Great stuff. Agree with the award in principle although it is a bit crass and low class that African leaders have to be offered money to govern their countries properly.

If it were me, I'd offer the same money to the public services of the country as a token gesture, rather than the individual. Its almost an appeal to the baser natures of leaders to do good for financial award. The reward in time should be prestige in itself. Me as a leader of a country would take that as an affront. In fact it contradicts the very spirit of the award.

"The panel of judges also included former Irish President, Mary Robinson, former Finnish President Martti Ahtisaari and the head of the Organisation of African Unity, Salim Ahmed Sali.

They assessed the relative merits of 13 African former heads of state, all of whom left power in the past three years.

Among these at least six took power by staging coups. "


Not chosen exclsuively by Africans it would appear. But then the BBC had the name of department of propaganda in the 2nd world war.. so who knows the real story.

But still I maintain. Leave out the cash reward for the individual leader. Give it to the country instead. Hopefully the winner will have the presence of mind to do that. Or are African leaders short of a few bob in retirement?

The donator of the Award is a fellow African.

His intentions are honourable but I feel that the amount is too small.

That's less than one missing ship of Oil in Nigeria.

The benefits of good leadership would have far reaching effects within the country that would leverage alot better, than spreading the prize money too thinly.

£10,000,000 with first , second and third prizes would be good. Good Governance is a serious issue in Africa, and I am sure there are a few Soros's in this world that could put up that amount of money. But I suppose as it is coming from a fellow african that's where the prize money ought to come from.

However it's a start. A good one.

At the same time quite patronizing.

Dada..don't you think that the prize and its concept is more than a touch patronising to put it mildly.... Wouldn't it be better for western countries to invest their time and energy in fair trade, and a fairer reflection on the debt they saddled many of these countries with?

I fully agree about the issues of Fair Trade and the Debt situation, and I did consider the idea that the Prize could be viewed as patronizing, but on reflection I think it is a well intended idea.

I believe this for the reason that Leadership, is a key component for the development of African Countries, Leadership can be assessed in many forms especially if we have Europeans or Non Africans scrutinizing the candidates for the award. But Leaders such as Kwame NKrumah, who way back in the 1960's told Africans to do business with China or Asia not former colonial adminstrators, or Kenneth Kaunda, even Colonel Gaddaffi in their time would be good nominations and examples for other African leaders.

I suppose the prize goes down well if it is judged by their Peers.

This is not losing focus of the many other factors that bring Africa down, but just one factor that could pull Africa up. After all look at all the focus on those Leaders that have let Africa down

What is also sad is that Mr. Ibrahim could not find an African to formulate the criteria for what is good governance and instead commissioned a Euro American to do the job. ( Robert I. Rotberg ).

Reading the list of the books he's written it would appear is designed to keep the European status quo in order and not upset the applecart.

What a pity Ibrahim could not find an African to fully term /classify and provide a index to what is good governance in Africa and what is not. In fact its shameful.

Or are Africans incapable of this simple act.

Ditto!

We agree to agree for once.

I am sure he must of thought through the irony of the Judging part of the award, so not too clear on his reasons for the set up.

What I like about him is that he has come from Africa, to Europe, gained his eduction and work experience here , then returned to the Motherland to see the opporunities that are abundant there, Made his money, employing many other Africans putting food on their families tables, and then single handedly has tried to do his little bit when there is no obligation or necessity for him personally to do so.

I find that commendable and something to aspire to.

The article to which you refer states as follows:

" ... The panel of judges also included former Irish President, Mary Robinson, former Finnish President Martti Ahtisaari and the head of the Organisation of African Unity, Salim Ahmed Sali.

Two of those persons appear to be europeans. The race of the third person is unclear.

He is respected by Africans because he had put his money where his mouth is and tried to do something for africans.

Unlike what your proposing, he has the common sense to see the practicalities of what his trying to achieve. Rather than baseing it purely on Racial Lines.

I would be very interested to know what personal examples MGL you have achieved that matches or surpasses that what he has done.

I for one can put my hand up and say I have not. Perhaps you have a working example of your own contibution for the bettement of African Kind?

In that way you will be able to demonstrate exactly what you believe to be of benefit to Africankind rather than through the deductatic comments based on what is not "acceptable".

I have been trying to persuade Africans to adopt and follow the Philiosophy and Opinions of Marcus Garvey for aorund 25 years. Unfortunately, europeans haven't given me any multi-million dollar awards and Africans ask me what I am doing for them.

Maybe when the former Irish President and former Finnish President give me a prize, I too will be "respected by Africans".