FORMER AU SCRIBE COMMENDS UBA FOR SUPPORTING THE AFRICAN OF THE YEAR AWARD.
(l to r) UBA ENDOWS AFRICAN OF THE YEAR AWARD
WITH $50,000: Dr. Dennis Mukwege, winner Daily Trust African of the year,
Dr. Salim A. Salim, Former Secretary-General of the Organisation of
African Unity OAU (now African Union AU) and Alhaji Ibrahim Jega,
Executive Director, UBA Plc at the awards ceremony in Abuja... tuesday.
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.
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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.
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