African Students’ Union presenting award to UN deputy secretary-general

Ohio University African Students’ Union is awarding the 2022 African Hero’s Award to Amina Jane Mohammed for her work as a diplomat and politician. She was the Nigerian Minister of Environment from 2015 to 2016 and currently serves as the deputy secretary-general of the United Nations. 

A recipient of several global awards, Mohammed has also served as an advocate for educational rights and been on numerous international advisory panels.

“The African Hero’s Award is given by OHIO African Students’ Union to an African or Africanist who contributes to the development and advancement of both the African continent and people of African descent, either on the continent or in the diaspora,” Rustom Amartey, president of African Students’ Union, said.

This long-standing tradition started in 1991, when the first award was won by Nelson Mandela after his release from prison. 

African Students’ Union began the award election process in the first six weeks of fall semester by looking at nominees’ contributions to Africa and the rest of the world. Mohammed won the award for being the most qualified candidate from her work with climate action and efforts to protect the environment in Nigeria and advocacy for social issues. 

This year’s award is highlighted even more than normal due to the impact of COVID-19 last year. African Students’ Union did not get to award this honor in 2021, instead virtually eulogizing many icons for their global contributions during a worldwide pandemic. So, they chose someone who they feel deserves even greater special recognition for the 2022 award. 

The recognition for Mohammed will be held on March 5, 2022, at African Heroes’ Night, an annual event hosted by OHIO African Students’ Union to unite the African population and celebrate diversity. The organization will email Mohammed an official invitation to the celebration with hope that she can attend.