GEJ BAGGS US MARTIN LUTHER KING HUMANITARIAN AWARD

Former President Goodluck Jonathan was
awarded in the US on Thursday for his
leadership in human rights in Africa’s most
populous nation, Nigeria.
Jonathan, who was awarded in recognition of his leadership in
“human rights, social justice and universal fight for freedom”,
becomes the first African leader to be so honoured.
The presidential award was presented by the Southern Christian
Leadership Conference, founded by the late American human rights
activist, Martin Luther King Jr, best known for his human rights
struggles and the I-have-a-dream speech.
In statement on Friday, the former president expressed his pleasure
in being so honoured and also meeting the sister of the famous
human rights activist.
“I thank Dr. Charles Steele Jr, President of the Southern Christian
Leadership Conference in Atlanta, Georgia, and the executive of the
SCLC for honoring me today,” he said.
“It was also a pleasure to meet Naomi King, the sister of the late
American Civil Rights leader and founder of the SCLC, Dr. Martin
Luther King Jr, who was kind enough to attend the event and
identify with the goals and aspirations of the Goodluck Jonathan
Foundation.
“By this award, I am further inspired to continue to work for the
advancement of democracy, peace and progress in Nigeria and
Africa.”
Jonathan is billed to be in the US for the 2016 Hope Global
Forums conference, where he is expected to Succeed the
42nd president of the US, Bill Clinton as
keynote speaker.
In the letter sent to Jonathan in December 2015, he was invited to
join the biggest 500 companies in the world in their promotion
of King’s human right ideals.
“We invite you to join Fortune 500 CEO’s, private investors,
financial leaders and government officials to connect and collaborate
on this vision,” the letter had read.
“With the theme ‘Reimagining the Global Economy: Inclusive
Economics’, the annual meeting is set against the backdrop of the
Martin Luther King Holiday weekend and gathers leaders from
government, community and the private sector to outline a vision for
the modern global economy.”
Jonathan was earlier in Florida to welcome his second grandchild,
delivered by his adopted daughter, Inebharapu Paul.