By Francis Wilfred
Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Sen. George Akume, CON, has lauded Professor Benedict Oramah, the immediate past President of African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), for his exceptional patriotism and transformative leadership, which significantly contributed to Nigeria’s economic development.
Akume gave the commendation during a courtesy visit by a delegation from Afreximbank, led by its Managing Director, Export Development, Mrs. Oluranti Doherty, and the CEO of the African Medical Centre of Excellence (AMCE), Brian Deaver, in Abuja.
In a statement by the Director of Information and Public Relations, Segun Imohiosen, Akume highlighted Prof. Oramah’s critical role in securing credit facilities for Nigeria during economic distress, helping to revive the nation’s strained economy.
“Other financial institutions had turned away from Nigeria, but Prof. Oramah intervened. He restructured debts and extended new credit lines to the government,” Akume stated. “He also played a major role in establishing the AMCE—one of the most advanced hospitals in Africa.”
Akume added that Oramah’s contributions were rightly recognized with the national honour of Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON) by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Earlier, Mrs. Doherty conveyed the appreciation of the Afreximbank Board for the SGF’s support in the successful establishment of the AMCE and the Afreximbank African Trade Centre in Abuja. She noted that the medical centre specializes in treating cardiovascular, cancer-related, and blood disorders.
She also announced that during Afreximbank’s recent Annual General Meeting in Abuja, Prof. Oramah officially handed over leadership to his successor, George Elombi, after ten years of impactful service.
The Board also expressed gratitude to President Tinubu and First Lady Sen. Oluremi Tinubu for honoring the occasion and recognizing Prof. Oramah’s legacy.
