News, Society

Sally Mbanefo Honoured In South Africa

Dr. (Mrs.) Sally Uwechue-Mbanefo, Anambra State Commissioner for Diaspora Affairs, Indigenous Artwork, Culture and Tourism has been honoured in South Africa.

She was honoured by African Women of Excellence and Diaspora Africa Forum which selected her as a recipient of 2018 Africa Women of Excellence Award.

The award took place on September 29 and 30 at Michelangelo Hotel, Santo city Johannesburg, South Africa with the theme; “I Am My Sister’s Keeper”.

According to a letter from the forum the award is in honour and appreciation of the contributions of women of Africa to charity, to the struggle for political, social and economic independence at various levels with excellence.

Speaking after receiving the award, Barr. Sally Mbanefo said;

“I vividly remember Dr Nelson Mandale, the late madiba who in 1963 said’ I fought black domination and white domi national’, what is he trying to teach us here? That domination of any kind is not acceptable no matter who is concerned.”

“Mandela also made us appreciate the famous speech of Martin Luther King in which he said, ‘I have a dream that one day people will be judged by the content of their character and not by the colour of their skin’. This is the African dream we all desire and it is my prayer that we live up to this dream. So, let us celebrate African’s diversity, African’ s inclusiveness and our humanity because it costs nothing.”

“What makes us African? Am I African by the way I look? No, we are African by our actions, by the love we show to Africa. By the value we add to Africa, that is what defines an African and not just the colour of our skin.”

“The greatest assets as an African woman are, first, humility of purpose; of person, of character and of attitude. I have learnt this in all my working years with the Yorubas. Secondly, choosing one’s battles, at work, and at home to ensure peace of mind and thirdly practicing to be a woman of silence. It is not everyone who provokes you that you respond to, save your energy for more positive things and fight only battles that are necessary.”

“In giving, we must give wholeheartedly and give until it hurts. The type of giving expected of us is sacrificial giving. One can give one’s talent, time or treasure.”

“Over the past 11-years, I have been giving 1000% of what I earn. So, there is nothing like 10%, you give as much as your heart desires. We have been giving to empower the African youth, as well as empowering the widows and downtrodden, it is our duty.”

“I thank His Excellency, Chief Willie Obiano, the Executive Governor of Anambra State where I serve as cabinet member of the State, for deeming it necessary for me to be here to receive this award. Indeed, this award is for the people of Anambra.”

“Imagine the global impact of a synergy between South Africa and Nigeria; this is the opportunity this award is creating today. I dedicate this award first to God, then to Anambra State, to Nigeria. I dedicate this award to the African girl child, struggling to be educated and finally I dedicated this award to the ‘Can Do’ spirit of the African women.”

“Let’s celebrate Africa’s diversity, let us celebrate Africa’s inclusiveness and let us celebrate Africa without borders.”

It is interesting to know that Mama Winnie Madikizela Mandela and Professor Joy Ogwu are past recipients of this prestigious award.

See also  Lagos 2023: Sanwo-Olu Kicks Off Campaign At Ehingbeti Summit