The Nigerian President, Goodluck Jonathan has being named as one of the most influential people in the world by TIME Magazine.
The US based magazine named Mr Jonathan in the 2012 edition of its annual publication which comprises of world leaders, breakouts, pioneers and moguls.
According to the citation written by Liberian president, Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf for the magazine, President Jonathan “exemplifies the African political renaissance at a time when the people of the continent are starting to reap the fruit of their resources and their hard work.”
Mr Jonathan is described to possess “the qualities needed at this moment of great challenges.”
Mrs Johnson-Sirleaf’s citation noted that the Nigeria President emerged the nation’s leader, “at a crucial moment in the history of Nigeria”, and she adds that Nigeria has “grown out of its past of corruption, mismanagement and brutality” but quipped that the “foundation of good governance is still fragile.”
She also claimed that in two short years of serving as the nation’s leader, President Jonathan has shown the same dexterity he demonstrated as the governor of Bayelsa state. “The same ability to find the remedies to the many complexities of running a nascent democracy” she stated.
The president is also said to have spearheaded the fight against corruption and turned Nigeria into an example of good governance.
He also got commendation for his role on the West-African sub-region, where he said to have made significant impact on consolidating peace and security in West Africa.
“From the onset of our own crisis, Liberia has benefited from the support of Nigeria and President Jonathan not only upheld the trend but added to it” stated Mrs Johnson-Sirleaf.
“With leaders like President Jonathan, Africa is sure to move toward prosperity, freedom and dignity for all of its people” concluded the Liberian President.
TIME Magazine notes that the people on the 100 most influential list are “the people who inspire us, entertain us, challenge us and change our world.”
Other people that made the 2012 list include, Hillary Clinton, Angela Merkel, Tim Cook, the Duchess of Cambridge-Princess Catherine Lionel Messi, Adele and Rihanna amonst many others.
The full list of TIME 100 Most Influential People in the World for 2012 can be found here.
