The government's nominee for the post of Executive Secretary of ECOWAS Dr. Mohammed Ibn Chambas was on Saturday honoured as African Worthy Ambassador with 14 other personalities and institutions in Accra.
The award, instituted by the All African Students Union (AASU) coincided with this year's celebration of the International Student's Day, established in November 17, 1939 in recognition of students' resistance in the streets of Prague against Nazi occupation.
The other award winners are Mr. Kofi Totobi Quakyi, former Minister of National Security, who had the Testimonial of Commendation, Brigadier-General Mohammed B. Marwa, former Military Administrator of Lagos State of Nigeria, African International Worthy Ambassador.
The rest who are all Nigerians are, Dr. Sam Ominyi Egwu, Governor of Ebonyi State, Higher Order of African Youth, Chief Adebisi Bamdele Akande, Higher Order of African Youth and Dr. Ojo Kolade Russel Olufemi, of Nigeria as Order of African Students, Prince Chibudom Nwuche of Nigeria, Worthy Ambassador of African Youth
The following received Testimonial of Commendations are, Professor Shaibu Oba Abdul Raheem, Dr Mary Maboreke, Ms Elizabeth Calyle and Hajia Laila Dongoyaro for African Woman Advancement award.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ghana and Association of African University were also given Testimonial of Commendation.
Dr. Chambas in his acceptance remarks noted that the first phase of African liberation ended with political independence and apartheid.
The second phase, he said, emanates with the struggle to build a stable democratic governments across the continent and the socio-economic emancipation of Africans from poverty, illiteracy and diseases.
He said, "African people today yearn for an end to civil strife and conflict, while desiring for peace and stability, economic growth and improvement of their incomes, education and affordable health services.
"They loathe the lack of transparency and corruption resulting in loss of resources, which could otherwise have been utilized to provide much needed infrastructure and social services."
The ECOWAS Executive Secretary nominee emphasis that "Africans are just plain sick and tired of being trapped by a debilitating debt burden and crushing poverty."
Dr. Chambas stated that if Africans can demonstrate the required sense of purpose, commitment, courage and determination to reduce the level of rhetoric and rather places emphasis on taking the necessary follow up to implement plans, programmes and protocols, the 21st century would be the African Renaissance.
He urged African Youth to concentrate on the campaign against ignorance and education for all, the fight against HIV/AIDS pandemic and the sensitisation on the African Union and sub-regional integration.
He also encouraged African students to insist that educational training institutions provides and prepares them for the highly competitive job market and skills to make students builders of a prosperous Africa.
"All this can not be provided unless budgetary allocations in real terms, devote substantial amount to education. This you must fight for without compromise."
All the award winners expressed their gratitude to AASU for the recognition and pledged to work more towards the development and enhancing of the African student.
