From Aidoghie Paulinus, Abuja

He made the call as a special guest of honour at the 25th anniversary of the Millennium Excellence Prize on Saturday night in Kumasi, Ghana.

Tinubu, who was represented by the Minister of State, Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, said Africans must continue to work together in shaping their shared destiny.

In a statement by the Special Assistant on Communication and New Media to Ojukwu, Magnus Eze, the president explained that the Renewed Hope Agenda of his administration was aimed at transforming lives, fostering inclusive growth and positioning Nigeria as a cornerstone of regional integration and leadership.

He called on dignitaries at the event to continue to inspire excellence, strive to uphold the values of leadership with service and invest in the youth, while championing collaboration across borders.

The president eulogised the Life Patron of the Millennium Excellence Foundation, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, Asantehene, for the invitation extended to him and hosting the distinguished event.

Noting that the award ceremony had, from inception in 1988, remained a beacon of inspiration and recognition across the continent, President Tinubu stated that its mission of identifying, celebrating and supporting those who had distinguished themselves in the pursuit of African development, resonated deeply with the aspirations of Nigeria, and indeed, all African nations.

“I salute the visionaries, who have nurtured this institution for a quarter of a century, and also celebrate the values of honour, integrity, service and excellence that underpin its work,” he said.

He further lauded the organisers for identifying and celebrating Africa’s shining lights; individuals whose lives and work had lifted the continent and inspired generations.

“It is no small achievement to have honoured such illustrious figures as the late Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Professor Wole Soyinka, President Cyril Ramaphosa and Dr. Mo Ibrahim, among others,” Tinubu stated.

He congratulated the Millennium Excellence Foundation, its life patron, and all past and present laureates.

During the event, Odumegwu-Ojukwu received the Lifetime Africa Achievement Prize on behalf of President Tinubu.

Other notable Nigerians that were honoured at the event included President/Chairman, African Export-Import Bank (AFREXIM), Benedict Oramah (Global Intra-Africa Trade Excellence in Africa); Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno (Lifetime Africa Achievement Prize for Governance and Public Service); Founder/Chairman, BUA Group, Abdul Samad Rabiu (African Excellence in Business) and Dumo Lulu-Briggs (African Traditional Leadership and Business Excellence).