From Ameachi Prosper (The New Diplomat’s Delta State Correspondent)
In recognition of his efforts in ensuring stability in African politics, former President Goodluck Jonathan, has bagged the prestigious award of the ‘Africa Peace and Security Leader of the Year 2020’.
The announcement was made by Dr Ken Giami, Publisher of the United Kingdom-based African Leadership Magazine at the U.K. Head Office of the group, noting the award became imperative given the role of Jonathan in peace initiative in Africa.
He pointed out that Jonathan was unanimously chosen by poll respondents based on his commitment to deepening democracy, peace and security across the continent.
The publisher maintained that, the former President who has led several African Union (AU) and ECOWAS missions across the continent, emerged winner after scoring over 80% of the total votes cast in the category, in a keenly contested poll, ahead of many other distinguished nominees across the continent.
According to him, the former President was announced as the winner in the ninth edition of the annual African Leadership Magazine Persons of the Year Award, alongside 12 other distinguished Africans, including: Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director General, World Health Organization, WHO, as African of the Year 2020; Nana Akufo-Addo, President of Ghana, as African Political Leader of the Year; Mo Ibrahim, founder, Mo Ibrahim foundation, as the African Philanthropist of the year 2020; Graca Machel, as African Climate Champion of the Year 2020.
A statement by the magazine said the poll attracted over 120,000 votes on the ALM website, over 7 million active online engagement during the voting period and over 5000 votes via email.
The statement added that: “The African Leadership Magazine Persons of the Year which is in its ninth year is an annual award reserved for distinguished Africans, who have blazed the trail in the year under review.
“A shortlist of nominees are selected from results gathered via a call for the nomination – traditionally promoted via paid online and offline campaigns across the continent, Europe, and the Americas. The call for nomination is the first step in a multi-phased process.”
Winners are to be decorated on February 26th, 2021, during the annual African Leadership Magazine Persons of the Year Award ceremony.
