NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
BRICS Summit to focus on opening Africa’s market to global investment
Foreign

BRICS Summit to focus on opening Africa’s market to global investment

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By Lizzy Okoji

Opening Africa’s market to global investors, unlocking trade barriers on the continents will top discussions when Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, the BRICS nation, meet in Johannesburg, South-Africa, in August.

Ms Busi Mabuza, the Chair of the South African BRICS Business Council, disclosed this in a virtual interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday.

Mabuza said that the 2023 BRICS Summit in August would centre on the theme “BRICS and Africa Partnership for Mutually Accelerated Growth, Sustainable Development and Inclusive Multilateralism”.

She explained that the goal is to create attractive opportunities for foreign investment, boost export capacities of countries in the continent in order to expand Africa’s economy and Gross Domestic Product (GDP) rate.

The SA BRICS Council Chair said that the council also intend to adopt a pragmatic approach in addressing trade patterns that would see all partner markets and Africa benefiting from the BRICS cooperation.

Mabuza said that it would be a knowledge sharing meeting, with African nations also taking notes for the successes of other BRICS nations to improve their own economy and market.

“This is the third time that South Africa will be hosting the BRICS nations and each time it has been BRICS and Africa because we believe in the attractiveness of this continent not just one to an economy of its own.

“We are going to be having experts from the BRICS nations coming in and including our own. We do have experts on the African continent that can add value to all of these discussions.

“They are going to be discussions around the impact of climate change, agro-business, on farming, discussions around how to create geoprocessing units so that you are not just exporting the raw produce, the raw foods, it is important to export the processed ones as well.

“So, we expect that the experts would be sharing that knowledge with us.

“But what is critically important is that when we close those engagements, we go out and implement as a continent,” Mabuza said.

She said that although South Africa is the only African nation in the BRICS formation, it has remained a voice of the continent in the bloc.

“We believe in the attractiveness of this continent is not just one to an economy of its own.

“And with the African Continental Free Trade Area, now kicking into implementation gear, I believe that our composition to the preparedness is going to be much more compending than perhaps it has been in the past.

“What is going to be different this time is that we have composed that the focus on trade and investment needs to be sharpened.

“The BRICS economies have grown immeasurably since we joined the BRICS formation, however, a translation on the trade and investment side for the continent has been a bit lopsided and our partners agree that it is time that we focus on rebalancing that.

“They also need to take some value-added materials from us, we are taking value added materials from them and I believe that it is a good thing for us and transforming on that front,” Mabuza said.

NAN reports that the BRICS 2023 Summit under the Chair of South Africa would be inviting 20 Heads of State, multilateral and international partners to the event. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola

IPMAN hails Tinubu for subsidy removal, tasks him on palliatives
Economy/Business

IPMAN hails Tinubu for subsidy removal, tasks him on palliatives

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By Angela Atabo

The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), has commended President Bola Tinubu for subsidy removal and tasked him on palliatives for Nigerians.

Mr Debo Ahmed, National President of IPMAN, said this while addressing newsmen in Abuja .

Ahmed said that for a long time IPMAN had been very supportive of the removal of fuel subsidy because of its implication on the economy and the market space.

He added that a lot of money that should be channelled to the development of country was used on subsidy.

“I commend the president for removing subsidy on his first day in office. He has tried.

“He did a very good job. Previous government found it difficult to remove subsidy.”

According to Ahmed, not that they do not want to remove it because the political exigency is more than economic exigency to them.

“If you remember, during President Olusegun Obasanjo’s time, they came with appropriate pricing, deregulation.

“They gave it all sort of names but they could not do it; Obasanjo was only increasing the price, you increase the price the thing is still there because we are importing.

“So president Tinubu has done a good job and it is going to help this country a lot,” he said.

Ahmed, however, said that the government needed to put palliatives package together for Nigerians because that was the area it was lacking.

He said putting some palliatives in place that would ameliorate the sufferings of Nigerians and even the marketers would be helpful.

“The government should have started planning about palliatives like provision of buses, salary increase because it is not the government that will increase salaries but the Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC).

” All these things should have been done but the government did not do all these things. I am sure that the new government is doing something about palliatives.”

Ahmed said there were other lingering issues that needed to be addressed .

He said that before now, it was only
Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) that was importing while all the marketers depended on NNPCL to get their products.

“When the subsidy removal was announced, we had a lot of tickets that are pending.

” We have up to N5 billion worth of tickets that are pending with NNPCL retail that we have not been able to access.

“Most of these monies were borrowed from the banks and our members are not enthusiastic to go and load because they don’t know what happened to their tickets.

” We are trying to meet with the management of NNPC to discuss these issues amicably,” he said.

According to Ahmed, IPMAN controls 70 per cent of the market and the purpose of establishing IPMAN has been achieved.

He said that with IPMAN units, it would be better for the country because it would be able to import more products and crash the price in the long run for the benefit of Nigerians.

He said that IPMAN could do a lot to bring prices of petroleum product down.

He said that IPMAN was in a position to bring in a lot of products to make sure that the price dropped a little .

” Since the market has been deregulated, a lot of people will bring in products and when the products come, the law of economics that is supply and demand will set it and certainly prices will go down.”(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Idris Abdulrahman

Fuel Subsidy: Finance Commissioners want all accruals put into Federation Account
Economy/Business

Fuel Subsidy: Finance Commissioners want all accruals put into Federation Account

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By Naomi Sharang

Forum of Commissioners for Finance of Nigeria has called on the Federal Government to ensure that all accruals from the removal of fuel subsidy go to the Federation Account.

Outgoing Chairman of the Forum, Mr David Olofu made the call at a valedictory session for outgoing State Commissioners for Finance held in Abuja on Friday.

Olofu is also the immediate past  Commissioner for Finance and Economic Planning, Benue State.

While commending President Bola Tinubu on the removal of subsidy, Olofu said, as finance experts, the Forum, like other Nigerians, had long yearned for it.

“We will like to sincerely commend the President for having that political will to do that, first day in office.

“That is what we had been yearning for. He came, his first day in office, he was able to achieve that which we have always asked for”, Olofu said.

On how the President should manage the funds from subsidy, Olofu said that the Constitution provided for all federation revenues to go into the federation account.

“Nobody has any authority whatsoever to deduct any amount from federation revenue.

“So, I will align myself with the position of the Constitution and recommend that all the accruals go into the federation account and let it be disbursed from the federation account”, he stressed.

He said, however, the Federal Government should come up with policies and programmes that could address the challenges Nigerians are currently facing as a result of increase in the pump price of fuel due to the removal of subsidy.

“I believe that the President has the capacity and knowledge to be able to do that decisively.

“He has already started it by proposing a wage increase for workers but that has to be done alongside with sub-nationals, because the sub-nationals have the bulk of civil servants in this country.

“I believe he is on track but, apart from wage increase, we also have to look at  issues of infrastructure because we believe strongly that if we can wrap up infrastructure in this country, it will also help to improve the living standard and bring down the cost of living.”

Olofu appealed to Nigerians to be patient saying, the long term benefit of what has been done by the President far outweighs the short term pains people were going through.

For the incoming Chairman of the Forum, Wale Akinterinwa, he commended his predecessor, saying that Olofu did a very good work while leading the forum.

“He has actually elevated the forum to a much higher level than he met it. Be that as it may I will try to ensure that I continue from where he stopped.

“I will continue to sustain the good relationship he has created with all the revenue generating agencies such as the Ministry of Finance and the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation”, he said.

Akinterinwa who is the Commissioner of Finance Ondo State, reiterated that the removal of fuel subsidy was an over due issue.

His words: “I commend the President for having the courage to immediately remove the fuel subsidy as he was sworn.

“Well, we are going to feel the pain we are feeling in the short run but in the long run, it is in the best interest of everybody.”

Mohammed Shehu, Chairman, Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), on his part, commended the forum on efforts at taking the issue of federation account very seriously.

“We hope that as the years go by, the agitation on federal might or federal imposition on a lot of things would become a thing of the past.

“This is an opportunity for states  revenue mobilisation and all other agencies to collaborate in the area of increasing internally generated revenue of states and diversification of the economy”, he said.

He also said that the removal of fuel subsidy was good for the economy.

Shehu urged states to ensure that the monies that were eventually going to the states should be put to use properly so that “we can run a very good federation and create opportunities for jobs for Nigerians.”

Special Guest of honour at the event, the Governor of Jigawa, Umar Namadi tasked the forum to build on the legacy of the outgoing chairman saying that he brought a lot of innovation and professionalism to the organisation.

He was a former Commissioner for Finance Jigawa and immediate past Deputy Governor of the state before becoming the present governor.

Shehu said that removal of fuel subsidy was a  bold step taken by the  President.

The News Agency of Nigeria NAN reports that the event was attended by the Accountant General of the Federation, Mrs Oluwatoyin Madein and representatives of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS).(NAN)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

Metro

Hajj: NAHCON sets June 20 as last day to transport pilgrims

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By Salisu Sani-Idris

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), has said that all arrangements to transport 2023 prospective pilgrims to Saudi Arabia must be completed latest by June 20.

This is contained in a statement issued by the commission’s Deputy Director of Information and Publication, Mala Mousa Ubandawaki, on Friday.

Ubandawaki said that all states that are scheduled to fly are on course to do so without any disruption related to visa procurement.

“We want to reiterate our commitment to transport every eligible Nigerian pilgrim to the Holy land not only in good time, but also in comfort and best welfare service.

“Our attention has been drawn to a news story that over 45,000 Nigerian pilgrims may miss this year’s Hajj as a result of non-availability of travel visas to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

“The report is not only misleading, but mischievous and aimed at causing panic and apprehension among intending pilgrims in particular and the public in general.”

Ubandawaki, however, admitted that there was a technical problem relating to visa processing.

“But it has been resolved at the moment, as visa processing is ongoing. In the last two days, visas to state pilgrims have been steady, and no flight has been cancelled due to visa issues.

“Therefore, over 35,000 Nigerian pilgrims are in the Holy Land, while the remaining pilgrims are expected to be transported in the next 10 days.

“It is interesting to note that out of 75,000 slots, more than 58,000 visas are being processed for Nigerian pilgrims. Of these, 20,000 visas were issued between Thursday and Friday while the remainder will be processed by Saturday.

“Despite the hiccup, the commission is committed to concluding the airlift operation to Saudi Arabia before June 20.”

Ubandawaki said the commission had resolved to transport all pilgrims to visit Madina before Arafat, and synchronise the transportation with the available accommodation in the city.

“And not to overcrowd the place, the commission is cautious of pushing more pilgrims out.

“We want to urge our partners in the media that while it is critical for them to push the interest of Nigerian pilgrims, they should also be conscious of the fact that they might be indirectly creating worry and anxiety for the hapless pilgrims.” (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

SSI/KOLE/VAO

Edited by Remi Koleoso/Vincent Obi

Organisation unveils App to aid research, data collection
Metro

Organisation unveils App to aid research, data collection

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By Ruth Oketunde

Preston Associates for International Development (PAID), a development sector research organisation has launched the “Iwadii App” to aid research, data collection, and analysis processes.

The App was launched at an event to mark the 10th year anniversary of the organisation, in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the term “Iwadii” is a Yoruba word that means “to find out”.

Dr Nkemdilim Ene, Chief Executive Officer, PAID, said the App was developed to aid the easy collection of data that would be helpful in enhancing development not only in Nigeria and Africa.

She said that accurate data was important to enable any government to bring about meaningful development to its people, especially meaningful development to its people, especially in the areas of health, education, gender, child and youth development, among others.

“The Iwadii App is something that we really want to bring to the world because we believe that there is not enough Nigerian or African data out there.

“Any time we want to do a study, we borrow data from other countries and the only way to do that is to start from the ground up.

“For Academia, we need to get the average user involved in research, everybody needs information to do what they are doing.

“So the generation of evidence is key to our existence, we need data for decision-making at all levels, starting from the household level, private business level, and at the national level,” she said.

According to her, gone are the days when we listen to the person that has the loudest voice, sometimes those who have access to the key decision-makers in government get to have their way.

“Their way may not be representative of what Nigerians are going through, what enables more equitable decisions to be made and better planning is access to empirical data that is collected in time.

“So what we are saying is that there are indigenous companies that know how to gather these data in the context of our knowledge of the African setting and so we are here to work with the government in achieving that,” she said.

On its achievements, Ene said that the organisation, which started from a “Kitchen Office Space” had so far been able to provide technical support to development partners as well as engaged in philanthropy activities in the country.

“We have come a long way, we started in a small converted kitchen office, but along the journey a lot of people joined us, just like a train, some people jumped in and jumped out at different times.

“But we sought to make a difference, we put value ahead of profit, for a long time we didn’t break in because we were seeking to do more than we were being paid to do.

“That came with a lot of sacrifices, but because the vision was clear, it was easy to persevere when the going was tough and now we are on the other side,” she said.

Also speaking, Dr Eleanor Nwadinobi, Chairperson of the occasion, lauded the organisation for its numerous achievements in the development space.

“The unique thing about Preston Associates is that they are African homegrown and home resourced.

“The best place to find gold is where you found it before and Africa is really the new frontier for advancement, Africa is the new bride, as we have amazing resources, not just in our mineral resources but in our human resources.

“All we need in Nigeria is the conducive environment and I would like to see reversed medical tourism, where Nigeria would be the preferred destination,” she added.

On his part, Dr Kene Mkparu, Chief Executive Officer, of KOMWORLD Cinemas, also commended the organisation for its resilience in community development initiatives in the country.

“It takes resilience to leave the big city to do business and provide services to people in rural communities.

“A lot of people give up or focus on the money but refuse to focus on the developmental aspect of what they do and have been quite resilient in the last ten years,” he said.

A staff of the organisation, Mrs Abimbola Daramola, Grand Compliance and Human Resources Manager, said that for any nation to develop properly there was a need for information and accurate data.

“When we mention figures in Preston, it is backed by data and also our goal is to prove that Nigerians have integrity, we don’t cut corners.

“Part of our goal is to provide those facts that can be used to make informed decisions as a nation, and on how to go forward,” she added.

NAN reports that the theme of the event is “Built to Outlast – Growing Resilient African Businesses to Compete Globally”.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

Miyetti Allah urges FG to deploy security to Zamfara over ‘heartbreaking’ killings
Metro

Miyetti Allah urges FG to deploy security to Zamfara over ‘heartbreaking’ killings

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By Ruth Oketunde

The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has pleaded with the Federal Government to deploy security agencies to Zamfara to prevent the ‘heartbreaking’ killings in some parts of the state.

Atleast seven people were reported killed on Tuesday, after unknown gunmen went from house to house killing people in the Chafe Local Government Area of the state.

Mr Bello Gotomo, National Secretary, MACBAN, in a statement on Friday, allege that the attacks were carried out by an outlawed group tagged “Yan Sa Kai Group”.

He called on the government of the state to ban the activities of the group and ensure that the perpetrators of the dastardly killings were brought to book.

“So much innocent blood had been shed in the state that a firm and convincing solution must be found to this unwholesome bloodletting.

“The causes of the crisis are well known and the solutions to it are also very clear, it is therefore up to the state government to take the bull by the horn and restore lasting peace for all communities in the state.

“The association also call on the federal government to intervene by deploying more security to arrest not only the perpetrators but also their financiers.

“The new administration is being tested in the resurgence of this sectarian violence and it is up to it to be firm from day one in dealing with this unwanted calamity,” he said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

AccraWeizo travel show spotlights honeymoon destinations in Ghana
Culture & Tourism , Entertainment

AccraWeizo travel show spotlights honeymoon destinations in Ghana

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By Taiye Olayemi

The desire to go on honeymoon after the consummation of marriages is every couple’s dream. Beautiful destinations and exotic getaways suitable to cater for honeymoon adventures continues to spring up across the African continent.

Honeymoon has lots of therapeutic effect on couples who engage in it as it gives room for ultimate relaxation after going through the stress of planning and executing wedding ceremony.


Honeymoon also allows for the couple to bond well enough before resuming back to their various official duties.

The recently concluded 6th AccraWeizo West Africa Travel and Tourism Market revealed choice honeymoon destinations across Ghana.

Ghana, which covers an area of about 238,535 km2 (92,099 sq mi), spanning diverse biomes that range from coastal savannas to tropical rainforests, has been naturally endowed with many go-to-see potential to accomodate tourists for holiday and honeymoon purposes.

With over 32 million inhabitants, Ghana is the second most populous country in West Africa, after Nigeria.

The 6th AccraWeizo came alive again from May 23 to 27, 2023 after three years hiatus due to the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic, with the theme “Tourism Development Through Digitalisation”.

It began with familiarisation tours to tourists destinations within Akosombo and Accra cities like the Royal Senchi resorts, the Peninsula Resort and Golf Club as well as the Accra City Hotel.

These destinations are strategically designed to attract tourists due to the unusual African architectural designs put in place to give aesthetics.

According to Emmanuel Mensah, Sales and Marketing Manager of the Royal Senchi Resort, the facility is the first four-star luxury resort in Ghana.
Mensah said it is a destination suitable for honeymoon because of its serenity, romantic ambience, lush greenery with a magnificent view of the famous Volta River.
He said the resort stands on 35 acres of lush greenery and a unique blend of fauna, flora, traditional architecture, and modernity of the highest standards.
“The Royal Senchi is known as West Africa’s most romantic hotel destination. We are also an ideal venue for business meetings, conferences, and other special events.
“We have 84 rooms, 74 are standard rooms, nine suites and one presidential room for the Very Important Personalities (VIP).
“Due to the quality of our services, we have won a number of coveted awards,” he said.
Mensah urged more Africans to visit the resort because of the therapeutic nature of most of the materials used in putting up the facility.
For instance, instead of the usual cement and glass for the construction, woods and rafia produce were used for mental and psychological healing to visitors.
“We are looking at adding much more activities for tourists on the resort, like ziplining, playground for kids, canopy walkway, luxury tents, additional swimming pool and more.
“Maintaining this resort has not been easy, we engage in serious maintainance annually, serious hard work goes into this; we import treated thatch from South Africa every year, to replace the old ones.
“We are committed to greenery and environmental issues, also very soon we will stop supplying plastic bottled water, but glass bottled water,” he said.
Also, the Peninsula Resort in Akosombo, known as a destination to discover serenity, is a relaxing countryside retreat that invites individuals to escape the hustling lifestyle of the city life.
This is located amidst the majestic Akosombo mountains on a sprawling country estate where hiking and canopy walk are most suitable.

Mr Robert Thompson, General Manager, The Peninsula Resort, said the resort offers a charming blend of classic style, elegant comfort, spectacular views and rich natural heritage.

According to Thompson, the Peninsula Resort sits on a 300-acre of land, endowed with a lake, serene atmosphere, hills, and hiking capacity of two kilometres, among others.
He said the longest canopy walkway in West Africa is also located at the resort which is about 550 metres long.
He added that the management of the resort was planning to upgrade its facilities by constructing apartments for long and short stay accommodation to make it a one-stop resort.
According to him, other attractive activities that tourists can enjoy at the resort include archery, swimming, horse riding, lawn and table tennis, as well as golf and boat cruise.
Accra City Hotel, Ghana’s first internationally branded Hotel in 1988 and first ISO certified hotel in West Africa, could also cater for honeymoon adventures with about 196 well-furnished guest rooms ranging from Queen-size to studio units.
Mr Ekow Sampson, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), during the conference session of the tourism expo, said Ghana has many more choice destinations for honeymoon and conferencing.
The expo which seeks to improve seamless travels across the West African region had in attendance delegates from different countries, exhibiting series of travel and tourism products.

Mr Ikechi Uko, organiser of the expo, advised Africans to intensify efforts toward working unanimously to achieve seamless travels across the continent.

Uko said West Africans with over 400 million people, are seen to be among the most travelled across the world. And if formidable synergies are created to make West Africa a domestic market for all, Africa will be taking its pride of place globally.

“What we can achieve together is amazing but unfortunately, we have not explored well enough. If only 10 per cent of West Africans can be made to travel within the region, we will be making fortune as Africans.

“A lot of countries get their travelling population from West Africa; we must stop the usual numerous check points on our roads to improve seamless travels,” he said.

How CBAAC is championing pan-African cultural promotion
Culture & Tourism

How CBAAC is championing pan-African cultural promotion

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By Taiye Olayemi

Promoting African culture appears to be a herculean task in present day Nigeria, no thanks to modernisation and western influences after many decades of colonisation.

Many Africans, especially the elites, who often times place western culture above the time-treasured and unique African culture, poss great challenge to its promotion on African continent.

It is against this background that the Centre for Black and African Arts and Civilisation (CBAAC) has continued to champion the promotion of African culture by fulfilling its mandate of preserving, presenting and propagating the African culture in its entirety as well as restoring Africa’s rich cultural heritage.

Stepping up on its mandate, under the leadership of highly resourceful Oluwabunmi Amao, the Centre has engaged in the promotion of Pan-Africanism, creating a sense of brotherhood and collaboration among all people of African descent.

Also, the centre continues to hold conferences, seminars, and workshops that border on harnessing the creative talent of the African child and the renaissance of African culture through music, crafts, language, literature, folklore and all.


Arts and crafts exhibitions as well as exhibitions of the relics from the Festival for Arts and culture, held in 1977 were also contantly on exhibition at the centre to keep alive the spirit of FESTAC ’77 among Africans.

Going steps further, Amao built CBAAC Black and African Hall of Fame in Abuja, celebrating black personalities and professionals that have played prominent roles in the emancipation of Africa.

Among those in the CBAAC Hall of Fame are former African presidents during FESTAC ’77 like Nigeria’s Olusegun Obasanjo; Kenya’s Jomo Kenyatta, late Muammar Gaddafi of Libya and Ahmed Sekou Toure of, Guinea.

Others curated were Jean Bedel Bokassa of, Central African Republic; Robert Mugabe, Zimbabwe; Leopold Sedar Senghor, Senegal; Moktar Ould Daddah, Mauritania; Felix Malloum Bey-Ndi, Chad; and El Hadj Omar Bongo, Gabon.

Amao said the Hall of Fame is also to showcase the achievements of FESTAC ’77.

According to the CBAAG boss, artistes and non artistes from 59 countries who participated in the international festival are showcased in the Hall of Fame.

The CBAAG boss said that the Hall of Fame is a deliberate effort to preserve the historical legacy of FESTAC ’77 for present and future generations of African children.

She encourages Nigerian and African tourists to visit the Hall of Fame located on the third floor of the Office of Head of Service at Federal Secretariat, Abuja for knowledge acquisition and education.

Under her watch, CBAAC also commemorated the 45th anniversary of FESTAC ’77 with a cultural potpourri held at Abuja Transcorp Hilton in December 2023.

Amidst glitz and glamour, there were displays of African cuisines, arts, crafts, musical rendition from different African countries, colloquium and awards during the well-attended Gala Night.

The event spurred some nostalgic reactions when relics and memories of FESTAC ’77 was brought to the fore through documentary presentations of various cultural displays exhibited during FESTAC 46 years ago.

The initial documentaries were juxtaposed with a series of performances yet again by various states and delegates from other countries.

Suffice to say that the entire performance revealed how culture had evolved over the years and the enormous potential yet untapped for economic benefits.

Countries in scintillating African dance styles and songs were seen in colourful display of various aspects of African culture, arts, crafts and all.

At the gala night, Zimbabweans exhibited an important aspect of their historical cultural lifestyle in acrobatic movement with rhythmic claps and drummings.

Ditto for Ugandans who, in classic appearance, made synchronised movement of their indigenous dances in their presentation relaying stories in captivating manner.

Our neighbouring Togolese danced in their Rafia costumes and beaded legs, while the Sudanese performance revealed their nomadic lifestyle usually displayed during joyous occasions.

South Africans indlamu dance expressed their cultural regalia and the Somalians, in dramatic expressions, tell stories of their exploits and travails as a nation.

Other countries whose documentaries were exhibited were Libya, Mozambique, Cuba, Cote d’Ivoire and many more.

The event had Indians display various fabrics peculiar to different regions of the country.

African fashion and hairdo across different countries were also on display.

Present at the gala night were former Minister for Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, who commended Amao’s efforts at championing cultural promotion in the country.
Mohammed described Amao as a leader with deep love and sense of responsibility for arts, culture and heritage.
He said FESTAC”77 served as a sanctuary for the unification of the Black people across the world because the historical festival recorded a series of positive narratives.
According to him, the festival inspired many to go back to their countries of residence and preach the messages of bravery and freedom.
No fewer than 21 traditional rulers and members of the diplomatic community were conferred with awards of excellence in appreciation of their remarkable contributions to cultural promotion and propagation.

Among the traditional rulers honoured are: Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi; Olugbo of Ugbo Kingdom, Oba Frederick Akinruntan; the Dein of Agbor Kingdom, Benjamin Ikenchukwu I; Olubadan of Ibadan, Senator Moshood Balogun; Etsu Nupe, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar; Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe; Emir of Zazzau, Ahmed Bamalli and the Benin monarch, Oba Ewuare II.

Others are: Oba Olusola Alao, the Olugbon of Orile-Igbon; Goge Africa; Zainab Ahmed, former Minster of Finance, Budget and National Planning; Mrs Omotayo Omotosho, a tourism consultant and Geoffrey Onyeama, former Minister of Foreign Affairs.
Awardees from the diplomatic community include: Clara Culido-Escandel, the Cuban Ambassador to Nigeria, and Dr Yanko Yordanov, the Bulgarian Ambassador to Nigeria.
Also, recipients from the creative industry are: Chief Nike Davies-Okundaye, Founder, Nike Arts Gallery; Aralola Olumuyiwa, Cultural Ambassador to Ife Kingdom, and Nollywood Actor, Ramsey Nouah.

President Tinubu: He Who Dares Wins – Says Omole
Politics

President Tinubu: He Who Dares Wins – Says Omole

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By Emmanuel Mogbede

Mr Ade Omole, an APC chieftain, had said that only a President that dares to take decisive decisions on behalf of the people would win and enthrone a better society.

Omole, a former Director of the Diaspora Directorate of the defunct APC Presidential Campaign Council (PCC), said this when he spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Abuja.

He said that Tinubu would redefine governance in Nigeria, using his action plan as a template for taking decisive actions to birth the expected new dawn.

Omole said that the Tinubu’s Action Plan was not only a campaign tool, but a well-thought-out plan to take purposive steps that would birth the new dawn in Nigeria in the interest of all.

He advised Nigerians to study the action plan because they were about to witness the birth of a renewed Nigeria that would work for all.

“Full deregulation, foreign exchange management, amongst others, are captured in the action plan: a plan to take action from day one as evident in the last seven days of his administration.

“Tinubu, before the election, dared to inform Nigerians of his tough but decisive plans for the country.

“Good things, they say, come to those who are audacious enough to try new things and take decisive steps.

“Tinubu is primed to win for Nigeria given his bold steps from day one. He has hit the ground running and hit the ground running in the right direction,” Omole said.

He added that this was evident from his first week activities in office as President, which included meeting Security Chiefs to find solutions to the country’s security challenges and visiting the National Security Adviser, retired Maj.-Gen. Babagana Monguno.

Omole said that during the visit on Monday, Tinubu’s first point of call was the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), where he did a facility tour.

He added that on the visit, the President noted that terrorism was not unique to Nigeria, but rather a global phenomenon and pledged his administration’s resolve to aggregate international and local intelligence to curb the menace.

“Within the first week in office, he also made critical appointments of men of integrity and capacity, including appointing the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) and the Chief of Staff (CoS).

“He also met with the Nigeria Labour Congress(NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) leadership to avert the planned nationwide strike against the removal of fuel subsidy earlier slated for June 7.

“As long as we think wisely, take bold decisions and remain faithful to our noble objectives, no moral power can stop us.

“The road to a better Nigeria lies before us. Together, let us walk it. Together, let us birth renewed hope for Nigeria,” Omole said.(NAN)

Edited by Ali Baba-Inuwa

Hajj: NAHCON transports 33,818 pilgrims in 80 flights – Official
Foreign

Hajj: NAHCON transports 33,818 pilgrims in 80 flights – Official

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By Salisu Sani-Idris

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) says it has transported 33,818 pilgrims to Saudi Arabia in 80 flights operations from May 26 to June 8.

NAHCON’s Coordinator in Madina, Alhaji Ibrahim Mahmud stated this at a news conference on Thursday in Madina, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Mahmud, who said the pilgrims were accommodated in 31 hotels, added that 10,386 pilgrims had moved to Makkah, to continue with the next phase of the Hajj ritual.

He said the commission had established a Central Clinic in Madina as part of efforts to provide effective healthcare services to the pilgrims, adding that it also set up three clinic outposts in strategic areas to attend to the health needs of the pilgrims.

“As at 12:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 8, a total of 80 flights conveying 33,818 pilgrims arrived in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and they were all accommodated in 31 hotels.

“Pilgrims have been performing their prayers in the Prophet’s mosque and visiting some religious and historical places in Madina,” he said.

The coordinator assured that the commission was working assiduously towards addressing some challenges arising from pilgrims’ accommodation and feeding.

He said the commission previously encountered challenges with pilgrims’ accommodation and feeding, adding that everything had been addressed.

Mahmud reiterated the commitment of the leadership of the NAHCON towards ensuring that the pilgrims perform their Hajj rites with ease, while staying the minimum possible days in Saudi Arabia.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that 95,000 Nigerian pilgrims; the 36 states and the FCT Muslim Pilgrim Welfare Boards, agencies and tour operators are expected to join other Muslims from around the world to perform this year’s Hajj in Saudi Arabia. (NAN)

Edited by Hajara Leman/Rabiu Sani-Ali

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