Addis Ababa — Six leading Africans were yesterday awarded honorary doctorate degrees by the Addis Ababa University, at an event organized to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Organization of African Unity (OAU) and to celebrate the graduation of more than four thousand students. The event was presided over by Ethiopian Prime Minister, Meles Zenawi.

Among those honoured was the ECA Executive Secretary, K.Y. Amoako, who was awarded a Doctor of Laws degree, honoris causa.

In his citation, Professor Andreas Eshete, President of Addis Ababa University, lauded Mr. Amoako for working "tirelessly to safeguard Africa's political independence and economic progress in the face of the challenges of globalization", for enhancing the international stature of ECA, and for nurturing "a united African voice to operate with clarity and force in global fora on development". Professor Andreas described Mr. Amoako as representing "the best of the second generation of African leaders: those committed to getting rid of poverty with professional proficiency and high managerial skill ... [and] a sterling example that the coming generation would do well to emulate."

Also honoured were former OAU Secretary-General Salim Ahmed Salim, UN Special Advisor Mohamed Sahnoun, Poet and Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka, and Ethiopian Diplomat Kifle Wodajo -- who were awarded Doctor of Laws degrees, honoris causa -- and Ethio-Yemeni businessman Sheikh Mohammed Hussein Al-Amoudi, who was awarded a Doctor of Humane Letters degree, honoris causa.

In his address, Prime Minister Meles stated: "Today, Addis Ababa University is honouring some of the best and brightest Africans? who, through their work, courage and dedication have inspired countless thousands to rise to the challenges of the day, people who continue to lead the way in search of innovative solutions to Africa's problems and who are investing in our future. To all of them I say thank you for your leadership and may you continue to inspire and lead the new generations of Africans."