Queen of Orile Ilawo Kingdom, Egbaland in Ogun, Omolara Fashola-Macgregor, has been conferred with the Global Peace Ambassador Award by the World Human Rights and Peace Commission (WHRAPC), Nigeria.
She was also designated National Patron of WHRAPC Nigeria in recognition of her contributions to peacebuilding and nation-building.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Global Peace Ambassador Award is conferred on individuals who demonstrate commitment to peace, humanitarian service, integrity and leadership.
Delivering her citation at the inauguration ceremony in Abuja, Mr Lawal Ribah, Deputy Director, WHRAPC Nigeria, said Fashola-Macgregor had continued to inspire society through her contributions to cultural, social, economic and spiritual development.
Ribah said the recognition was among the commission’s highest honours for individuals who had demonstrated commitment to improving lives and promoting peace.
He said her philanthropic efforts, cultural preservation initiatives and annual Olokan Festival in Lagos were among the factors considered for the honour.
“Dr Omolara Fashola-MacGregor’s contributions have not gone unnoticed, as evidenced by the numerous awards she has received, including the African Icon Award, Cultural Ambassador Award and the Special Recognition Award as the Most Influential Woman,” he said.
Ribah added that her recent Hall of Fame recognition and the annual Olokan Festival, which attracts participants from across the world, reflected her commitment to preserving cultural heritage.
He noted that her leadership had attracted international recognition beyond Nigeria.
He also highlighted her memberships of professional bodies, including the Fellowship of the Institute of Tourism Professionals of Nigeria (FITPN) and the Chartered Institute of Management and Leadership, Kentucky, USA.
“Her distinguished personality as a wife, mother and role model to many young people underscores her commitment to service and empowerment, cementing her legacy as a humanitarian leader,” Ribah said.
Also speaking, Mr Abdullahi Bashir, Regional Coordinator, WHRAPC Nigeria, said the recognition was reserved for individuals whose lives and public service inspired hope, fostered unity and contributed to humanity.
“The World Human Rights and Peace Commission remains committed to promoting peace, protecting human rights, encouraging dialogue and building partnerships that strengthen communities across Nigeria and beyond,” he said.
Bashir expressed confidence that Fashola-Macgregor would serve as a worthy ambassador of the commission’s ideals and continue to promote peace and human dignity.
In her acceptance speech, Fashola-Macgregor expressed appreciation to the leadership of WHRAPC Nigeria for the recognition.
She pledged to continue contributing to nation-building in her new role as Patron and as a peace ambassador.
She said the honour would strengthen her commitment to supporting global efforts aimed at fostering peace, protecting human dignity and promoting understanding among people.
“I accept this honour with heartfelt gratitude and renewed determination to contribute meaningfully to this global mission.
“I look forward to working alongside all stakeholders to build bridges of understanding, inspire hope and champion initiatives that promote peace, justice and sustainable development,” she said.
Fashola-Macgregor appreciated the confidence reposed in her by the commission, pledging to justify the trust through dedicated service.
She expressed optimism that the partnership would yield lasting benefits for present and future generations.
“Together, let us build a world where human dignity is protected, peace is sustained, and every person has the opportunity to live with hope, purpose and freedom,” she said. (NAN)
