The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, has paid glowing tribute to Professor Benedict Oramah, the immediate past President of the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), for his remarkable patriotism, visionary leadership, and unwavering support for Nigeria’s economic development during his tenure at the helm of the continental financial institution.
Senator Akume gave the commendation in Abuja while receiving a delegation from Afreximbank, led by Oluranti Doherty, Managing Director of Export Development, alongside Brian Deaver, CEO of the African Medical Centre of Excellence (AMCE), during a courtesy visit to his office.
In his remarks, the SGF hailed Prof. Oramah for his selfless contributions to Nigeria’s financial stability at a time when other international lenders hesitated to support the country. He credited Oramah with playing a pivotal role in helping Nigeria navigate through a period of economic strain.
“Prof. Oramah has done so much for this country, for Africa, and for the global financial community,” Akume said. “When other financial institutions declined to extend credit, citing that Nigeria had reached its borrowing threshold, Prof. Oramah stepped in. He did not only restructure the country’s existing debts with Afreximbank but also approved new credit lines that were critical to revitalising the Nigerian economy.”
Akume further noted that such decisive interventions provided a lifeline for Nigeria when the economy was severely stressed, enabling the importation of vital goods and services that would have otherwise stalled.
Beyond financial relief, the SGF lauded Prof. Oramah for championing transformative developmental projects such as the African Medical Centre of Excellence (AMCE) in Abuja—an ultra-modern healthcare facility equipped with advanced medical technology and operated by highly trained professionals. The AMCE is regarded as one of the best hospitals on the continent, focusing on the treatment of cardiovascular, oncological, and blood-related diseases.
Akume said it was no surprise that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu conferred upon Prof. Oramah the prestigious national honour of Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON)—the second highest honour in Nigeria—for his exemplary achievements, dedication, and patriotism.
Earlier in her remarks, Oluranti Doherty expressed gratitude to the SGF on behalf of Afreximbank’s Board and Management for his continuous support, particularly toward the successful implementation and take-off of both the AMCE and the Afreximbank African Trade Centre in Abuja—envisioned as Africa’s central hub for trade and export development.
She also highlighted the success of the bank’s recent Annual General Meeting held in Abuja, during which Prof. Oramah formally handed over leadership to his successor, George Elombi, after an outstanding decade of service.
The visit concluded with renewed expressions of commitment between the Federal Government and Afreximbank to continue working together to promote sustainable economic growth, healthcare excellence, and trade expansion across the African continent.
