Joyce Mmereole Okoli
The Chief Executive Officer, Chicason Group, Dr. Alexander Chika Okafor, has received the honorary title of the Lord Mayor of West Africa as part of activities to mark the International Day of African Descent.
This year’s commemoration of the United Nations International Day of African Descent celebrated on 31 August yearly, witnessed 17 Africans honoured for their contributions to global peace by the International Association of World Peace Advocates (IAWPA)
IAWPA is a non governmental organisation registered under the special consultative status of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) of the United Nations UN with a vision of championing peace and promoting sustainable development goals around the world.
This year’s celebration of the day of African Descent also coincides with the end of the United Nations Decade of African Descent aimed at recognizing Africans, ensuring social justice for Africans and spearheading development of Africans in Africa and in diaspora.
Speaking on the significance of the celebration, the National Secretary, IAWPA and Convener of the event, Amb. Chi Jenny Ugboaja, noted that the celebration is an attestation to the diversity and rich cultural heritage of African people.
Ugboaja added that in recognition of some Africans who have made positive strides in promoting peace and advancement in their chosen fields for a more prosperous Africa, IAWPA is decorating them with the Eminent Ambassadors of Peace award with the high point of the decorations being the recognition of Dr. Chika Okafor as the Lord Mayor of Africa.
Ugboaja said: “The purpose for the international day of African Descent, for us, is to promote African culture. We decided to celebrate it in Lagos this year.
“Formerly, people say Africans are black monkeys but it is not so anymore. I am proud that former United States President, Barack Obama, a black who became president.
“We have 17 persons who we are honoring today, one of whom is the Lord Mayor of West Africa, Dr. Chika Okafor, the Chief Executive Officer of Chicason Group.”
Okafor, speaking with journalists shortly after receiving the honour, explained that the award has come as a call to greater service to humanity centered around fostering peaceful coexistence for mankind.
Expressing his appreciation, he said: “I thank God for this international honour bestowed on me. My prayer is that God gives me the grace to do what is expected of me. I will try my best to meet up with the expectations of those who nominated me for this honour.”
Meanwhile, the international President IAWPA, Amb. Per Stafsen, acknowledged the role of peace in the building of strong institutions and world progress. In his remark on the journey of the organisation since inception, he noted that at the heart of the organisation’s vision is leading conversations and actions for the achievement of a peaceful and resilient world.
“IAWPA was formed in 2012 with the goal of promoting peace and achieving the sustainable development goals of the United Nations.
“Without peace there is no prosperity and there is no way you can grow your economy and that is our key point- to promote and sustain peace and advocate for the 17 point agenda of the sustainable development goals.”
Aside Dr. Okafor, other recipients of the Eminent Peace Ambassadors award were, Chief Dr. Alexander Chika Okafor (Lord Mayor of Africa), Mrs. Favour Chibuogwu Chika-Okafor, Chika Dikanna Okafor, and Emmanuel Adetayo Adekoya, Chidi Caleb Egonu, Oluwaseun David Fajobi, Emmanuella Jane Gabriel, Olanrewaju Adesoji Oduwole, Emmanuel Chukwugozie Orjichukwu, Giles Ezeokoli, Oluwaseun Olayemi Adunbarin, Odilia Sirri Akongnwi, Israel Olufemi Idowu, Chief Afam Chukwuma, Margaret Uzoma Isinguzo, highlighting the breadth of influence and achievement across the African continent.