Kibaki, African leaders receive awards

Former Zambian President Rupiah Banda presents the former firstlady of the Republic of Ghana DrErnostimaNaadu Mills with aposthumous award for her late husband John Atta Mills, during theLifetime Africa Prize Laureates cocktail in Limuru. [PHOTO: GOVEDI ASUTSA]

By Caroline Rwenji

African leaders, including President Kibaki, were on Saturday feted for their exemplary work.

The 11 laureates were awarded the prestigious Lifetime Africa Achievement prizes for various milestones. President Kibaki received the award for his role in leadership and national stability.

The award is usually bestowed to “an individual in recognition of his courage, dedication and commitment to the betterment of life through good governance, justice and development in his country and Africa at large”. He was feted for his efforts in demanding for peace for all and his move towards uniting Kenyans despite the many tribes.

The Vice-President Kalonzo Musyoka who also lauded all the laureates, also recognised was the former Zambian President Mr Rupia Banda received the award.

The former president in his speech urged African leaders to protect the continent by avoiding civil wars at all costs. He especially urged leaders to concede defeat after losing in elections, a message, which he said, was timely in Kenya whose general elections are less than 3 months away. “There can only be one winner in an election. The people have made their choice,” he said.

He explained how he accepted his loss during Zambia’s general elections and paved way for a smooth transition for the next president. “We must protect the continent from civil wars. There are other challenges to deal with in Africa,” he emphasised.

Other leaders who were feted were Uganda’s president Yoweri Museveni who was given an award for nation building and African leadership. The award was received by the Millennium foundation on his behalf.

Also celebrated was the late Ghanaian president Mr John Atta Mills. The award presented posthumously was received by his wife Dr Naadu Mills. The late president was recognised for his good governance and development of his country. Mr Paul Pattni was feted for humanitarianism and equity for his role in helping and caring for the destitute in the society while South African Nolo Letele, The Multichoice chairman, received the media development in Africa award. Others feted were Mo Ibrahim who received the action for Africa award and Mohammed El Baradie who was celebrated for his role in scientific research in the continent.