Amb. Fatope Olufemi Bags Security Excellence Award at Anti-Terror Summit
Abuja, Nigeria – In a landmark ceremony that underscored the urgent need for regional collaboration in combating terrorism and insecurity in Africa, Ambassador Dr. Tope Olufemi was honoured with the Security Excellence Award for his unwavering commitment to peacebuilding, ethical leadership, and diplomatic engagement in the fight against terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping across the continent.
The award presentation was held on Friday at the Army Resource Centre, Asokoro, Abuja, during a high-level forum organized by the Agenda 2063 Ambassadorial Assembly—a continental body aligned with the African Union’s long-term strategic vision for peace, prosperity, and integration under the Agenda 2063 framework.
The prestigious gathering attracted an array of distinguished dignitaries, government officials, foreign envoys, defence experts, civil society actors, and youth leaders—united by a shared mission: to chart a sustainable path toward ending violent extremism and restoring stability in regions plagued by persistent insecurities
In his keynote response, Ambassador Dr. Tope Olufemi expressed profound gratitude to the organizers for the recognition, describing the award as a call to renewed action in the pursuit of peace and justice. He reaffirmed his commitment to upholding ethical leadership standards and using diplomacy as a tool for sustainable conflict resolution.
“This award is not merely a personal honour—it is a reminder of the collective responsibility we bear as global citizens and African diplomats to ensure that our children inherit a continent free from the scourge of violence and fear,” Ambassador Olufemi declared.
He lauded the Agenda 2063 Ambassadorial Assembly for its sustained efforts in promoting security awareness and fostering dialogue across diverse platforms, including in the diaspora. He particularly emphasized the importance of youth inclusion, noting that the continent’s future rests in the hands of a generation that must be well-informed, empowered, and mobilized toward peace.
Speaking during a media interaction on the sidelines of the summit, Ambassador Olufemi issued a clarion call for greater political will among African governments, urging leaders to go beyond rhetoric and take decisive steps to address the root causes of insecurity.
“While we commend the efforts of governments across the continent, we must be honest: we need stronger political will, more robust institutions, and targeted investments in social services if we are to defeat terrorism in all its forms,” he said.
He identified poverty, youth disenfranchisement, weak governance, and lack of access to education and healthcare as key drivers of radicalization and unrest. According to him, without tackling these structural issues, military solutions alone will remain insufficient.
The summit’s central theme, “Say No to Kidnapping, Banditry, and Terrorism,” aligns with the African Union’s Agenda 2063 aspirations for a peaceful and secure continent. Participants discussed regional collaboration, early warning systems, intelligence sharing, and youth inclusion as key enablers of long-term peace.
The Security Excellence Award bestowed on Dr. Tope Olufemi underscores his distinguished role in shaping inclusive and peace-driven dialogue across regional blocs. As a seasoned diplomat, public policy advocate, and peace ambassador, his engagements have spanned national and international platforms, where he continues to advocate for conflict-sensitive governance and sustainable development.
The recognition of Ambassador Dr. Tope Olufemi with the Security Excellence Award not only celebrates his individual contributions to peace and security but also symbolizes the collective resolve of Africa’s diplomatic and civil leadership to confront the menace of terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping. As voices like his continue to resonate across national and international platforms, it becomes increasingly clear that sustainable peace is achievable—through ethical governance, inclusive policies, and unwavering regional solidarity.
With the unifying theme “Say No to Kidnapping, Banditry, and Terrorism,” the Agenda 2063 Ambassadorial Assembly has reaffirmed its role as a pivotal instrument in the African Union’s vision for a conflict-free continent. The summit in Abuja stands as a reminder that the path to peace is not only paved by policy but by bold leadership, diplomatic courage, and the enduring belief that Africa’s future belongs to its people—safe, secure, and united.
The event concluded with a call for a continental roadmap on counter-terrorism, built on regional cooperation, social equity, and human dignity. Stakeholders pledged ongoing collaboration with international partners to advance the security, stability, and unity of Africa in line with the objectives of Agenda 2063 and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
