A real estate success strategist and an investor in Port Harcourt and the South-South, My-ACE China, the Mayor of Housing, has been awarded the prestigious Nelson Mandela Pan-African Leadership Award of Excellence and Integrity 2025.

The award was conveyed to Mr. China in his office by youths from African countries under the aegis of the Organisation of African Youth (OAY) during a courtesy visit to the Managing Director of Mayor of Housing in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

China described Mandela as a legend of possibility through persistence and patience but regretted that such qualities are lacking in Africa today.
He urged African leaders to lead with sterling qualities to inspire the youths and unborn children to aspire to become like them.

China stated this while receiving the Mandela Africa Leadership Award.

Mr. China, already a UN Peace Ambassador, decried the dearth of Nelson Mandela’s leadership qualities in Africa.

He, however, expressed delight at the recognition of his outstanding contributions to societal development and his relentless efforts in combating poverty through the execution of housing schemes in the Niger Delta, which create jobs for the youth.

China said, “Mandela exemplified what a true leader should be. That is what every African leader should be. My simple question to any leader is, are you what any youth should become, or what any unborn child should aspire to become, or are you an example that the world calls an example? If no African leader is one the world can call an example, then none of them is an example, and the only way to lead is by example. So, none of them is emulating Mandela because none is a leader.”

Mr. China said he felt that Africa is the future of the world because 70% of Africa’s demography is youth. “The energy for the future, the energy for productivity, and for change, is the youthful energy. Anything that has to do with African youth gets to me because I am a youth enthusiast and a youth empowerment advocate, a believer in the philosophy of youth empowerment.
“When African youths came to me, I was very delighted, but the delight became multiplied exponentially when I learnt it’s a ‘Nelson Mandela’ award. That made me remember that legend and his long walk to freedom. It made me remember my own long walk to financial freedom. I can see that the youth of Africa are beginning to see me in that mode, and that has motivated me to walk and work more in the footsteps of Mandela.
“I can say that this is one of the most passionate and personally inspiring awards I have got because that name (Mandela) is attached to it.”
Leading the delegation, Francis Azubuike commended China’s remarkable achievements in addressing housing challenges in the region.

He said, “We have seen your unwavering commitment to providing legitimate housing in Rivers State. Your distinguished service to Nigerians and our continent at large is commendable. You have demonstrated exemplary professionalism, strategic vision, and a deep sense of duty in tackling housing issues and safeguarding lives.”

Azubuike said China’s efforts were instrumental in alleviating the burdens of poverty for many families in Port Harcourt, bringing hope and improved living conditions to a vulnerable population. “His work exemplifies the core values of leadership that Nelson Mandela embodied—integrity, dedication, and a passion for service.”

Reacting to the award, Mrs. Juliana Nwachukwu, the organisation’s accountant, who spoke on behalf of the workers of the company, expressed heartfelt gratitude for the recognition. She said, “My principal is a beacon of integrity in the housing sector. This award reflects not just his work but also his vision for a better future for our people.”