrasaq, Bola Ajibola, Tayo Akpata, Sunday Awoniyi (Posthumous), Allison Ayida, Alfa Belgore, Gilbert Chikelu, David Dafinone, Lateef Kayode Jakande, Arthur Mbanefo, Abdullahi Mohammed, Sonny Odogwu, Felix Ohiwerie, Molade Okoya-Thomas, Toyin Olakunri, Maitama Sule and M.D. Yusufu.
Several dignitaries attended the occasion from all walks of life including government, business and the entertainment industry.
Winners at a Glance
Banker of The Year - Dr. Cecilia Ibru
ICT Company of The Year - Reltel Wireless
Product of The Year - Chivita
Governor of The Year - Babatunde Fashola, Emmanuel Uduaghan and Ikedi Ohakim
Govt Regulator of The Year - Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority
Most Improved Bank - Diamond Bank
Corp. Socially Resp. Coy - The UBA Foundation
Hotel of The Year - Grand Hotel, Asaba
Minister of The Year - Ojo Maduekwe
Airline of The Year - Arik Air
Best Bank in Mergers, Acquisition & Consolidation- IBTC Chartered
Transaction of The Year - GTBank
Bank of The Year - Zenith Bank Plc
Oil & Gas Coy of The Year - Zenon Petroleum
Company of The Year - Dangote Sugar Refinery
Brand of The Year - Access Bank & Coca Cola
Stock Offer of The Year - First Bank Plc
Young Manager of The Year - Toyin Subair
CEO of The Year - Jim Ovia
Representative of The Year - Hon. Farouk Lawan
Senator of The Year - Senator David Mark
Govt Agency of The Year - Customs & The Immigration Services
Entrepreneur of The Year - Femi Otedola
Corporate Citizens of The Year - Femi Otedola & Jim Ovia
Insurance Coy of The Year - PHBInsurance
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