President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on young Africans to embrace leadership, innovation, and cross-border collaboration in order to shape a united, peaceful, and prosperous continent.
Delivering the message at the 25th Anniversary of the Millennium Excellence Awards at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi, Ghana, President Tinubu—represented by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu—highlighted the importance of youth involvement across science, technology, entrepreneurship, governance, and the arts.
He emphasized that Africa’s future depends on a generation that is bold enough to break barriers and work together to build lasting institutions. The President’s message also underscored the alignment of the Renewed Hope Agenda with continental development goals, stressing Nigeria’s role as a catalyst for regional growth.
Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu praised the Millennium Excellence Foundation and its Life Patron, His Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene, for their commitment to celebrating African excellence and inspiring future leaders.
President Tinubu also paid tribute to iconic past laureates, including Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Nobel Laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka, and philanthropist Dr. Mo Ibrahim. He further extended congratulations to the 2025 Nigerian honourees—Dr. Benedict Oramah, Governor Umo Eno, Alhaji Abdul Samad Rabiu, and Chief Dumo Lulu-Briggs—for their outstanding contributions to the continent.
In recognition of his leadership and contributions, President Tinubu was awarded the Lifetime Africa Achievement Prize, which was received on his behalf by Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu.