Address by His Excellency, Ambassador Ade Adefuye, Ambassador of Nigeria to the United States and Honorary Chair, Martin Luther King Jr. 2015 Annual Award Committee

Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen,

‘Why we are here’

It is with great pleasure that I welcome you all to the 24th Annual International Salute to the Life and Legacy of Martin Luther King Jr.

2. Tomorrow is the 3rd Monday of January, the day set aside by the U.S Government as a federal holiday to mark the birthday of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Across the United States, tomorrow is a day of service to remember and emulate the man who dedicated his life to empower individuals, strengthen communities, bridge barriers, and create solutions to social problems; a day to move us closer to the vision of Martin Luther King Jr.

3. Martin Luther King Jr.’s life and legacy extends far beyond America’s shores. I remember in October 1960 when Nigeria newly got her independence from Britain. Dr. Nnamdi Azikwe, our first ever President invited Dr. King to attend his inauguration. Dr. Azikiwe happily wrote as follows: “I wish to inform you that I have included your name in the list of invitees to attend my inauguration…., because it will be the first time in our national history when a person of African descent will be assuming the high office of the Head of State of Nigeria.”

Nigerian Ambassador to the U.S, Prof. Ade Adefuye

4. Dr. King’s preaching and principle of non-violent approach to overcome oppression and injustice inspired a generation of African nationalists who led the struggle against colonialism across Africa in the 1960s. His contribution to the struggle against apartheid in South Africa is well documented, with a steady stream of letters to the United Nations. His appeal for action against apartheid in 1962 led to the establishment of the UN Special Committee against Apartheid in 1963.

5. Remembering this man of peace, as we do today, provides a perfect opportunity for all of us, Americans and non- Americans alike, to honor Dr. King’s legacy of service. As part of activities to celebrate the life of this great American, the Institute for the Advancement of Multicultural and Minority Medicine has chosen today to honor few individuals who have made immense contributions to uplift their communities in various spheres of human endeavor.

6. Martin Luther King Jr.’s life was a life of service and sacrifice. Indeed, he paid the supreme prize fighting for equality and respect for African Americans, the economically disadvantaged and victims of injustice. What is really remarkable about this remarkable man is that he sought change – he sought to improve society – by non-violent means.

7. Dr. Martin Luther King’s vision of humanity prioritized freedom and justice for all. He encouraged his compatriots to live up to the great purpose and potential of America, a rainbow coalition of humanity of diverse origins living together under a common purpose and in peace with one another. He sought to make America, and I dare say, the whole world a better place.

8. Dr. Martin Luther King’s principle of non-violence is particularly relevant today when violence, terrorism and senseless killings of innocent people in several countries have become the new normal. Dr. King’s life and struggle remind us that it is possible to achieve social objectives by means other than violence.

9. Martin Luther King, Jr was a great man, and I am humbled to be associated with the celebration of his life of service. Americans are right to designate the MLK, Jr holiday a ‘national day of service.’

10. Last year, I was myself honored by the Institute for the Advancement of Multicultural and Minority Medicine ‘as the most effective diplomat’ from the developing world. As honorary Chair for the 2015 Martin Luther King Jr. Annual Award Ceremony, I like to seize this opportunity to congratulate the honorees of the MLK, Jr. 2015 Award in the various categories. Your recognition is well-earned, and I urge you all not to rest on your oars, but to continue to strive to make our world a better place, as MLK, Jr. spent a remarkable but tumultuous of life of service doing.

11. Finally, I like to thank the Institute for the Advancement of Multicultural and Minority Medicine for organizing this annual event, and to our distinguished guests for honoring us with their presence.

I thank you all for the attention.

Embassy of Nigeria

Washington, DC

17th January 2015