CHIEF EMEKA ANYAOKU CHAMPIONS SUSTAINABLE DEMOCRACY AS SHELTER & HOPE INTERNATIONAL HONORS LEADERS IN ABUJA
Shelter & Hope International today held its _Distinguished Leadership & Service Awards at the Transcorp Hilton Abuja, with a strong focus on sustaining democracy and accelerating development in Africa.
The keynote address, _“Sustaining Democracy in Africa: Our Collective Responsibility”_, was delivered by *Chief Emeka Anyaoku, CFR, CON, former Secretary-General of the Commonwealth. He urged African leaders and citizens to prioritize strong institutions, accountability, and youth inclusion, noting: _“Democracy must be our priority. We must build it, sustain it, and hand over a better continent to the next generation.”_
The theme sparked debate among guests on governance reforms, economic transformation, and the role of the private sector in making Africa a continent of great nations.
Mr. Mallon Ogbaro, Executive Director of Finance, Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC), was among the honorees, recognized for outstanding fiscal stewardship and community development in oil-producing areas.
Distinguished guests included former African leaders: H.E. Uhuru Kenyatta (Kenya), H.E. Jakaya Kikwete (Tanzania), H.E. Kgalema Motlanthe (South Africa), and H.E. John Agyekum Kufuor (Ghana).
Captains of industry present: Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe (MD/CEO, Fidelity Bank Plc), Alhaji Auwalu Abdullahi Rano (Founder, A.A. Rano), Alhaji Mohammed Indimi (Chairman, Oriental Energy Resources), Mr. Abdulkabir Aliu (GMD, Matrix Energy Group), Alhaji Dahiru Mangal (Founder, Max Air & AFDIN Group), and Mr. Austin Avuru (Co-Founder/Ex-CEO, Seplat Energy Plc).
The Country Director of Shelter & Hope International, Dr Bendit David stated: _“These awards are a call to action. As Chief Anyaoku reminded us, Africa’s future depends on our ability to make democracy work and governance deliver for the people.”_
Shelter & Hope International is an NGO advancing governance, democracy, and social development across Africa
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