March 24, 2016
Sierra Leonean business magnate, investor and philanthropist, Moseray Fadika, was appointed the first Goodwill Ambassador and Business Ambassador for the Commonwealth Africa Initiative during the Commonwealth Africa Summit held in London, United Kingdom, 16 March, 2016.
The summit brought together a wide range of world leaders and high profile people from across the 53 Commonwealth countries, including presidents, former presidents, ministers, High Commissioners, Members of Parliament, policy-makers and representatives of the private sector, among others.
Former President of Nigeria, Olusegun Obasanjo, who is the new co-chair of the Commonwealth Africa Initiative, part of the New Commonwealth Programme, alongside Dr. Caroline Harper, OBE and Baroness Flather, announced Gibril Santigie Moseray Fadika’s appointment, underlining that with his iconic status and outstanding leadership virtues and commitment to Africa’s development he will be a critical voice for the Commonwealth Africa Initiative, in advancing Africa’s agenda in the Commonwealth and globally.
Ambassador Fadika was also presented with an international award for outstanding leadership and service to the people of Africa.
President Obasanjo stressed that Ambassador Fadika will be a champion for the Commonwealth Africa Initiative in promoting peace and development in the region.
In his role as Goodwill Ambassador and Business Ambassador for Trade, Investment, Business and Charitable Work of the Commonwealth Africa Initiative, Ambassador Fadika’s engagement will contribute significantly to attracting investment and mobilising resources towards the implementation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Ambassador Fadika’s knowledge, leadership skills and dedication to Africa’s development will play a pivotal role in opening markets, increasing trade and encouraging investment. Ambassador Fadika will contribute to government-to-government engagement with international partners and the private sector.
“It is indeed a historic moment for me. I consider it a blessing to have this golden opportunity to champion the cause of Africa at regional and international level, promoting business as well as engaging and empowering poor people including women and youth, working alongside other eminent Commonwealth leaders. We must eradicate poverty. We are born poor, but we must not die poor,” said Ambassador Fadika.
Before the award ceremony, Ambassador Fadika delivered a keynote address on the theme “Shared Prosperity: Mutual Security”.
Ambassador Fadika also joined Commonwealth Secretary-General, H.E. Kamalesh Sharma, at the Commonwealth Young Leaders Award Ceremony, held at Marlborough House.
Ambassador Fadika, for the first time in history, laid a wreath on behalf of Sierra Leone, in honour of Second World War dead. Ambassador Fadika also attended the Commonwealth Day Service at the Westminster Abbey on 14 March, attended by Queen Elizabeth II, The Duke of Edinburgh, The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Prince Harry and The Duke of York.
The ceremony also attracted Dr. Kofi Annan, former Secretary-General of the United Nations, Dr. Joseph Muscat, Prime Minister of Malta and the new Chair-in-Office of the Commonwealth, H.E. Kamalesh Sharma, outgoing Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, H.E. Baroness Scotland, incoming Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, H.E. Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, former President of Nigeria, Hon. David Cameron, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom and a host of other world leaders.