The Goi Peace Foundation has named pro-democracy activist, Hafsat Abiola-Costello, recipient of the 2016 Goi Peace Award.
Mrs Abiola-Costello will receive the award at a ceremony during the Goi Peace Foundation Forum to be held at Nikkei Hall in Tokyo, Japan on November 29.
The selection committee said the founder of the Kudirat Initiative for Democracy (KIND) was chosen “in recognition of her unwavering commitment to advance women’s rights and leadership in Africa.”
It added: “Through her visionary leadership and activism, she has been paving the way for true democracy, in which all individuals can realize their full potential and contribute to the betterment of society. Her work has inspired not only women in her country, but many people around the world who are striving for a more just and harmonious world.”
Founded in Japan in March 1999, the Goi Peace Foundation is dedicated to promoting world peace, transcending all boundaries of race, religion, or politics, with a belief that peace begins in the mind of each individual.
The annual Goi Peace Award honours individuals and organisations in various fields that have made outstanding contributions toward the realisation of a peaceful and harmonious world for humanity and all life on earth.
Created in 2000, previous Goi Peace Award recipients include Ervin Laszlo, Oscar Arias, Bill Gates, Deepak Chopra and Lynne Twist.
In a message posted on Facebook, Abiola-Costello said “I’m deeply honoured and humbled to be the recipient of the 2016 Goi Peace Award from the Goi Peace Foundation in Japan.”
