The CEO, Access Holdings PLC, Herbert Onyewumbu Wigwe(CON) has made the list of 100 Most Notable Peace Icons in Africa.
The Rivers-born financial expert has received accolades for Making Access Bank One Of The Top Five Banks In Nigeria and Top 500 Globally as the helmsman.
He has also been honoured as Nigeria’s Most Stylish Bank Executive
A philanthropist of great repute, he has been at the forefront in supporting vulnerable children, orphans, and internally displaced persons in most parts of the country, including the northern part of Nigeria
He was in the list of winners recently unveiled by Peace Ambassador Agency in Abuja.
Amb. Kinsley Amafibe, the founder of Peace Ambassador Agency and the Project Director ‘Africa for the 100 Most Notable Peace Icons in Africa,’ congratulated all those who made the coveted list.
Top among others in the list are, Nigerian music superstars David Adeleke, also known as Davido, influencer Tunde Ednut, Divine Ikubor, popularly known as Rema, ace comedian AY Makun and the Medical Director, Las Vegas Pain Institute, Dr. Godwin Maduka
Others listed among the ‘100 Most Notable Peace Icons in Africa’ include, veteran Ghanaian actor John Dumelo, American-born Senegalese singer, Akon , the first lady of Mamibia, Monica Geingos and, ex-Cameroonian football star Samuel Eto’o Fils.
The superstars were named in the ‘Peace building row call’ at the unveiling news conference by Peace Ambassador Agency on Friday in Abuja.
Also, former President Goodluck Jonathan, former Vice President, Prof Yemi Osibanjo; Sultan of Sokoto, Mohammadu Sa’ad Abubakar and President of the African Development Bank, Akinwumi Adeshina are among those who made it to the list.
Also not missing are the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III, Cardinal John Oniyekan, Bishop Matthew Hassan-Kukah, and renowned tele-evangelist Pastor Chris Oyakhilome
Others include Lawyer, Barr. Ladi Ahmed Jato, Chief Amb. Ikedinachukwu Ezekwueme CEO Sonic Metals Nigeria, Tony Rex IDaminabo the Founder African Achievers Awards, Mrs Aisha Yusuf Ishaku the CEO Designtactics Interior Limited, Dr Williams S.K Anarfi, CEO Wask Group, Gbadewole Amos Kayode, MD, Crown Allied Global Realty and Homes Limited, Abbas Devjani, Co-Founder, Devjani Group Africa, Dr Nabhit Kapur, Head of department of Mental Health, Nada Elfeituri Architect/ Researcher and Hajiya Salmatu Muktah CEO Exclusive Wears.
According to Amafibe, the peace icons are Africans drawn from different backgrounds, who have used their talents, positions, and resources to build and promote peace across the continent.
He said those who made the list were painstakingly selected for their consisted commitment to humanitarian initiatives, positive influence on communities, and youth empowerment, among other criteria.
“It is with immense excitement that we announce the revelation of the esteemed list titled “100 Most Notable Peace Icons in Africa. ” “”
“This initiative stands as a testament to our commitment to acknowledging and applauding the remarkable individuals and collectives that have played key roles in nurturing peace, harmony, and positive change the African continent.
“This initiative celebrates the dedication of those who have laboured continuously to reduce conflicts, advance social bonds, and establish connections amidst diverse communities,” he said.
Amb. Amafibe noted that by sharing their narratives, the intention is to amplify the ripples of their endeavors and produce a collective resolve to foster a more calm and prosperous Africa.
“Within this illustrious roster of 100 Most Notable Peace Icons in Africa, we encounter a rich shade of leaders, economist, financial expert, sports personalities, religious leaders, industrialist, entertainment entrepreneurs and traditional rulers.
“They have transcended boundaries and overcome challenges to leave inerasable legacies, with each narrative as a tribute to perseverance and determination, enclosed in the cherished values of Africa- unity, harmony, and progress.
“The profiles and accomplishments of these icons are showcased on our official website, www.100mostnotable.org, a digital monument honouring their contributions across Africa and beyond,” he said
Other recipients of the recognition across the continent include Rwanda President, Paul Kagame, Kenyan President William Ruto Cyril Ramaphosa, South African President, and Joyce Hilda- Band ,First Female President in Malawi.
Amafibe added, “100 Most Notable Peace Icons in Africa” initiative stands as a celebration of hope, unity, and advancement for the continent.
He, therefore, urged Africans to unite in constructing a future, where peace and prosperity flourish through education, empowerment, and sustainable development.
“The unveiling of this plaque transcends mere symbolism but serves as a call to action, an exhortation to perpetuate the values embodied by African Icons
“This plaque would serve as a perpetual reminder to both present and future generations that peace entails more than the absence of conflict; it encompasses the proactive cultivation of understanding, cooperation, and shared prosper
“The legacy of these African Icons shall persist as a wellspring of inspiration for individuals, nations, and the entirety of the African continent,” he said.
