Former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, has warned that Nigeria and Africa will suffer great consequences if they fail to give peace a chance and solve their problems through dialogue.
Obasanjo spoke during the National Daily Award held, on Friday, in Victoria Island, Lagos.
Obasanjo, who was the keynote speaker, and recipient of Global Leadership and Peace Icon Award, said choices had consequences.
He said: “What is wrong with Africa? I look at the horn of Africa, eight countries and each has its own problem. Sudan’s war has erupted. Somalia has been in doldrums for the past 21 years. Is it any better in West Africa when you look at Mali, Burkina Faso, Chad, others? Is it better in Central Africa? One major problem in Africa is the mismanagement of its diversity. Diversity is what makes us what we are..”
On the award, Obasanjo said: “This is to encourage the awardees to do more. This award is to show Nigerians that despite the gloomy situation we are in, there is spotlight of excellence that should be recognised and celebrated.
Also, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Usman Alkali Baba, who was given the Man of the Year Award, said: “Award is a motivation factor to propel us to do more. I think I have been motivated to do more the
Lagos State Governor, BabajideSanwo-Olu was awarded the Innovation and Infrastructure Governor of the Year while Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Airpeace, Allen Onyema, bagged the Aviation Personality of the Year…
Chairman, Juli Plc., Prince Julius Adeluyi got Lifetime Achievement Award in Leadership; Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote got the African Business Personality of the Decade….”
Lawmaker representing Esan North East/Esan South East Constituency, Sergius Ogun, Lawmaker of the year; Charles Inoji got the Most Outstanding Actor in Comedy and Drama series.
By Eniola Dan