Goodluck Jonathan, Others Receive African Heritage Awards

Former President of Nigeria, Goodluck Jonathan on Saturday received African Heritage Awards held in Kigali, Rwanda.

Jonathan was recognized as the African Democracy and Peace Icon at the event, which was the celebration and global recognition of Africans’ outstanding achievements.

Other recipients of the maiden African Heritage Awards were
Botswana’s Dr Seretse Kahama Ian Khama, and Tanzania’s Late John Magufuli.

Kahama was honoured with the African Philanthropist Award, and Late Magufili bagged the African Icon Award (Posthumous).

Also honoured Africa’s most prominent activist and grassroots campaigner was Mallam Hamzat Lawal, with the African Humanitarian Award.

Others who won the African Humanitarian Award are Vice President of Liberia, Dr. Jewel Howard-Taylor, Founder and Director, Bright Kids Uganda; Victoria Nalongo Namusisi, Head Water Access, Rwanda; Christelle Kwizera and Fred Swaniker, Founder of African Leadership University.

The founder of Heritage Times and event organizers, Moses Siloko Siaisa while speaking said the event was a dream come true.

He stated that the event was specifically put together to honour distinguished Africans in their various fields of endeavours.

He said:

”Africa has a place in the world.

“Rwanda is setting the pace for Africa’s growth and development.”

Jonathan also spoke at the event saying leaders are not the bosses of their people but their servants.

Mallam Lawal, who is the Chief Executive of Connected Development and Founder of Follow the Money, both African-based organizations achieving Sustainable Development Goals in his remarks, dedicated his award to his mother.

Other distinguished Africans recognized at the event include Professor Patrick Lumumba, who was given the Africa Advancement Icon Award, Engr.

Simbi Wambote was awarded the Champion of Local Content Development in Africa Award.

While Olumide Akpata won the Africa Legal Icon Award.