The President of Zambia, Hakainde Hichilema, has been named the recipient of the 2021/22 Zik Prize in Political Leadership.
According to the Head, Selection Committee of the Zik Prize, Prof. Pat Utomi, other recipients of the awards billed for November 19 in Lagos are President AFREXIM Bank, Prof Benedict Oramah (Professional Leadership); Edo state governor, Godwin Obaseki (Good Governance); Chairman, SIFAX Group, Dr. Taiwo Afolabi (Entrepreneurial Leadership) and former first lady of Kebbi state, Hajia Aisha Atiku Abubakar (Humanitarian Leadership).
Utomi in a statement noted that in a continent well known for its leadership challenges, President Hichilema has distinguished himself as a great shining light, not only to his South African nation, Zambia, but the black race.
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On the choice of Prof Oramah, the release said he has remarkably piloted AFREXIM Bank to deliver on its mandate of boosting economic expansion in Africa by financing and promoting intra-and extra-African trade as well as accelerating industrialization.
The statement added that Gov Obaseki has accomplished tremendous success in public administration, repositioning the civil service and the transformation of the state’s failing education sector.
The release noted that while many businessmen are hesitant to invest in the nation’s murky and unpredictable business waters, Dr Afolabi’s indomitable and diehard nature to frontally confront all obstacles has helped him to succeed in ventures where others before him had failed.
While commenting on Hajiya Bagudu, it noted that she has since 2009 set up the Mass Literacy for Less Privileged and Almajiri Initiative (MALLPAI), “an NGO that has quietly gone about its business of enhancing the quality of life of Nigerians by supporting and empowering initiatives that improve access to health, education and agricultural opportunities”.
Utomi noted that the prize is being combined for the year 2021 and 2022 because it was put on hold last year as a mark of respect following the passage of two members of the Advisory Board – Prince Emeka Obasi and Prof George Obiozor.
Past recipients of the Zik Prize include President J.J. Rawlings, President Nwalimu Julius Nyerere, Dr. Salim Ahmed Salim, President Sam Nujoma, Dr. Nelson Mandela, President Yoweri Muzeveni, President John Agyekum Kufuor, Dr Pius Okigbo, Alhaji Yayale Ahmed, Otunba Subomi Balogun, President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Alhaji Ahmed Joda and Dr Akinwumi Adesina.
