African leaders are said to have abandoned the vision and legacy left behind for the continent by the legendary Nelson Mandela of South Africa. Instead, they have intensified sit-tight leadership, self-imposition to power, massive corruption, abuse of human rights, and moving Africa’s wealth abroad.
As a result, youths of Africa seem to be in disarray and in search of greener pastures all the time, and many have taken to vices and self-direction in the abject lack of hope or good examples to follow.
The lamentation was raised by a pro-youth entrepreneur and real estate investor, My-ACE China, who is known more as the Mayor of Housing.
China spoke to newsmen in Port Harcourt after bagging the Mandela Africa Leadership award 2025 conveyed to him by the Organization of African Youth (OAY).
The CEO and Managing Director of Mayor of Housing in Port Harcourt, said by the standards left behind by Mandela, it may not be possible to identify any true African head of state as a leader.
In an interview after the award, China said: “What I admire most about Nelson Mandela is that he is a legend of possibility through persistence and patience. He saw a future South Africa and it came. It took persistence and patience and these ring in my mind when I face situations.”
The housing value chain expert said; “One of the greatest leadership mantras is that the only way to lead is by example. Mandela not only gave Africa an example, gave the younger generation an example, and most of it all, he gave the world an example.
China said he felt that Africa is the future of the world because 70% of African demography is youth. “The energy for the future, the energy for productivity, and for change, is the youthful energy. Anything that has to do with African youth gets to me because I am a youth enthusiast and a youth empowerment advocate, a believer of the philosophy of youth empowerment.
“When African youths came to me, I was very delighted, but the delight became multiplied exponentially when I learnt it’s a ‘Nelson Mandela’ award. That made me remember that legend and his long walk to freedom. It made me remember my own long walk to financial freedom. I can see that the youth of Africa are beginning to see me in that mode and that has motivated me to walk and work more in the footsteps of Mandela.
“I can say that this is one of the most passionate and personally inspiring awards I have got because that name (Mandela) is attached to it.”
The real estate success strategist who is behind a new mini-city known as the Alesa Highland Smart City near Onne Port said he admired Nelson Mandela a lot and that he has tried to walk in his steps and work in his ethics.
China is already a UN Peace ambassador and has now been presented with the ‘Pan-African Nelson Mandela Leadership Award of Excellence and Integrity’. It is said to be a recognition of his outstanding contributions to societal development and his relentless efforts to combat poverty through execution of aggressive high-end housing scheme in the Niger Delta which in turn churn out jobs to the youth.
Leading the delegation, Francis Azubuike commended China’s remarkable achievements in addressing housing challenges in the region.
He said they have followed China’s unwavering commitment to providing legitimate housing in Rivers State. You have demonstrated exemplary professionalism, strategic vision, and a deep sense of duty in tackling housing issues and safeguarding lives and property.”
He said the Organization of African Youth continues to champion the spirit of leadership and integrity across the continent, encouraging leaders like Amb. My-Ace China to pursue their missions with tenacity and compassion.
Reacting to the award, Juliana Nwachukwu, the organization’s accountant, expressed heartfelt gratitude for the recognition. She said: “My principal is a beacon of integrity in the housing sector. His love for humanity and commitment to serving God truly blesses Nigeria. This award reflects not just his work but also his vision for a better future for our people.”
