UK (Commonwealth Union)_ The Commonwealth Secretary-General, the Rt Honourable Patricia Scotland KC, was honored in Accra, Ghana, with the inaugural Global African Champion Award for her dedicated efforts in championing prosperity across Africa. Accordingly, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo of Ghana presented this prestigious award to the Commonwealth Secretary-General, marking her as the first recipient. The ceremony, graced by heads of government from Africa and the Caribbean, prominent political figures, senior policymakers, technocrats, civil society representatives, academics, and business executives, celebrated her outstanding contributions.
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During her acceptance speech, the Secretary-General expressed her gratitude, acknowledging the significance of the award. She highlighted that the recognition serves as both an honor and a reminder of the responsibility that accompanies such distinctions. She stated, “Being recognised today with this prestigious award is not only amazing but also a poignant reminder of the responsibility that accompanies such honors. It propels me to work even harder and to continue doing what I believe I do best, serving humanity.”
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Patricia Scotland expressed her commitment to intensify her efforts, emphasizing her dedication to serving humanity and the responsibility she embraces wholeheartedly. Looking toward the future, she painted a vision of a prosperous, kind, and just world where the Commonwealth and the global community thrive in harmony, celebrating differences and uniting through commonalities. She added, “This service is not just a duty but a privilege, one that I embrace wholeheartedly. Looking ahead, I am filled with hope and optimism. I envision a future that is not only prosperous, but also kind and just. A future where the Commonwealth, and the world at large, thrive in harmony, where our differences are celebrated and our commonalities unite us.”
The award ceremony was a part of the Africa Prosperity Dialogues 2024 event, a three-day gathering organized by the Africa Prosperity Network and sponsored by the Africa Free Continental Trade Area (AfCFTA). AfCFTA serves as a platform to expedite and enhance trade between African nations. The Prosperity Champions Awards recognize individuals for their outstanding contributions to various fields.
Aside from Secretary-General Patricia Scotland, other distinguished awardees included President Dr Irfaan Ali of Guyana, who was honored with the Global African Leadership Award; President Alassane Ouattara of Cote d’Ivoire was honored with the Nation Builder Award; Prof. Benedict Okechukwu Oramah, President of Afreximbank, was presented with the Financial Leadership Award; Julius Mwale, founder of Mwale Medical and Technology City, was honored with the Social Infrastructure Award; Oluwatosin Oluwole Ajibade, popularly known as Mr Eazi, was presented with the Young Entrepreneur Award; and Mohamed M Abou El Enein received the Industrialist of the Year. This distinguished group of awardees was recognized for their exceptional contributions in various domains, marking a celebration of excellence and commitment to prosperity.
