Mukwege, Daily Trust’s first African of the Year, wins Nobel Peace prize

ACongolese doctor, Dennis Mukwege, who won the first Daily Trust African of the Year 2008, has become a joint winner of the 2018 Nobel Peace Prize awarded by the Swedish Nobel Committee.

Ten years ago, the Daily Trust African of the Year Committee,Chaired by former Tanzanian Prime Minister and one time Secretary General of the African Union, Salim Ahmed Salim,chose the Congolese doctor in recognition of his work in helping women victims of the civil unrest in Democratic Republic of Congo.Dr Mukwege,a gyenecologist, has for more than a decade devoted his resources and expertise to repair and rehabilitate women who have been sexually abused and assaulted in the upheaval which has plagued that part of Africa for a long time. While receiving the Daily Trust African of the Year Award at a ceremony in Abuja, Dr Mukwege said he cherishes it because it was the first time that an African body was recognizing his work.

In winning the prestigious Nobel Prize,the Norwegian Nobel committee said that Denis Mukwege, a doctor and Nadia Murad, a 25-year-old Yazidi activist, had been awarded the prize “for their efforts to end the use of sexual violence as a weapon of war and armed conflict”.

Daily Trust is obviously delighted that one of its past winners of its yearly award is now getting global recognition. Members of the Daily Trust African of Year committee currently chaired by former Botswanan President, Festus Moghae have been sending emails congratulating Dr Mukwege saying it is an affirmation of the quality of winners of their own award. Nomination for the 2018

Daily Trust African of Year is still open and the prize committee is calling on people to send in their choice through award.dailytrust. com.ng