Chairman of Heirs Holdings Tony Elumelu, billionaire businessman Femi Otedola, Senior Pastor of Commonwealth of Zion Assembly (COZA) Biodun Fatoyinbo, director-general of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, and Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen have been named among the 2025 ‘100 Most Notable Peace Icons in Africa’.
The list, unveiled at a press conference on Wednesday in Abuja, features several eminent Nigerians and Africans from different sectors who have made significant contributions to peace and development on the continent.
Egyptian football star Mohamed Salah of Liverpool FC is also among the honorees.
Other recipients of the peace icon recognition across Africa include Angel Josephat Natianota, chief executive officer of HR World Limited in Tanzania, Grammy-winning singer Tems and Moroccan leaders Abdelhak Najib and Imane Kendili.
Also featured are Mthuli Ncube, Zimbabwe’s minister of finance, economic development and investment promotion and Munyakazi Sadate, chief executive officer of Karame Rwanda Group.
Kingsley Amafibe, project director Africa, 100 Most Notable Peace Icons Africa, said the individuals were recognised for their commitment to causes that promote development and peace.
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 explained that those who made the list were selected based on their commitment to humanitarian initiatives, positive influence on communities and youth empowerment, among other criteria.
“This initiative stands as a testament to our commitment to acknowledging and applauding remarkable individuals and the key roles they play in nurturing peace, harmony, and positive change on the African continent.
“These individuals have showcased unwavering resilience and commitment to nurturing new leaders, fueling economic growth, and uplifting positive changes across various sectors.
“By sharing their narratives, our intention is to amplify the ripples of their endeavors, 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, economists, financial experts, sports personalities, religious leaders, industrialists, 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,” he said.
The 2025 Peace Icons will receive their awards at the ‘100 Most Notable Africans Leadership and Business Summit’ scheduled to hold in July in Kigali, Rwanda.
The event, themed “Leadership Frameworks for Governance, Business Growth, Investment Opportunities and Sustainable Development in Africa,” will bring together economic experts, government officials, entrepreneurs, policymakers and other stakeholders to foster inclusive discussions on Africa’s economic growth.
“Africa, with its diverse people, landscapes and dynamic population, presents a compelling invitation, and this event is a dynamic platform for us to come together and explore significant trends, challenges, and opportunities for collaborations.
“This will help to create an environment conducive for investment opportunities, promoting communication and collaboration among leaders.
“The summit will feature insightful lectures, high impact networking, and engaging panel discussions which will ensure stable political campaigns with transparent governance, which will build investors’ confidence.
“It will also promote cross-border initiatives that allow nations to share best practices in areas like agriculture, education, and health.
“This can help African leaders leverage their collective efforts and ease border restrictions to boost trade while maintaining a security framework that addresses common threats,” he added.