The African Union has officially designated 2025 as the “Year of Reparations and African Heritage,” launching a coordinated decade-long initiative (2026–2036) to address the lasting impacts of slavery, colonialism, and systemic global inequalities.

Africa’s call for reparations from former colonial powers has moved from activist and academic discourse to the forefront of continental and international policy. The African Union (AU) has formally designated 2025 as the “Year of Reparations and African Heritage,” marking the beginning of a coordinated, decade-long campaign to address historical injustices stemming from slavery, colonialism, and systemic inequities in global governance.

The AU’s mandate, endorsed at the highest level, calls on all member states and AU organs to take concrete actions in pursuit of reparations. This includes redress for the transatlantic slave trade and its enduring legacy, colonial exploitation, arbitrary borders, the destruction of institutions, as well as contemporary neocolonial structures, economic imbalances, and debt burdens.

In a historic decision at the 7th AU Mid-Year Coordination Meeting in July, leaders agreed to extend the program beyond 2025 into a Decade of Action on Reparations and African Heritage (2026–2036). This move signals a sustained, strategic approach to securing justice and restitution for Africa’s people.

“This, undoubtedly, gives us as a Union the opportunity to sustain the momentum for the realization of this noble cause and also to develop well-thought-through strategies to mobilize adequate resources to support the domestication of the subject,” said Ghana’s President, speaking on behalf of the collective African leadership.

The push for reparations has also begun to influence policy debates in Europe. In a recent formal inquiry to the European Commission, European Parliament member Barbara Bonte questioned the effectiveness of Brussels’ Africa policy and asked whether the EU has critically assessed its approach in light of Africa’s growing demands for equitable engagement.

The AU’s initiative reflects a continental consensus that historical injustices remain unresolved and continue to shape Africa’s economic, cultural, and political realities. By prioritizing “Reparations” in the official designation, the AU underscores the issue as a matter of justice rather than symbolic reconciliation.

The coming decade will see coordinated campaigns, diplomatic engagement, and legal strategies aimed at compelling former colonial powers to acknowledge, apologize, and compensate for the lasting impact of historical wrongs. For Europe and other actors, this moment represents both a challenge and an opportunity to redefine relations with Africa on a foundation of fairness, dignity, and mutual respect.

The AU’s message is clear: Africa’s demand for reparations will remain at the center of its international agenda for the next decade. The global response to this call will shape not only the future of EU-Africa relations but also the broader quest for justice in the international order.

Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has been conferred with the chieftaincy title of “Ugosimba 1 Enugu” (Jewel/Eagle from another kingdom)by the Enugu State Traditional Rulers Council.

She received the title on Tuesday during her two-day working visit to the South East state.

Conferring the title, alongside other officers, patrons, and members of the Council, the Chairman of the Enugu State Traditional Rulers Council, HRM Igwe Ikechukwu Asadu, said the honour was in recognition of her love for Enugu State and service to the nation and humanity.

“Our First Lady served in the senate for three consecutive terms and was honoured with the Commander of the Order of the Niger, CON. Nobody could say you were silent at the parliament.

“The good news is the humanitarian part of you. We looked at the way you love Enugu State. We are thanking you for what you do for the midwives, for the nurses. Personally, I am a nurse too. I appreciate it when it comes to the less privileged, healing the sick, clothing the naked, feeding the hungry. So, we are here to recognise and appreciate all these good works you are doing. It’s only God that can pay you for your good work,” he said.

An evidently elated Mrs. Tinubu, thanked the Government and people of the state for their overwhelming acceptance and love.

She described Enugu as a peaceful state, saying that she felt inner peace since she arrived in the state capital on Monday.

While also appreciating the royal fathers, she described the title as a special honour, not only to her, but also her husband, President Bola Tinubu, and the entire family.

“Thank you so much for all the support you have given. Today is indeed a great honour to me personally and also to my family. I love your state; it is such a very peaceful state and a very peaceful ambience.

“I want to thank Your Majesties for this honour done to me and also to my husband as well; and I know he will be very delighted and I believe the children too will be delighted.

“It is not that I have not been given titles, but this one is quite special and I believe it is God-ordained. And as you have honoured me today, Enugu State will know it for good.

“This moment will remain special in my heart and I will always remember your people for good and for the honour you have done for me. And this is not the end because our tomorrow is here already,” she said.

Engr. Chief Richard Chukwuedozie Imah was on Wednesday recognized with an ambassadorial award as a United Nations Ambassador for Peace, acknowledging his remarkable contributions to conflict resolution and community harmony.

He was presented with the Chartered Fellowship Award by the International Association of World Peace Advocates of the United Nations Peace Volunteers at a ceremony that took place at the palace of Ezeigbo Ejigbo, Eze Nicholas Emenike Njoku.

By this award, Chief Richard Chukwuedozie Imah, who is also the Onowu (traditional prime minister) of Ndigbo Ejigbo becomes an Eminent Peace Ambassador of the United Nations and a Global Diplomat.

His long-standing reputation as a peacemaker, both within his community and the palace, played a pivotal role in his selection for the prestigious honour.

Presenting the Award to Chief Chukwuedozie Imah before a distinguished audience comprising of family members, friends, business associates, the Eze-in-Council of Ezeigbo Ejigbo, and well-wishers, Bishop Amb. Dr. Prince C. Nkemakolam, representing Ambassador Per Stafsen, World Peace President, said by this position, Ambassador Chukwuedozie Imah is now a symbol of power and strength. 

“The newest ambassador, from today, God has added power to your power. God has added authority to your authority. God has added strength to your strength. Wherever you find yourself, you are expected to exhibit the life of an ambassador, speaking for your community with authority as well.

“You will reign as a king that God has made you. Be a peacemaker wherever there is crisis. As an Ambassador, wherever you show off, peace is bound to reign; wherever there is confusion and you show up as an ambassador, peace takes over. What is happening now is that God has supernaturally, given you a new seat. And we pray that this seat will not hurt you,” he prayed.

Bishop Nkemakolam said that Ambassador Richard Chukwuedozie Imah has consistently worked to resolve disputes between families, communities, and even landlords, demonstrating a proactive approach to fostering peace, noting that his dedication to ensuring harmonious coexistence has earned him widespread respect and admiration.

In his acceptance speech, Ambassador Chukwuedozie Imah thanked God for the Award and noted that he has always been a peacemaker. “I have always liked making peace wherever I am, whether in the palace or in the community. People know me as someone committed to ensuring that peace reigns.”

The new ambassador highlighted his efforts to mediate conflicts in various contexts, including resolving issues among landlords and tenants and emphasized the importance of maintaining peaceful relations, noting, “No matter what happens, we try to calm things down and ensure there is no problem. People have recognized me as a peacemaker because of these efforts.”

With his new role, Ambassador Imah plans to redouble his efforts in promoting peace. He aims to bridge divides between different groups and tribes, using his position to improve lives and foster harmony in Ejigbo community. “As an ambassador of peace, I will work even harder to ensure continued peace among people and communities. Making peace saves lives, and I am committed to that mission,” he stated.

He also assured that his ambassadorial position would be a tool for good, saying, “This position is not for personal pride or humiliation of others. It is to better the lives of people. When you make peace between two people, you save lives. That is what I will continue to do.”

Ambassador Imah expressed gratitude for the recognition and pledged to remain steadfast in his commitment to peace, its core values, crisis intervention, and community service.

High Chief Ambassador James Agom, representing the International Association of World Peace Ambassadors and Advocates, outlined the significance of the inauguration ceremony held to induct Chief Richard Chukwuedozie Imah as a new member of the association.

Speaking at the event, Ambassador Agom explained that the association is dedicated to fostering peace and addressing crises, particularly in rural communities and emphasized their proactive approach to identifying and resolving local issues, underscoring the organization’s mission to create harmony and stability at the grassroots level.

The ceremony also highlighted the association’s charitable focus, showcasing its commitment to humanitarian efforts, noting that the induction process for new ambassadors is highly selective, requiring individuals to demonstrate a history of impactful charitable work and a proven dedication to supporting those in need.

“Membership in this association is not just a title but a responsibility,” Ambassador Agom stated. “A genuine charitable heart is essential. Successful candidates must exhibit a strong humanitarian spirit, a willingness to assist communities facing hardship, and a track record of addressing local challenges.”

The award ceremony underscored the significance of Ambassador Imah’s work and serves as an inspiration for others to prioritize harmony and understanding in their communities. It also serves as a call to action for individuals who aspire to join the organization, emphasizing the importance of selfless service in creating a better world.