Royalty characterised the virtual launch of the Obokese University Of Excellence (OUE) last Saturday via Zoom as it attracted dignitaries from far and near.

It event was themed under ‘Transformation through leadership and technology’, which is the tagline of the institution.

Among them were Dr Jane Edwards from the African-American Studies Department of Fordham University in New York; Prof. PLO Lumumba, an Anti Corruption Tsar and Pan African Activist; Arikana Chihombori Quao, a former African Union Ambassador to the USA.

Also in attendance were the founder and president of the African Diaspora Development Institute, Thelma Philip-Browne, St. Kitts and Nevis Ambassador to the USA as well as Prof. Samuel Amoako, the Consular General of the Ghana Embassy in the USA.

Kofi Tonto, the Press Secretary of the Ghana Embassy in Washington DC who represented Baffour Adjei, Ghana's Ambassador to the US; Awuah Ababio, the Director of Diaspora Affairs at the Office of the President and Dr David Whitaker, the New Provost for OUE also attended the launch.

Nana Obokese Ampah, the CEO of a Year of Return Legacy Project and the Asebu Pan African Village Project underscored the urgent need for a full-fledged Pan African Higher Institute of learning where students are guided to their fullest potentials minus any form of manipulation.

The founder of the Obokese University of Excellence said, “During these uncertain times of Covid-19, it is crucial, now more than ever, that we create legacies of educational institutions to move beyond the crisis, embrace substance, elevate our people, and prepare for the future success of society.

“Hereby, the creation of Obokese University, created in Ghana, as a part of the Year of Return Legacy, is a call to encourage all African descendants throughout the diaspora to come together to build the homeland,” he said.

He added, “President Nana Akufo-Addo created the 'Year of Return', an unprecedented initiative last year, and this is part of his vision for 'Beyond the Year of Return', hence the creation of this noble higher learning educational institute.”

Obokese University of Excellence will begin operations on September 21, 2020, with course in e-Commerce, Leadership and Education, Engaging Culture, History, Technology, and Tourism.

It will initially be an online digital platform with among others, master classes; tours and event experiences as well as web-based learning/development offerings. As it grows, the university will roll out its formal course offerings.

The Obokese University will include among others, the following platforms: An Afrocentric focused entrepreneurial, educational, cultural and historical institution.

It will also include leadership Masterclasses and certifications including; business, political science, African history, business/entrepreneurship etc.

An e-Commerce offering branding solutions and a rich array of digital display advertising solutions, strategic marketing and promotions with the goal of having global buyers discover anything they want to buy – made in Africa, created in Africa has also been factored into the platform.

Dr Kwa David Whitaker aka Nana Kra Kwamina II, the Obokese University Provost said “I am humbled and honoured to be included in this historic initiative which furthers the visions of President Akufo-Addo and Nana Okatakyi Dr Amanfi VII, King of Asebu.

The Asebu King has offered 5000 acres of land to establish Asebu Pan African Village to birth a new Ghana that brings Ghanaian and all African people closer to the full sovereignty that was envisioned in 1957.

“I pledge to do my very best to serve as a model of the ‘excellence’ that will reflect and reinforce the spirit of Obokese University and bring honour to all of our African Ancestors,” he said.

He added “We are descendants of African Ancestors who refused to Die! Their defiance reverberates within us as powerful, enduring testimonials of perseverance against genocidal ends with diabolic means.

"What ‘culture-based’ paradigms must we embrace to declare our humanity, honor our ancestral legacy, improve our lives and fortify our posterity.? Stay woke and remember "an ignorant man is always a slave."

NASA decorated African American aerospace engineer/entrepreneur, Dr Lonnie Johnson commended the founder and board for the initiative and pledged his support for the initiative.

Supporters of the project include Professor PLO Lumumba, an anti-corruption and Pan African advocate, Arikana Chihombori Quao, a former African Union Ambassador to the US.

The University Development Committee will be chaired by African American Business and networking icon Dr George Fraser.