..bags African heritage awards
Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, director-general of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), has called on African nations to harness their green energy potential and drive industrial growth from within, warning that reliance on traditional aid and favourable trade terms is becoming increasingly unsustainable.
Speaking after receiving the African Lifetime Achievement Award, during the 3rd AfriHeritage Awards and Concert at the weekend in Morocco, Okonjo-Iweala noted that while the United States has raised tariffs on African exports, at the same time, foreign aid for development has effectively dried up.
The WTO chief emphasised that the ongoing crisis was an opportunity for African nations to mobilise their resources for industrialisation.
“The United States has raised tariffs on African exports, even if the highest duties have now been paused, meanwhile, aid for other intents and purposes is practically over. If African countries can enormously explore the abundant green energy potentials to power industrial activities, the continent will be in pole position to leverage comparative advantage.
“The time to act is now. In every crises there is an opportunity. And I think the continent should seize the advantage of the current global crisis to turn things around, looking inwards and mobilizing our resources,” the WTO boss said shortly after bagging the award.
While acknowledging global progress in fighting poverty, she warned that Africa remains behind. “In recent decades, the world has made unprecedented progress in poverty reduction,” she said, adding that “over 1.5 billion population of the world have moved out of poverty.”
The Award gathered African leaders who chart a bold path forward, resolving to turn crisis into opportunities, with a strong call to action for the continent’s future.
In his remarks, John Mahama, Ghanaian President, reaffirmed his commitment to pan-African ideals, self-determination, unity, progress, sustainable development and a strategic youth empowerment program.
“Tonight is more than just a celebration. it is a phenomenal powerful night of recognition, when we honour indomitable spirit of African resilience. A moment where we acknowledge those whose lives have continued to shape the culture and political fabrics of our beloved continent,” Mahma, represented bybGomashie Abla Dzifa, Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts stated.
Also speaking, Abba Yusuf, the Kano State Governor and an awardee pledged to deepen efforts toward inclusive development. “This prestigious recognition would motivate me to return back to Nigeria more organized to work harder towards building an Africa that works for all,” he said.
Yusuf also said his administration would focus on the underserved communities. “We will assist the downtrodden people who are suffering, especially in the areas of healthcare, education. We will also support women, children and aged people,” he promised.
In his welcome address,Moses Siasia chairman of Heritage Times HT and convener of the AfriHeritage Awards, , spoke passionately about the vast human and resource potential of the African continent. He challenged the status quo, asserting that “foreigners should not be allowed to reward excellence in Africa”.
He reiterated his commitment to changing the narrative. “We must tell our story. President Nelson Mandela of blessed memory reminded us that history depends on he who writes it. We are writing our story today, we will not allow foreigners reward excellence in Africa. We must have our brand that rewards excellence to those who have worked tirelessly and projected the image of the African Continent, and that is what the AfriHeritage Awards represent.
Siasia explained that the award is based purely on merit, celebrating Africans who have made a significant impact in their fields. “The AfriHeritage Award is given purely on merit to those who have distinguished themselves in their various fields of endeavour,” he said, adding that the organizers remain committed to upholding the highest ethics of journalism and professionalism.
Reflecting on the platform’s growth, he noted, “From a humble beginning five years ago, the AfriHeritage Magazine now prints over 250 thousand copies of magazine yearly which is distributed across the African continent and beyond, while the Heritage Times site hosts over two and a half million visitors daily, thus making it a visible and viable platform to promote African excellence”.
He concluded by emphasising that Africa has all it takes to push foward stating, “We have the natural resources, we have the human resources, and there is nothing you will find anywhere in the world that is natural that you cannot find in Africa”.
Other awardess includedSamuel Ogbuku, Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC); Francess Ann Humplick, CEO of South Bridge Investment Partners; Adesoji O. Adelaja, John A. Hannah Distinguished Professor in Land Policy at Michigan State University & Board Chairman of Chapel Hill Denham; and Akinwunmi Akinfemiwa, CEO of Geregu Power Plc.
Also recognized were Standard Bank Group of South Africa, Nigeria’s Bank of Industry (BOI), and Hassan II University of Casablanca (UH2C), alongside other African personalities and brands from across the continent and diaspora who graced the prestigious event in Marrakesh, Morocco.
