Kofi Annan posthumously awarded the ECOWAS Prize of Excellence

The Economic Commission of West African States at its 55th Ordinary Session in Abuja honoured three persons with excellence awards.

Kofi Annan was posthumously awarded the ECOWAS Prize of Excellence for his contributions to West Africa’s wellbeing. The prize is awarded by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

Mr Annan’s widow, Nane Annan, received the prize on 29 June during the 55th Summit of ECOWAS heads of State and Government meeting, in Abuja, Nigeria.

“Today’s celebration holds a special significance for us,” Mr s Annan said. “The fate and fortunes of the people of West Africa were always close to his heart, and he relished each opportunity to personally contribute to lasting peace and sustainable development in the region.”

Nane Annan with President Buhari in Abuja, Nigeria. Photo credit: Sunday Aghaeze / ECOWAS.

“The fate and fortunes of the people of West Africa were always close to his heart, and he relished each opportunity to personally contribute to lasting peace and sustainable development in the region.” – Nane Annan

Mrs Annan, who joined the Foundation board in September 2018, donated all proceeds of the 20’000USD award to the Kofi Annan Foundation.

Another beneficiary of the award was Dr Ameyo Adadevoh, who died after taking great risk to prevent Ebola virus from spreading in the city of Lagos after attending to a Liberian patient, Patrick Sawyer in her First Consultant Hospital, Ikoyi.

Also, an award of excellence went to Madame Germaine Acogny, as a deserving citizen of the Community on Violet Art Choregraphique. Madame Acogny is a Senegalese dancer and choreographer responsible for developing “African Dance”, as well as the creation of several dance schools in both France and Senegal. She hailed originally from Benin and is now 75 years old.

All the awards and certificates were presented by President Muhammadu Buhari, and Mrs Annan gave an appreciation speech on behalf of all the recipients, expressing gratitude to ECOWAS for the award.

“Thank you for this generous recognition of the immense contribution to the objectives of ECOWAS by my husband and dear friend.

“I would also like to thank ECOWAS on behalf of the two other laureates, two outstanding women of West Africa, the late Dr Ameyo Adadevoh her selfless sacrifice to curb the spread of Ebola in Nigeria.

“And Madam Germaine Acogny for the quality and richness of your artistic production,” she said.

Main photo credit: Bayo Omoboriowo