According to the organisers, Heritage Times, Akpata was unanimously selected for special recognition and presented with the highly coveted award of African Legal Icon in recognition of his remarkable accomplishments as a legal practitioner.

“His genuine service to humanity and his positive contributions to the growth and advancement of the African continent with several other key landmark achievements when he served as NBA President earned him the award,” it said.

Heritage Times noted that the Afri-Heritage 23 is a platform carefully intended to re-tell the African story through contemporary music performances and poetry and to appreciate those distinguished Africans, who have projected the collective image and aspirations of the African people through their various works and profession, across diverse sectors and industries, whilst creating sustainable impact that uplifts others and the continent.

The event, which held at the Kigali Marriott in Kigali, Republic of Rwanda, got other distinguished awardees on the night, which include, former President of Nigeria, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, who was presented with the African Democracy and Peace Icon Award and Seretse Khama Ian Khama, former President of Botswana, who bagged the Africa Philanthropist Award.

The Vice President of Liberia, Dr. Jewel Howard-Taylor was also presented with African Humanitarian Award, while Prof. P.L.O. Lumumba, former Director of the Kenya Anti-Corruption Commission, received the African Advancement Icon Award.

Speaking while accepting the award, Akpata dedicated the award to his Partners at Templars Law Firm, all of whom agreed to let him take a sabbatical for two years to fully concentrate on the highly demanding job of presiding over the NBA.