Julius Toba-Jegede - NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA

Julius Toba-Jegede
Oct, Tue, 2023

Bayelsa election: INEC trains SPOs on result counting procedures

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By Emmanuel Oloniruha

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has organised two days training for its Supervisory Presiding Officers (SPOs) on polling and counting procedures for Bayelsa Governorship Election.

A statement issued by INEC Director of Voter Education and Publicity, Mrs Mary Nkem, on Tuesday in Abuja said that the training which commenced on Monday was part of the commission’s preparations for the state forthcoming election.

Nkem said that at the end of the training organised by the Electoral Institute, the participants should be able to demonstrate the ability to organise and conduct training on polling and counting.

She said that the training was also to help them effectively perform the electoral functions of SPOs in line with the Regulation and Guidelines for the conduct of Elections 2022.

She said that in line with change management principles, INEC employed the strategy to deploy mostly its staff to function as Supervisory Presiding Officers (SPOs) for the Bayelsa election.

“Consequently, participants were drawn and trained at six Commission state offices namely; Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Crossrivers, Delta, Edo and Rivers State.

“This strategy guarantees professionalism and a seamless Electoral service delivery for Electorates in Bayelsa State,” she said.

She quoted the Director-General of TEI, Dr Sa’ad Idris, in his goodwill message as advising the participants to be non-partisan in the discharge of their duties.

Idris said the event was to ensure quality step-down of the training for Presiding Officers (POs) and Assistant Presiding Officers (APOs).

He urged the participants to acquaint themselves with the technology-driven initiatives introduced into the processes and procedures of election day activities.

Idris said that the deployment of INEC staff members to function as SPOs in an election is an indication that the commission would not entertain any excuse for inefficiency.

The DG added that the quality and effective training of election personnel are prerequisites to the conduct of free, fair, credible and Inclusive elections.

The Director of Training, Dr Binta Mohammed, in her remarks reiterated the importance of a quality step-down of the training of Presiding Officers and Assistant Presiding officers by the SPOs.

Kasim expressed her confidence in the capacity of both the trainers and the participants to achieve the goal.

Kasim highlighted areas of the training to include technology-driven initiatives introduced by INEC into the electoral process to ensure transparency and credibility of election.

This according to him include the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System device (BVAS) for accreditation of voters and the use of INEC Result viewing portal (IReV) in the upload of Polling Unit results, scanned form EC8A for public view.

The SPOs were exposed to INEC e- School, INEC Training BOT and INEC Security Alert and Notification System (INEC-SANS) application designed to provide real time notification on threats and violence against INEC staff on Election duty or INEC Offices and facilities.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Julius Toba-Jegede

Julius Toba-Jegede
Oct, Tue, 2023

Politics

Jonathan calls for inclusive democracy, stronger institutions

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By Emmanuel Oloniruha

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has called for inclusivity as a means of consolidating democracy and promoting peace and progress in Africa.

A statement issued by Ikechukwu Eze, Special Adviser to the former president quoted him as making the call in his remarks at the Second Annual Retreat of Regional Economic Communities (RECs) Special Envoys, High Representatives organised by International IDEA in Abuja on Tuesday.

Jonathan said that in the face of increasing military coups on the continent, especially in West Africa, inclusivity and good governance are what the people need to convince that civilian administrations are better than military governments.

He urged leaders in the continent to work for the interest of all and avoid actions that could further divide the people and polarise their nations.

According to him, democracy will serve the people better if African leaders at all levels respect the laws of their nations.

“In Africa democracy is currently facing many challenges including resurgence of coup d’état, citizen disenchantment, rising insecurity and tough economic situations for which special panels like this one is expected to interrogate and proffer solutions.

“I have always said that there is a strong connection between democracy and development.

“Hence, the need to deepen democracy, make it more inclusive and strengthen the institutions of governance, towards building a stable and prosperous society,” Jonathan said.

Jonathan added that the issue of inclusivity is a key part of the discussions for improving the convergence principle mentioned in ECOWAS Protocol on democracy and good governance.

He charged the participants at the two-day high level retreat to come up with “concrete and actionable recommendations to respond in a sustainable and inclusive manner to these complex situations.”(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Julius Toba-Jegede

Julius Toba-Jegede
Oct, Tue, 2023

Environment

CSOs advocate climate financing for adaptation

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Mr Michael David, the Executive Secretary of Global Initiative for Food Security and Ecosystem Preservation (GIFSEP).

By Abigael Joshua

Some Civil Society Organisations in Abuja have advocated for climate financing adaptation in the country.

Mr Michael David, the Executive Secretary of Global Initiative for Food Security and Ecosystem Preservation (GIFSEP), made the call at a three-day workshop which commenced on Tuesday Oct. 24 Oct. 26 with the theme: “Building the Political Will for Climate Justice in Nigeria”.

David explained that, “in Nigeria what we are demanding for is climate finance for adaptation not just climate finance for mitigation because what we really need to build resilience in our continent is climate finance for adaptation.

“When you finance adaptation you are taking care of food security, energy, health also you are building resilient infrastructure, so the demand for us as Nigerians and as Africans is climate finance.

“There’s been a lot of talk on climate finance but not much has been achieved the global north countries keep promising but little gets to us.”

He said that some of the climate laws should be reviewed. The environmental impact assessment of the country has no mention of climate change.

“We need implementation of the climate laws and the implementations cannot be done without finances we are looking at the area of budgeting.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the training targeted at training climate advocates on different ways of climate advocacy.

“Specifically, we are training them on how to lobby policy makers on environmental policies. Engaging and building relationships with legislators, members of the House of Representatives, state governors, ministers, and all the other policy makers in a very skillful manner, with admiration and gratitude,” he said.

David explained further that the climate advocates who are from other states will all go back to organise climate lobby days.

“We need each other, to take climate action in Nigeria it is not about government alone it is about we citizens as well so we need that partnership, relationship and that is why we are training advocates,” he said.

He said that they need these lobbies to curb environmental offender actions and to encourage the mainstreaming of climate change in everything that is done as a country.

“Two years ago we lobbied for climate action in Nigeria in order for the climate act law to be passed then it was a bill in the National Assembly two weeks after that lobby meeting, the climate act was passed,” he said.

The executive secretary commended OXFAM Nigeria, for its support to the group in carrying out the African Activists for Climate Justice (AACJ) project along other partners in Nigeria.

”The climate lobby is a unique and carefully designed process to have citizens engage with their members of parliament, senators, members of house of Reps, local government chairmen, ministers and all elected officials,” he said.

He advised that it was better they engaged with policy makers using certain tools, respect admiration and gratitude for climate action with other developmental issues.

Mr Ibrahim Bello, the Executive Director of Alimat Care Foundation in Adamawa said that they participated in the two days training organised by GIFSEP and supported by OXFAM under the AACJ project.

“After we learnt the necessary tools to lobby, we visited the state assembly members where we lobbied for the domestication of the national act on climate change and the review of Adamawa State Forest Law which has been obsolete and last reviewed in 1963,” he said.

He expressed optimism over the passage of the bill by the governor soon, adding that if that is done it is going to be a milestone for the people of the state.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Julius Toba-Jegede

Julius Toba-Jegede
Oct, Tue, 2023

General News

Transport ministry vows to sustain zero tolerance to corruption among staff

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By Gabriel Agbeja

Mrs Magdalene Ajani, the Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Transportation, has said the ministry will sustain its zero tolerance to corruption among the staff.

Ajani stated this in her remarks at the opening of a 2-day sensitisation and enlightenment eorkshop organised by the Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU) in the ministry.

The theme of the event is: “Uprooting Corruption and Promoting Honest and Integrity. “

Ajani also said ensuring zero tolerance to corrupt practices would deepen effectiveness and integrity of the staff.

She added that time had come to reposition the ministry towards better performance by uprooting corruption, promoting integrity and ethics.

“The workshop is something we have done consequently since 2021. It is a reminder workshop to avoid every unethical practice in service delivery.

“We want people to deliver service in a very ethical way, exhibiting professionalism, integrity, honesty and transparency.

“There are five values watch words- accountability, meritocracy, professionalism, loyalty and ethical practice. These are the things that safeguard you in terms of service delivery, “ she said.

Ajani, who was also the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, stated that efficient service delivery would also be looked into in her new posting..

According to her, people must be ethical in their practices in terms of professionalism and rendering efficient output to the populace.

She said lateness to work is an unethical practice against effective delivery of services.

She added that using office materials for personal use is also unethical.

The permanent secretary said the ministry operates 100 per cent online to ensure work is done in the office and out of office.

According to her, the ministry embarked on digitisation process to strengthen service delivery.

“. Digitising our documents and then working with an enterprise’s content management has helped us to improve efficiency of service delivery. You can possibly work anywhere in the world.

“Digitalisation makes work easier, better, efficient and makes the work done in or out of the office.

“The world has gone high-tech and hybrid work space boosts effectiveness, “ she said.

Speaking, Mrs Vivian Nwosu, Director Special Duties, Federal Ministry of Transport , appealed to the Federal Government to fulfil its promises of increasing staff salaries

According to her, the staff salaries ought to be increased for them to cope with the present economic situation in the country. (NAN) (wwwnannews.ng)

Julius Toba-Jegede
Oct, Mon, 2023

Environment

Control of national infrastructure key to environmental sustainability – Minister

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By Abigael Joshua

Dr Iziaq Salako, the Minister of State for Environment, said that the control of national infrastructure from corrosion is key to environmental sustainability.

The minister said this on Monday in Abuja at the 2023 Annual National Conference, themed: “Corrosion Control

of Public Infrastructures and Utilities,” organised by the Nigerian Corrosion

Association (NICA) which commenced Oct.23-25.

The minister who was represented by Mr Dilichukwu Etigbue, Director Erosion, Flood and Coastal Zone Management Department in the Ministry, said that infrastructures and utilities are physical structures, facilities, assets that provide environmental sustainability.

He added that infrastructures and utilities could enhance the

livelihoods and dignity of the citizenry, irrespective of their

characteristics and circumstances.

“Thus,safeguard high quality, integrity, reliability,sustainability and resilience of the critical assets is an obligatory priority for national development planning, for the benefits of the present and future generations.

“It is however disturbing that corrosion has become a world-wide

problem and limiting factor for infrastructural development,with disastrous societal and economic consequences.

“Permit me to state that corrosion

is also one of the major legacy challenges facing Petroleum refineries and chemical process Industries globally,” Salako noted.

He said that corrosion is regarded as a pernicious process that degrades useful properties of materials and structures.

Consequently, impacts dangerous and expensive damage to oil and gas, environmental damage, collapse of social services, burdens of morbidity and mortality, amongst others.

Mr Gboyega Oyetola, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, commended the association for creating awareness on the issue of corrosion.

Oyetola who was represented by Mr Shogo Omotayo, Director Engineering in the ministry noted that the government was interested in advancing the economy through the issue of corrosion control of public infrastructures and utilities.

“Prevention and control of corrosion cannot be undertaken by government alone,” the minister said.

Mr Ese Ochoja, NICA President said that there was need for the people to maintain the cherished government infrastructure at their disposal to prevent corrosion.

He expressed optimism that the conference would yield possible ways to address all forms of corrosion on public infrastructures and utilities.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Julius Toba-Jegede
Oct, Mon, 2023

Economy/Business

Plans underway to improve foreign exchange liquidity – Tinubu

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By Salisu Sani-Idris

President Bola Tinubu has allayed the fears of the business community, assuring that crucial plans are underway to improve foreign exchange liquidity.

Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Chief Ajuri Ngelale, in a statement said Tinubu gave the assurance at the 29th Nigerian Economic Summit (NES), held in Abuja on Monday.

Tinubu said his administration would honour every legitimate contract with respect to the nation’s foreign exchange obligations.

The president said he was confident that by working closely with the private sector, financing the 3 trillion U.S. dollars national infrastructure stock could be achieved in 10 years.

He said the construction of mega cities in every geopolitical zone of the size and scale of Lagos must not take six decades because it could be achieved in one decade.

Tinubu emphasised that a fully networked and connected Nigeria by rail, gas, fibre optics and road network could be constructed in less than 20 years with thriving industrial zones in every geopolitical zone before 2030.

” Consistent with our commitment to enshrining fairness and the rule of law in our country, this government will uphold the sanctity of every legitimate contract.

” Specifically, as it relates to the foreign exchange obligations of the government.

“All forward contracts that the government has entered into will be honoured and a framework has been put in place to ensure that these obligations are met in due course.

” My government is not blind to the challenges which several of you are facing in the financial markets.

“I can allay these concerns by revealing that we have a good line of sight into the additional foreign exchange liquidity that is required to restore market confidence,” he said.

Tinubu who assured the business community of a fairer and safer playing field for all, said his administration is strengthening the machinery and architecture of governance.

According to him, his administration is establishing a public and civil service culture and structure that is performance and result-oriented.

” We shall govern ethically, with accountability and transparency; implementing sound and effective policies to accomplish our eight priorities,” he said.

Tinubu outlined the eight priority items of his administration as ending poverty, achieving food security, economic growth and job creation.

Others are: access to capital across all segments of society and the economy, inclusivity, security, fairness and rule of law and anti-corruption.

Tinubu stated that he was committed to delivering improved livelihoods and positive economic outcomes which Nigerians could tangibly feel and experience.

He said that he recognised the institutional frailties of past years and the pragmatic approach to achieving his bold agenda through a path that fully accounts for present-day challenges

” With the effects of an unsustainable fiscal deficit and hidden subsidies, these factors distorted the money supply and created an unfair playing field for an elite crop of unpatriotic forces.

“But that is no more. These changes have been tackled head-on.

“My government has introduced several measures to resuscitate the economy; including the N500 billion intervention to support small businesses and the agricultural sector.

” By January 2024, the new student loan programme and consumer credit schemes will have come into effect,” he said.

The president further called on the private sector to support his vision for a greater Nigeria.

” I would like to charge you, the captains of Industry here present, to commit and redouble your commitment to our vision of a renewed and more prosperous Nigeria, a better Nigeria for all.

” For us to successfully deliver our promise to Nigerians, we recognise that it is imperative that we foster a highly collaborative relationship with the private sector.

” We must work together. I have proven capacity in this regard, as we remember the role of public-private partnership in the transformation of Lagos State under my leadership.

“We will replicate that across Nigeria with your unwavering support.

” Today, I urge you, as Nigeria’s foremost private sector think tank and policy advocacy group, to go much further than you have done before.

” Bring your ideas, bring your leadership, bring your capital, bring the collective will of your large conglomerates and business networks.

” Let us build a future of renewed hope. My government is prepared. Are you also prepared?”, he asked rhetorically.

The annual Nigerian Economic Summit is organised by the Nigerian Economic Summit Group in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Budget and National Planning. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa/Julius Toba-Jegede

Julius Toba-Jegede
Oct, Mon, 2023

General News

Kano Govt. trains Information Officers, media aides on efficient service delivery

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By Muhammad Nur Tijani

The Kano State Government has organised a 3-day capacity building workshop for information officers, media aides and other selected stakeholders for efficient service delivery in the state.

Speaking at the inauguration on Monday in Kano, Gov. Abba Kabir-Yusuf said the exercise was designed to equip the participants with necessary skills on their job as information managers.

Yusuf who was represented by his deputy, Alhaji Aminu Abdulsalam, said the training would provide avenue for developing skills, enhancing knowledge and improving performance and efficiency among personnel in the workplace.

“There is no gainsaying the fact that training and retraining of personnel is one of the key determinant factors for organisational success.

“It makes the staff feel valued, boosts their morale, confidence and transforms them into better workers.

“I, therefore, have no doubt that at the end of the exercise, the participants will be better prepared and more equipped to discharge their responsibilities with renewed passion and energy,” he said.

The governor restated the resolve and commitment of his administration to continue to invest in human resource development and capacity building of the teeming workforce in the state through workshops, short, medium and long term trainings.

He described the theme of the workshop: “Effective Information Dissemination in a Digital Era: The Roles of Information Officer”, as timely and urged them to fight fake news.

Yusuf enjoined them to imbibe the culture of personal-development, register and participate in the activities of relevant professional bodies and associations in order to boost their capabilities and potential.

Earlier, the State Commissioner for Information, Malam Baba Dantiye, said that the training was organised to build the capacity of the information officers on modern techniques of reporting for improved service delivery.

He said that the training was also to acquaint them with the relevance, indispensability and challenges of social media and other online platforms in information dissemination and management.

Dantiye added that the workshop would enhance their communication skills for effective and efficient information dissemination.

According to him, a total of 214 personnel, comprising information officers, MDAS, media aides, news and current affairs managers and reporters from selected public and private media organisations participated in the workshop. (NAN)www.nannews.com.ng

Edited by Chidi Opara/Julius Toba-Jegede

Julius Toba-Jegede
Oct, Mon, 2023

Foreign

Transformative leadership critical for global and local challenges – UK firm

131 total views today

By Abigael Joshua

TEXEM UK, a leadership development organisation based in the United Kingdom, says that transformative leadership is critical to addressing headwinds caused by global and local challenges Nigerian organisations face.

In a statement on TEXEM’s website, www.texem.co.uk,

by the Director of Special Projects, Caroline Lucas, said Nigeria is in a volatile era like most countries.

Lucas said that in such a period of unprecedented challenges, leaders across the globe face multiple dilemmas characterised by volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity.

“Nigerian leaders in the government and private sectors are not exempt from these challenges.

“They grapple with issues such as a highly geared government, high inflation, dwindling disposable income, supply chain disruptions, cybersecurity threats, low national cohesion, mediocre individual and organisational performance and more.

“The need for transformative leadership has never been more critical,” the Director said.

Lucas says TEXEM is poised to address these challenges through its upcoming programme, “Leading Transformation for Strategic Outcomes.”

The Director said the programme will be held from Nov. 27 to Nov. 30, at Hilton, London in the United Kingdom.

Describing it as an innovative learning experience, she said

TEXEM’s programme is an interactive and tailored learning experience designed for senior executives.

Lucas said it will equip participants with practical skills, theoretical knowledge, and valuable insights through professional exchange.

She said the programme’s primary goal is to enhance leadership capabilities, ultimately leading to the realisation of strategic outcomes.

According to her, TEXEM’s unique methodology is grounded in diverse learning tools, including discussions, role plays, company visits, videos, and games.

“This multifaceted approach enhances interpersonal skills, stakeholder engagement, decision-making, communication, leadership, and teamwork.

“The programme’s methodology, which includes case studies, sharpens cognitive skills, analytical rigour, and the ability to manage ambiguity effectively and efficiently,” Lucas said.

She said the programme will benefit leaders in several ways, including guidance in challenging times,

effective decision-making, inspiring strategic leadership, crisis management, and leadership adaptability.

Among topics to be discussed during the programme are Influencing and Negotiating for Sustainable Success,

Building Agility and Responding to Shifting Priorities, and

Inspiring Teams in Uncertain Times.

Others are Fostering Innovation and Change in Various Work Environments,

Developing Organisational Capabilities for Ambitious Goals, Leadership in Crisis Management,

Leadership for Impact

and, Leadership for Efficient Goal Achievement.

Speaking more on benefits, Lucas said Nigerian Leaders will acquire the ability to successfully navigate their organisations through adversity and lead them to success even in the most challenging circumstances.

“Leaders will develop the ability to lead better during crises, safeguarding organisational resilience and profitability.

“Leaders will learn to better adjust and change strategies swiftly during emergencies, optimising the value they unlock and prosperity of their organisations,” she said.

The statement included testimonials from Nigerian delegates who had attended a similar TEXEM programme.

“…The program has been very interesting, exciting, facilitated knowledge sharing, and it has actually brought about a greater insight into what leadership is…,” Akinwunmi Lawal, MD/CEO of NPF Microfinance Bank PLC. said.

“I found that it’s quite a new approach to workshops than I’m used to because I’ve attended so many workshops organised by other organisations.

“But I found that the approach made by TEXEM is quite different,” Ambassador Mustafa Sam, Non-Executive Director, Jaiz Bank, stated.

“I’ve enjoyed the orderliness of the organisers. I’ve enjoyed the presentations of the consultants. I’ve enjoyed the practicability of the consultants.

“They bring in life examples in all their presentations, then with that one, the participants could be carried along. It’s not theoretical.

“You know, you can see they also practicalise by bringing in life events, even using themselves as examples. So that sends the message deep into our hearts. And that’s wonderful…,” Sonya Ogunkuade, Hon. Commissioner and former Special Assistant to the President, said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Razak Owolabi

Julius Toba-Jegede
Oct, Mon, 2023

Foreign

We’ve trained 600 African journalists in 20 yrs – Sanlam Group

127 total views today

By Rukayat Adeyemi

Sanlam Group on Sunday said that it had trained no fewer than 600 financial journalists across the African continent through the Sanlam Summer School which began 20 years ago.

Ms Pearl Majola, Head, Group Communications of Sanlam announced this at the opening dinner for 2023 Sanlam Summer School For Financial Journalists across Africa held in Pecan Manon, Hartbeespoort in South Africa.

The theme of this year’s training is: “Fintech And Mobile Money In Africa.”

Majola said that the company started the programme in response to South Africa’s governance initiative for its indigenous corporates to support media development.

She noted that the training is organised yearly for public good and to improve the skills of journalists, while Sanlam expects nothing in return from the beneficiaries, except that they should become more valuable.

“I hope that the participants finds this programme valuable, because the aim is to develop the capacities of journalists across Africa to contribute truthful, sensitive and value information that helps people’s lives.

“Sanlam has put in lots of effort to sustain the investment and have also seen value for it over the years,” she said.

Majola commended Sanlam subsidiaries across the African nation such as : Nigeria, Namibian, Rwanda, Botswana, Ghana, Uganda and Kenya, among others for supporting the programme, by making it accessible to young journalists in the financial services sector.

In his keynote address, Mr Karl Socikwa, Group Executive, Market Development And Sustainability of Sanlam said that the 2023 Summer School is a milestone for the programme which had been organised for 20 years.

Socikwa stated that the summer school had contributed meaningfully to media houses across Africa, promoted excellence in journalism and media development in Africa.

He explained that the financial sector is so critical to economic development, hence Sanlam is committed to advancing financial journalism in Africa for effective and professional coverage of the sector.

According to him, the theme of the 2023 is apt, as fintech and mobile money had revolutionised financial services in Africa and contributed significantly to financial inclusion and economic development.

The group executive noted that Sanlam is committed to shaping the future of fintech in Africa to make it more accessible, secured and beneficial to its people.

“Sanlam has recently launched a fintech platform to demonstrate its commitment to the fintech space for economic development and financial inclusion.

” Your work as journalists is to cover the sector and provide reports that give access to financial services and inclusion that can change people’s lives ,” he said.

Socikwa wished the participants a successful training and charged them to take advantage of the opportunity and renowned facilitators at their disposal to improve their capacities.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that 22 journalists selected from different Africa countries are participating in the 2023 Sanlam Summer School which will run from Oct. 22 to Oct. 27 in South Africa.

The beneficiaries of the training are young journalists covering various financial sectors of their country and not more than 35 years old.

Among the expected facilitators and speakers are : Mr Chris Kabwato, Convener, Sanlam Summer School, Ms Paula Fray, Lead Trainer, Fray College, Mr Segun Aina,President Africa Fintech Network and Mr Tsakani Maluleke, Auditor-General of South Africa.

Sanlam Group is a Pan-African brand, founded in 1918 as a life insurance company, with its headquarters in South Africa.

The brand has grown to become Africa’s largest non-banking financial services group, with a strong presence in 33 countries on the African continent, including Nigeria.

The group operates in eight out of the 10 largest economies in Africa, with over 154,000 employees globally and has a niche presence in India, Malaysia, United Kingdom and Australia.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng

Edited by Julius Toba-Jegede

Julius Toba-Jegede
Oct, Mon, 2023

Politics

Akpabio promises strong bilateral parliamentary relations with Angola

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By Naomi Sharang

Senate President Godswill Akpabio on Sunday pledged strong bilateral parliamentary relations with Angola.

This is contained in a statement by Akpabio’s Special Assistant (Media/Communication), Anietie Ekong.

Akpabio, made this known when he arrived Luanda, Angola for the 147th Inter-Paliamentary Union (IPU) Assembly.

He is the Leader of Nigeria’s delegation.

He was received on arrival by the Nigerian Ambassador to Angola, Prof. Monique Ekpong and top officials of the Angolan government led by Joao Gaspar, Deputy Secretary UIP Angola.

Akpabio said he was delighted to attend the IPU Assembly hosted by Angola and commended the Angolan Government for a good bilateral relations with Nigeria.

According to Akpabio, it would have been a disservice to Africa if Nigeria did not have a strong delegation at the IPU.

“Our presence here is to ensure that our bilateral relationship is strengthened. With our presence, we can forge a strong bilateral parliamentary relationship for the interest of our nations,” he said.

Responding, Gaspar said that Akpabio’s attendance at the IPU Assembly with the Nigerian delegation would foster good relations not only between Nigeria and Angola but among African countries to reach consensus on issues affecting the continent.

NAN reports that the 147th IPU assembly is holding in Luanda, Angola, from Oct. 21 to Oct. 27.

The IPU assembly will provide a platform for parliamentarians, partner organisations and experts to share good practice and commit to the overall theme of Parliamentary action for peace, justice and strong institutions.

The theme is closely linked to United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 16: Peace, justice and strong institutions, a key enabler of the entire development agenda.

The assembly will consider actions to strengthen trust between people and governance structures, to make public institutions more effective, accountable and representative, and to better equip parliaments to address the multiple interconnected geopolitical, economic and environmental crises facing the world.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

edited by Sadiya Hamza