Obasanjo Receives ARDA 20th Anniversary Award

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo was honored with the African Refiners and Distributors Association (ARDA) 20th Anniversary Special Recognition Award at his residence in Abeokuta, Ogun State. During the ceremony, Obasanjo called for African leaders to develop a new financing architecture that would allow the continent to mobilize its own resources, attract investment, and drive sustainable development, stating that Africa can no longer rely primarily on foreign aid.

He expressed gratitude for the recognition and reiterated his belief in Africa's potential to shape its own future. Obasanjo praised the transformation of AP into Ardova Plc as evidence that African companies can achieve world-class standards.

He emphasized the importance of energy security for Africa's industrialization and urged governments to enhance regional cooperation in refining capacity and energy infrastructure. The award was presented by ARDA President Marie-Joséphine Sidibé, who recognized Obasanjo as a leading statesman advocating for African unity and self-reliance.