Made in Africa Foundation Jesse Jackson gave a speech written by Made in Africa CEO Chris Cleverly, in front of the 53 African Heads of State and other dignitaries in attendance. The speech called for unity among African's and the diaspora, which was defined in the speech to include African Americans removed from the continent by slavery centuries earlier. A highlight of the speech can be seen in the Made in Africa Foundation film "The Tipping Point". Within the event Ozwald Boateng showcased his latest designs in a catwalk show, which featured Ghanaian footballer Michael Essien as one of the models. This conference was
Michael Essien Year Award for the third consecutive year and on 21 October 2007, he was also nominated for the 2007 Ballon d'Or Award for the third consecutive year. He was voted 15th Best Player in the World at the 2007 FIFA World Player of the Year Awards. On 12 December 2007, he was nominated for the 2007 African Footballer of the Year, the third consecutive time he had been nominated. He was runner-up to that year's winner, Frédéric Kanouté. On 22 July 2008, Essien signed a new five-year deal with Chelsea, keeping him at the club until 2013. He also extended