The Executive Secretary, Tertiary Education Trust Fund (Tetfund), Arc. Sonny Echono, has been honored with the prestigious African Leadership Excellence Award in Education Development.
The award presented by the African Leadership Magazine, recognises Echono’s exceptional contributions to the educational sector across Africa and his unwavering commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and innovation.
The award ceremony took place during the 9th African Leadership Magazine Summit in London from July 17 to 18, 2024.
The summit with the theme, “Africa Unleashed: Business and Policy Leaders Driving Progress on the Continent,” brought together a distinguished gathering of policymakers, business leaders, diplomats, and thought leaders to explore pathways for sustainable socio-economic development in Africa.
Arc. Sonny Echono’s keynote address at the summit, titled “Education and Entrepreneurship Linkages: Africa’s Pathway to Unleashing Its Greatness,” was a highlight of the event.
In his address, Echono emphasized the critical role of education in driving entrepreneurship and economic growth. He outlined a compelling vision for the future of education in Africa, focusing on several key areas essential to the continent’s progress.
One of Echono’s significant achievements has been the transformation of Tetfund into a catalyst for educational excellence. Under his leadership, Tetfund has substantially increased its investment in quality education and skills development, producing a globally competitive workforce. Echono has been a strong advocate for reforming educational curricula to foster creativity, critical thinking, and entrepreneurial skills.
His efforts have bridged the gap between traditional educational systems and the evolving needs of society, empowering students to become job creators rather than job seekers.
Echono’s dedication to good governance and accountability has also been a cornerstone of his leadership. He has championed the efficient utilization of funding sources for massive infrastructure projects in energy, transportation, and communication systems. These initiatives are critical in creating an environment where education and entrepreneurship can flourish.
In addition to his focus on education, Echono has actively promoted regional integration and trade. He has emphasized the importance of strengthening regional bodies such as the African Union (AU) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to enhance intra-African trade. His vision of economic collaboration and growth is rooted in the belief that a united Africa can achieve unparalleled progress.
Echono’s advocacy extends to preserving Africa’s cultural heritage and promoting environmental sustainability. He believes that reviving Africa’s rich cultural traditions can build strategic global partnerships and open new markets. His emphasis on eco-friendly practices and protecting natural resources underscores his holistic approach to sustainable development.
The African Leadership Excellence Award in Education Development is a testament to Arc. Sonny Echono’s visionary leadership and relentless pursuit of excellence. His contributions to education and entrepreneurship have inspired countless individuals and have set a new standard for development across the continent. Echono’s optimistic vision for Africa’s future, driven by education and entrepreneurial innovation, continues to shape the continent’s trajectory towards global prominence.
