Former Nigerian president Dr Goodluck Jonathan has been honoured by the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) in Atlanta with the Presidential Award in recognition of his leadership in advancing human rights social justice and the fight for universal freedom. Dr Jonathan therefore becomes first African leader to be honoured with the award.
The award which is founded by the late American civil rights leader, Dr Martin Luther King, in January 1957, the SCLC is currently led by Dr Charles Steele.
As part of the activities leading up to the celebration of Dr Martin Luther King Day on Monday, January 18, 2016, the SCLC decided to honour Dr Jonathan for his role in ensuring there was a peaceful transition of power in Nigeria in last year’s presidential elections.
