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Leaders across the world yesterday paid tributes as Nelson Mandela International Day was marked to commemorate the 100th year of the birth of the late former South African president.
Senate President, Bukola Saraki, declared on his twitter handle @bukolasaraki: “Today we remember a man who inspired us with his spirit of forgiveness and his teachings that we are stronger when we stay united”.
He called on Nigerians to reflect on the lessons of Mandela’s life and draw inspiration on how they can leave a lasting legacy for humanity.Also, in a statement issued by Canadian Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, he noted: “We join people around the world to reflect on the life and legacy of the anti-apartheid revolutionary and former South African President”, adding, “As we mark 100 years since Nelson Mandela’s birth, we celebrate his contributions to peace and justice, and carry forward his call for equality and freedom.”
Former President of the United States of America, Bill Clinton @BillClinton, on twitter urged people to remember Mandela for his vision and conviction for a better society
He noted that Mandela’s “vision for an inclusive community is once again under attack in the U.S. and across the world”, even as another former U.S. president Barack Obama at the 2018 Nelson Mandela annual lecture in Johannesburg declared, “we have to follow Madiba’s example of persistence and of hope.”
Ghanaian President, Nana Akufo-Addo @NAkufoAddo, also twitted: “Nelson Mandela gave us an example of sacrifice, of dedication to principle, and of devotion to freedom that is without equal in the annals of Africa’s modern history.”Mandela Day, celebrated annually on July 18, his day of birth, was declared by the United Nations (UN) General Assembly in November 2009 to honour him for his contribution to the culture of peace and freedom.
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