The Former Secretary General of the Organisation of African Unity (now known as the African Union), Dr. Salim Ahmed Salim has commended the United Bank for Africa (UBA) for supporting the African of the Year award instituted by Daily Trust newspapers to discover and encourage Africans who are making meaningful impacts on the society in unique and uncommon ways.
Dr. Salim, who was one time Prime Minister of Tanzania gave kudos to UBA for donating the prize money of $50,000 to the recipients of the award, stating that it has shown exemplary leadership in Africa by supporting an initiative to honour unsung African heroes at a time when many other organisations are cutting back on sponsorships given the global economic meltdown.
In the same vein, the Publisher of Daily Trust newspapers Mallam Kabiru Yusuf also praised UBA for endowing the award and explained that the $50,000 will passed on to the awards recipients. "The overall winner will get $20,000 whilst the first and second runners up will receive the sum of $15,000 each" he said.
Explaining the rationale behind UBA's support to the African of the Year award, the Executive Director, Public Sector, UBA, Alhaji Ibrahim Jega who represented the Group Managing Director, UBA Plc, Mr. Tony Elumelu, said the initiative not only aligns with the bank's afro-centric positioning but provides a remarkable platform to recognize and reward persons and institutions who have made remarkable impacts on society. "It is gratifying to note that some of us are not daunted by the seaming hopelessness in the society and have risen up to the challenge as exemplified by the 3 award recipients here tonight." he stated.
53 year old Dr. Denis Mukwege from the Democratic Republic of Congo was named the Daily Trust African of the Year at the glittering ceremony at the Congress Hall of the Hilton Hotel, Abuja, Tuesday, whilst 59 year old Dr. Christiana Thorpe, the Chairperson of the National Electoral Commission of Sierra Leone and the renounced international musician from Mali, Salif keita (59) were named first and second runners up.
Dr. Dennis Mukwege, the Medical Director of Panzi Hospital, Bukavu in Congo DRC, was chosen by the Daily Trust Board of Editors and The Award Advisory Committee headed by Dr. Salim for his devoted work in treating rape victims in his country. Dr. Christiana Thorpe was honoured for her diligent work in conducting a free, fair and transparent election in Sierra Leone in her capacity as Chairperson of the National Electoral Commission (NEC) whilst Salif Keita was chosen for his contribution to the development of African music and his work in the protection of albinos through a Non Governmental Organisation (NGO) founded by him.
Dr. Mukwege and representatives of the first and second runners up have since received the award statuettes and prize money which will be channelled into their various humanitarian works.
