Vivian Ihechu - News Agency Of Nigeria

Vivian Ihechu
Jun, Fri, 2024

ECA reforms to achieve mandate – Official

By Kamal Tayo Oropo

The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) is undergoing reforms to ensure greater effectiveness in achieving its mandate.

The Executive Secretary of ECA, Mr Claver Gatete, said this in a statement on Thursday by the Communications Section of the UN body.

The 2nd mid-year review meeting of the activities of the commission started on Tuesday with the theme: “Enhancing Programme Monitoring and Performance through Tracking the Progress of the Annual Business Plan Implementation”.

The four-day Accountability and Performance Review Meeting (APPRM) is aimed at providing the commission with an opportunity to evaluate its mid-year performance.

They include challenges, opportunities, lessons learned and how to ensure the organisation’s targets are met by the end of the year.

The meeting involves presentations by all thematic areas of the commission and a review of those presentations.

Gatete said the commission’s success in achieving its mandate would hinge on cutting-edge policy research and technology.

According to him, this will be a catalyst for enhancing its work.

He tasked all thematic areas of the commission, including Data and Statistics; Economic Development and Planning, and Gender Equality and Empowerment of Women.

Others are macroeconomics and governance; poverty, inequality and social Policy, private sector development and finance, and regional integration and trade, and technology, climate change and natural resource management.

The ECA boss also tasked the sub-regional offices to work in a concerted effort for collective results and impact.

He further urged commission members to develop more focused programmes that would ensure that the planned activities were achievable.

They are also to strengthen their partnerships with partners, including the African Union Commission (AUC), to avoid duplication.

Mr Sa’id Adejumobi, Director of the Strategic Planning, Oversight, and Results Division (SPORD) of the commission, described the meeting as essential for assessing progress and making necessary adjustments for effective results delivery.

SPORD is responsible for organising and coordinating the APPRM.

According to Adejumobi, the commission is on track to meeting its 2024 strategic goals, adding that this was primarily based on the UN Agenda 2030 on Sustainable Development and the Agenda 2063 of the African Union member-states.

He said that in 2024, the commission supported 254 interventions in 46 countries, as part of its effort to contribute to the continent’s development.(NAN) (www.nannew.ng)

Edited by Olawunmi Ashafa

FG pledges continuous support to farmers, unveils agricultural census report

Vivian Ihechu
Jun, Tue, 2024

Agriculture

FG pledges continuous support to farmers, unveils agricultural census report

By Okeoghene Akubuike

The Federal Government says it will continue to support farmers and the farming community as they continue to contribute to the economic growth and development of the country.

The Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Sen. Abubakar Bagudu, said this at the unveiling of the National Agricultural Sample Census (NASC) 2022 in Abuja.

Bagudu said reports show that Nigeria is blessed with an agricultural populace of about 40.2 million households who are proud to identify themselves as such.

He said the biggest key to sustained economic growth is to ensure that the 40.2 million households are continuously supported, so that they can perform better.

Bagudu added that “Nigeria is blessed with an agricultural populace who are proud to identify themselves as such. They are proud to be farmers and fishing communities.

“That has a significant effect on absorptive capacities. That means they are people who are happy to engage and support production in that area of our national life. They are not aiming to migrate to other cities, they are very proud.

“That means we need to continuously calibrate our deliverance structure so we support them to generate more returns for what they are proud to do, by contributing to our national productivity and output.

“All of them are looking for support to continue to do what they enjoy doing, and to contribute to our national prosperity. That we promise the renewed Hope Agenda will continue to deliver on.”

The Statistician-General of the Federation, Mr Adeyemi Adeniran, said that for over two and half decades, the absence of comprehensive data on Nigeria’s agricultural sector had been a significant barrier to progress.

Adeniran, the CEO, National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), said the gap limited the ability of policymakers, investors and stakeholders to make informed decisions that are critical to the sector’s growth, and overall food security in Nigeria

He, however, noted that “the conduct of the 2022 NASC exercise, the first of its kind in over 27 years, marks a turning point.

“With over 65 per cent of the population directly or indirectly dependent on the agriculture sector for their daily sustenance, the NASC results offer invaluable insights into the very foundation of our agricultural sector.”

He said the report provides detailed picture of the size and structure of farm holdings, land use patterns and crop production practices, livestock population and fisheries activities and the use of agricultural inputs and technologies.

He explained that “by understanding the current state of agriculture, we can design targeted policies and programmes to address issues related to food security, promote sustainable agricultural practices and enhance overall productivity.

“It will also assist in attracting much-needed private sector investment into the agricultural landscape. The data will equip investors with the confidence and knowledge required to make informed decisions regarding agricultural ventures in Nigeria.”

On his part, Sen. Aliyu Abdullahi, the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, said the most significant thing about the data is that “government can now measure, and whatever you can measure, you can manage.”

Abdullahi said results from the NASC would make the management of the agricultural sector robust, “which is exactly what we hope to achieve under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

“Having seen what the report is telling us, we have a clear picture of the number of people we should be targeting when we are going to provide support in terms of necessary inputs, seed and fertiliser, among others.

“I want to assure Nigerians that with this key fundamental information, the ministry will begin to do robust management and work round the clock to reverse the current trends.”

Representative from the World Bank, Mr Vimai Vntukura, said the bank would continue to provide technical support to existing projects in Nigeria and hoped that this kind of data-driven exercise would be scaled up in the future.

Sen. Abdullahi Yahaya, the Chairman, Senate Committee on Planning and Economic Development, said economies are driven by demand, noting that “there will be a problem if there are no connections between production and industrial usage.

“I hope the report has data on agricultural processes and industrial end users because without stimulation of demand from those sectors, we will end up not creating the kind of yields that are viable.”

Mr Tope Fasua, the Special Adviser on Economic Matters, Office of the Vice-President, said urban agriculture should be encouraged, which would help to reduce inflation now and in the future.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that census is expected to be carried out every five to 10 years, in line with the standard set by the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) for developing countries.

However, the last round of census carried out in the country is that of 1993/1994.

The census was carried out by the NBS in partnership with the World Bank, FAO and the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

Cholera: APC chieftain urges effective utilisation of N260bn PHCs revitalisation fund

Vivian Ihechu
Jun, Tue, 2024

Health

Cholera: APC chieftain urges effective utilisation of N260bn PHCs revitalisation fund

By Victor Adeoti

Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, a Chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), says the release of N260 billion Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) revitalisation fund by the Federal Government is timely following recent cholera outbreak in the country.

Oyintiloye, in a chat with newsmen on Sunday in Osogbo, said that with the recent outbreak of cholera in the country, primary healthcare centres must be well equipped to rescue the situation.

According to him, many PHCs in the country lack the capacity to provide essential health care services with the challenges of inadequate equipment, poor conditions of service, lack of essential drugs, among others.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, had on May 24, said N260 billion had been earmarked for the revitalisation of PHCs across the country.

According to Pate, the N260 billion is currently available at the state level “for the revitalisation of their primary healthcare centres.”

Oyintiloye, however, appealed to state governors not to divert the money, but to use it wisely to equip the PHCs in their states to curb the spread of cholera outbreak and other diseases.
He said with the recent report that death toll from cholera outbreak has hits 40, PHCs which is always the first point of call for people in the period of emergency, must be strengthened.

The APC chieftain said the disclosure by the minister that plans were underway to expand the PHCs from 8,300 to 17,000 through the National Primary Health Care Development Agency and make them functional to deliver essential services, was also commendable.

Oyintiloye, however, expressed worry that, if the fund, which is already at the state level, is not monitored, it could be diverted and the PHCs might not have the needed capacity to tackle the cholera outbreak in the country.

He, however, urged President Bola Tinubu to ensure that a strict measure was put in place for the effective utilisation of the money to tackle the outbreak of diseases.

“I commend the president for prioritising the health of Nigerians with the release of N260 billion to revitalise the dilapidated PHCs in the country.

“The only fear I have now is how this fund will not be diverted by the governors at this critical period of cholera outbreak.

“The PHCs in the country is currently at its worst level and that is why the fund released for its revitalisation must not be allowed to be messed with.

“Since all the states of the federation have been mobilised for the revitalisation of the PHCs, governors should not allow greed to prevent them from doing the right thing to tackle the scourge of the cholera outbreak,” he pleaded.

Oyintiloye, a member of the defunct APC Presidential Campaign Council (PCC), said that for Nigeria to improve its poor health indices, there is need to prioritise and improve the PHC facilities to be able to withstand sudden outbreak of diseases such as cholera.

He also urged Nigerians to cultivate habits of cleanliness, especially at this period when Nigeria Centre for Disease Control said the country does not have enough vaccines against the disease.

Oyintiloye said in the same vein, government must start educating people on hand washing and also to desist from open defecation, among other measures. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Tayo Ikujuni

Creatives, civil societies join forces to advance democracy in West Africa

Vivian Ihechu
Jun, Mon, 2024

Life Style

Creatives, civil societies join forces to advance democracy in West Africa

By Oluwatope Lawanson
The West Africa Democracy Solidarity Network (WADEMOS), an independent civil society-led transnational democracy solidarity network, has urged collaboration between Civil Societies and Creatives to drive social change in the region.

Dr Kojo Asante of WADEMOS made the call at the launch of ‘DemoCreatives’, in collaboration with Yiaga Africa, Centre for Democracy Development-Ghana (CDD- Ghana), Africtivistes and AWO Hub, held at Victoria Island in Lagos.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that ‘DemoCreatives’ is an innovative initiative to collaborate with creatives to promote democracy.

NAN also reports that WADEMOS mobilises, coordinates, and leverages the collective power of civil society and other pro-democracy actors, resources, and opportunities within the West African region to advance, defend, and reinvigorate democracy.

They also promote democratic norms and reforms in the sub-region.

Asante, who is also a Senior Research Officer at CDD-Ghana, emphasised the need for civil societies and creatives to join forces to bring about social change in West Africa.

According to him, the region is in dire need of a new narrative, as many citizens feel disillusioned and hopeless.

He believed that creatives have a crucial role to play in inspiring change but noted that many had shifted their focus from activism to business in recent years.

To bridge the gap between civil societies and creatives, Asante suggested leveraging artist expressions to confront social challenges.

He cited the popularity of afro-pop music in Nigeria as an example, noting that musicians have the influence to shape people’s thinking and encourage them to take action.

Asante, therefore, urged civil societies and creatives to work together to keep the civil space open and encourage people to speak out against oppression.

Obianuju Udeh, a renowned Nigerian Disc Jockey, popularly known as DJ Switch, in her virtual keynote address, urged civil societies and creatives to come together, re-strategise, and make a meaningful impact.

According to her, it is imperative that both parties join forces in the fight for democracy and human rights.

She emphasised the power of art in reflecting society’s trials, struggles, and dreams, and its ability to nurture critical thinking and empathy.

DJ Switch highlighted the historical impact of art on social movements, citing examples such as the late king of Afro beat, Fela Anikulapo’s music and the role of literature in exposing injustice.

She encouraged civil societies to reimagine their funding strategies and collaborate with creatives to amplify their message and reach a wider audience.

“There is need for unity and strategic alliance between civil societies and creatives to combat the enemies of democracy and human rights.

“We need to spend money to get the big guns to be involved. Art is not a luxury, it is a necessity for a dying democracy,
” she said.

Also, Cynthia Mbamalu, Director of Programmes, Yiaga Africa, said that democratic practices, not just labels, remained essential for a functioning democracy.

According to her, Democreatives, is a movement that leverages art and creativity to promote democracy and good governance in West Africa.

“Expression, a fundamental human right, is crucial for democracy, and this partnership seeks to protect and promote free expression and press freedom.

“By working together, we hope to inspire hope and democracy in neighboring countries, leading to economic empowerment, inclusive growth, and development.

“With WADEMOS leading the charge, this collaboration brings together artists, musicians, creatives, and civil society partners to advance democratic development in Africa,” she said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Vivian Ihechu

How Nigeria can become green industrial powerhouse

Vivian Ihechu
Jun, Fri, 2024

Environment , Economy/Business

How Nigeria can become green industrial powerhouse

An Analysis by Salif Atojoko, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

The terminology ‘Green industrial economy’ does not resonate with many Nigerians, particularly because the country presently, at best, is a green industrial upstart.

The country is confronted with a myriad of climate-related challenges, stemming from the encroachment of rising sea levels on coastal regions to devastating floods impacting agriculture and displacing communities, carbon emissions and pollution, among others.

President Bola Tinubu acknowledges persistent hurdles due to conflicts in Europe and the Middle East, affecting energy and food security, impeding cooperation from wealthier nations to support sustainability efforts in less developed economies.

The Federal Government , therefore, seeks strategic partnerships and increased investments, and actively pursues private capital and support from international initiatives including the Climate Finance Leadership Initiative and global infrastructure programmes.

The question agitating the minds of many discerning individuals now is can the Federal Government achieve growth in employment and income, driven by public and private investment into such economic activities, infrastructure and assets that allow reduced carbon emissions and pollution, enhanced energy and resource efficiency, and prevention of the loss of biodiversity and ecosystem services?.

The good news is that experts believe that this is achievable and Nigeria can, indeed, become a green industrial powerhouse in the foreseeable future.

But for that to happen, Prof. Chukwumerije Okereke, Professor in Global Governance and Public Policy, University of Bristol, says Nigeria will have to scale up climate finance.

He says the Federal Government must as a matter of necessity establish a clear policy framework or strengthen the existing one.

Okereke says Nigeria can also create incentive for renewable energy, efficient use of green infrastructure development and the strengthening of the mechanism of governance to ensure transparency, accountability and the efficient use of climate finance.

According to him, there is also the need to develop financial instruments tailored to local needs such as green bonds that can attract domestic and foreign investors.

Okereke, who is also an expert in Climate Justice, Green Growth, Climate Policy and Low Carbon Development in Africa, said that the government could leverage public funds to attract private investment.

“One of the ways to do this is to de-risk an investment so that private sector investors can put their money there with a guarantee that if anything happens, government will come to their aid,” he said.

The don says the government can also identify and prioritise sectors that have the highest potential for climate impact and economic development.

He advises the government to strengthen partnerships by fostering strong collaboration between government and international donors and NGOs.

The don notes that if the country is to get it right in attracting climate finance, it has to put its house in order.

“The government should make sure that the right people are appointed; those who know what they are doing. They should not be playing politics in this sector.

“The international partners know when we are serious and when we are not serious,” Okereke adds.

Also, Ms Helen Brume, Director for Project Finance and Assets Based Finance at Afreximbank, says that to attract climate finance to the country, the government must put in place appropriate regulatory framework that allows investors to recoup their investments in a sustainable way.

Brume says political stability and appropriate infrastructure are required to attract investors into the climate finance ecosystem.

For the Executive Director of Climate Action Africa, Ms Grace Mbah, the ability to prepare bankable projects is needed to attract climate finance.

According to her, Nigeria has been trying to access the Green Climate Funds (GCF) for a couple of years, adding that some of the procedures are strict because they want their funds to really meet their target.

To become a green industrial powerhouse, Mr Taiwo Adewole, an Environmental Consultant, agrees that the Federation Government must encourage and scale up private sector investment for climate and nature.

He says there is a need to shift capital investment in linear economy and encourage circular economy through private sector mobilisation.

“Another step is collaboration and partnership with international institutions.

“The new mechanisms expected to be put in place to achieve transparency and innovative application of available resources are the steps the government is taking already.

“This is by setting up the Presidential Committee on Climate Change and various appointments related to climate finance.

“If the committee is given a free hand to operate, it would attract investment capital from the public or private, national or international, bilateral or multilateral,” he said.

He adds that the Climate Finance Committee should not just be on paper but practical and attract higher rating for the country.

As part of the new mechanism to fast track the Federal Government’s climate initiatives, President Bola Tinubu appointed Chief Ajuri Ngelale, as the Special Presidential Envoy on Climate Action (SPEC), and followed it up with the establishment of the Presidential Committee on Climate Change.

Ngelale, who has hit the ground running, believes that through cooperation between Nigeria and international partners, Nigeria can become a green industrial powerhouse over the next ten years.

Ngelale had a productive meeting with the U.S. Head of Delegation to the United Nations Climate Conference and Principal Deputy Special Envoy for Climate, Ms. Sue Biniaz, in Bonn, Germany, in June.

“We shared views concerning tangible next steps to be taken toward leveraging large-scale climate financing instruments to drive Nigeria’s green industrial agenda in the years ahead.

“We have much work to do in the form of putting in place new mechanisms to achieve a truly transparent and innovative application of available resources to meet our objective of attracting new and de-risked investment capital from around the world.

“I am confident that we have the team to deliver on this for the country. One step at a time,” Ngelale said.

He had said the U.S. Principal Deputy Special Envoy for Climate was joined in the meeting by Mr Trigg Talley, who serves as the Managing Director for Negotiations and Director for the U.S. State Department’s Office of Global Change.

Indeed, the Federal Government is not taking the climate action lightly. During the COP28 World Climate Action Summit in Dubai, President Tinubu reiterated the far-reaching implications of climate change on the West Africa’s most pressing issues.

The President has also demonstrated his commitment to reinvigorating a cleaner and more resilient nation.

Nigeria’s proactive stance toward a greener global landscape was underscored by the launch of the Carbon Market Initiative, a testament to its dedication to sustainability.

The country’s participation in the African Carbon Market Initiative further reinforces its commitment towards environmental responsibility, showcasing a readiness to engage in global climate solutions.

President Tinubu emphasises the imperative for partnerships to foster a green economy in Africa.

Leveraging resources like the EU’s Global Gateway programme and the US Build Back Better World initiative is critical for sustainable development and global market access.

Advocating for fairness and cooperation, President Tinubu urges developed nations to honour their commitments, especially contributing to the Loss and Damage Fund and the 100 billion dollars annual climate financing pledge.

With appropriate partnerships, collaboration, investments, and initiatives already in place, Nigeria is certainly on its way to becoming a notable green industrial nation. (NANFeatures)

***If used please credit the writer and News Agency of Nigeria.

Edited by Vivian Ihechu

Giving hope to Nigerians not for govt alone- NGO

Vivian Ihechu
Jun, Fri, 2024

General News

Giving hope to Nigerians not for govt alone- NGO

By Adeyemi Adeleye

A Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), the Tabitha-Abimbola Foundation, says providing hope to indigent and disadvantaged Nigerians should not be a task for government alone.

The Founder, Mrs Abimbola Agbebiyi, noted that many citizens across various communities were in search of hope, which could be provided by well-meaning Nigerians ,both at home and abroad.

She said that her foundation was created out of the need to support those in need.

According to her, the foundation started out officially on June 25, 2023 ,and will commemorate its first anniversary on July 10.

Mrs Abimbola Agbebiyi, the Tabitha-Abimbola Foundation handling pack of food to an indigent woman during the just-concluded Eid el-Kabir festival in Lagos.

The NGO would be re-launched and an office unveiled on the the anniversary , with the theme: “Inspiring hope, Transforming lives”, she said in a statement on Thursday.

Agbebiyi said that the foundation had the vision to combat the scourge of poverty that had continued to limit the potential of women (widows, single mothers).owing to lack of access to resources.

She said that the re-launch and the unveiling of office in Ikeja ,Lagos, would give the foundation a platform to share its vision, introduce initiatives and provide opportunities for collaboration and engagements.

“Our desire is to bring these women out of devastating situations through our various economic empowerment initiatives.

“Our mission is to create a world where these persons ,regardless of their background or circumstances ,can have access to essential resources and support.

“We look for a world where women can make significant contributions in the home and in the society at large.

“Driven by this passion, we are not just committed to upholding the principles of charity and social justice in our work, but also strive to make these positive impacts by promoting education and healthcare access in underserved communities.

“One family at a time, until our impact is felt across Nigeria and beyond its shores,” Agbebiyi said.

The founder said that the foundation was dedicated to helping the poor with special focus on indigent women and less privileged children in the society.

She added: “With determination as our driving force, we embarked on a journey of transformation.

“As a steadfast advocate for change, we have partnered with corporate organisations and individuals to rewrite the story of the marginalised, nurturing a future built on sustainable development.”

Speaking further on the birth of the organisation , Agbebiyi said that the foundation started with project L.E.A.R.N- (A Street to School Initiative).

“What began as a passion to provide support for indigent women in local communities is slowly evolving into a multi-faceted empowerment and endowment initiative which has continued to expand.

“At inception, the foundation embarked on a mission to empower indigent women with the resources they need to reach their full potential.

“But it is taking a step further by delving into uplifting children from economically disadvantaged backgrounds by offering them not only free education, but also providing them with educational materials to aid learning.”she said

According to her, with reports of school age children roaming the streets increasing at an alarming rate , the foundation decided to join hands with government to bring down the scary number.

“We are full aware of the various factors responsible for this; from insecurity to poverty, ignorance, gender inequality, religious and cultural influences among others.

“Our goal is to give the needed educational support to out-of-school children and disadvantaged young people.

“Every child deserves education in a clean and safe environment. This is our unwavering commitment to their educational journey.

“In the last 12 months, The TABITHA-ABIMBOLA Foundation has written an inspiring story of impact. Spurred by the testimonies of transformation of lives and guided by our unwavering dedication to humanity.

“We have touched the lives of women and children, wiping away their tears and putting smiles on their faces,” she said.

Agbebiyi said that with “Project Feed” ,the foundation had fed many families through the distribution of food items with the recent one tagged “iléyá food pack”

She said that it was carried out in collaboration with the office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement (South-West), Miss Moremi Ojudu. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Maureen Ojinaka/Buhari Bolaji

Vivian Ihechu
Jun, Fri, 2024

General News

NECA foresees virile economic reforms

By Esenvosa Izah

The Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) says it is preparing a platform for ensuring an opportunity for government to interact with organised businesses for rewarding economic reforms.

NECA Director-General Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde made this known at a news conference on Wednesday in Lagos,

According to him, the organisation will hold Employers’ Summit, expected to drive conversations surrounding the private sector and economic development.

He said that the third edition “is apt as it is coming at a time of new reforms.

“The summit is not basically to interrogate those reforms, but to deepen or share the nexus between the reforms and private sector.

“Also, it is on how government can actually leverage the agility of the private sector to navigate through these reforms and achieve the desired outcomes.

“This is a fundamental summit, which time has come to play a major role in the context of the growth of the private sector, economy, and competitiveness of businesses”.

Also, the Chairman of the Summit, Mr Olumuyiwa Adebayo, said that some of the goals of the summit would include fostering dialogue.

“In supporting government, it means we need to support them in policies, call it to order when we need to do so and this is always through advocacy.

“We believe that sharing innovative practices is key between the private sector and government officials.

“This is because whatever policy we have is only going to be implemented by the private sector as the case may be because it is the engine room for any economy around the world,” he observed.

In her remarks, the Co-Chairman, Mrs Victoria Uwadoka, said that there must be effective communication and collaboration between the government and private sector for development.

“We want to work together to develop strategies that will really drive economic growth.

“Through this summit, we need to reinforce our role as private sector as the engine of national development.

“We believe that the outcome from this engagement as we have done in other years will be driven through the government, but we will continue the conversation.

“Thi is the beginning of a dialogue; this is what the summit is,” she said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the 2024 Nigeria Employers’ Summit would be held between June 25 and June 26 in Abuja.

The theme of the summit is, “Economic Renaissance: Harnessing Government Reforms and Private Sector Agility “.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kayode Olaitan

Vivian Ihechu
Jun, Tue, 2024

General News , Politics

African Caribbean Leaders want unity, end to “dependency syndrome’’ in Africa

By Okeoghene Akubuike

Some African and Caribbean leaders have stressed the need for Africa to form a united force and end the continuous dependency on non-African countries/continents.

They spoke at the 3rd AfriCaribbean Trade and Investment Forum (ACTIF2024) at Nassau, The Bahamas.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the 3rd Annual AfriCaribbean Trade and Investment Forum (ACTIF2024), organised by the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), was incorporated into the Afreximbank Annual Meetings (AAM2024).

The events focused on the theme “Owning Our Destiny: Economic Prosperity on the Platform of Global Africa’’.

The events were monitored by NAN.

Mahamadou Issoufou, a former President of Niger, during a plenary session at the ACTIF 2024, said:“Africa must do away with this dependency syndrome, which gets us thinking that the solutions to our problems are outside the continent.”

According to him, there is a need for Africa to trust itself and move away from dependency on external solutions.

Issoufou underscored the importance of creating value chains, industrialising the continent, and modernising agriculture to ensure that Africans could trade goods among themselves.

He also called for strengthening democratic institutions to mobilise internal resources and reforming the global financial architecture to make it more equitable.

A former Prime Minister of Jamaica, Hon. Percival Patterson, also asserted the need for self-reliance and unity among peoples of Africa and African descent.

Patterson said it was important for Africa to exercise true sovereign power over its resources, saying “Africa must decide that it is the seller who determines the price.”

“ If we came here and we were fighting among ourselves, it would be headline news.

“We have come and we have renewed our pledge to work together as one’’

He also highlighted the significance of cultural and academic exchanges between Africa and the Caribbean to develop mutual understanding and pride in shared heritage.

“It is very important for us to develop that sense of knowledge, that sense of confidence, that sense of pride in ourselves.”

Hon. Isaac Cooper, Deputy Prime Minister of The Bahamas, harped on unity, resilience, and collaboration, emphasising the importance and potential for joint ventures.

“You are family, our brothers and sisters, and we love you, but I think this is an incredible opportunity to do more business with you.

“We no longer believe we have to play by the rules we did not create.

“We were victims of history, but if we stand together, we have the power to change history by fostering connections that will see us stronger, more united than ever before’’.

Amina Mohammed, Deputy Secretary General of the United Nations, in a video address, called for stronger alliances.

“The time is now to strengthen the African Caribbean Alliance and leverage strong historical ties, and reinforce the importance of inclusivity in building a prosperous future for all.

“As we plan ahead, let us ensure our efforts reach every corner of our continent, leaving no one behind, especially our women and youth.

“Together, we can build a future of prosperity and dignity for all.”

Highlighting Afreximbank’s role as a catalyst for change and underscoring the critical role of Africa’s leadership, she noted the urgent need to transform the current global system to meet the needs of the Global South, particularly Africa.

“Let us unite to address these challenges and build a resilient, innovative, and prosperous Global Africa,” she said.

Hon. Philip Davis, Prime Minister of The Bahamas, in his keynote address, highlighted the crucial role of unity and collaboration between Africa and the Caribbean.

Davis commended Prof. Benedict Oramah, President/Chairman, Board of Directors, Afreximbank, for his visionary leadership at the institution and called for a transformation of the global financial architecture.

“This transformation will be aimed at creating a fair and inclusive system that recognises and respects the unique needs and potentials of African and Caribbean regions.”

President William Ruto of Kenya, in his video message, identified the diverse prospects and unique advantages of Africa.

Ruto called for a united approach to reforming global financial systems, suggesting that African central banks and governments dedicate 30 per cent of their national reserves to the development of Africa.

He said the collective action for a prosperous future was very important.

“Our journey towards economic prosperity is deeply connected to our understanding and appreciation of our shared heritage and the collective strength of global Africa.

“We must embody the spirit of vigilance and an unbending principle, not only driven by economic interests but by the profound ethical imperative to advocate for a more inclusive and thorough global financial system.”

Hailemariam Desalegn, a former Prime Minister of Ethiopia, highlighted the importance of understanding Africa’s history and transforming its political economy.

“Our civilisation, the global civilisation, has begun in Africa. We can bring about the African Renaissance if we understand our history.”

According to Desalegn, recognising Africa’s role in global civilisation can inspire future generations.

However, to achieve true prosperity, he said Africa must move from a rent-seeking political economy to one that focuses on production and competition.

“This shift demands visionary leadership to drive change and unlock Africa’s full potential.” (NAN)www.nannews.ng

Edited Vivian Ihechu

Vivian Ihechu
Jun, Tue, 2024

Politics

Tinubu departs Lagos for South Africa

By Itohan Abara-Laserian

President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday departed Lagos at 11.06 a.m. for Pretoria.

Tinubu is to attend inauguration of re-elected South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa.

The president will return to Nigeria after the ceremony.

Lagos State Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu and other dignitaries saw Tinubu off at the Muritala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja.

The president was transported in a Dassault Falcon 8X aircraft with registration number 9H-GRC.

Tinubu had arrived Lagos on Friday for the Eid-el Kabir festivities.

He had called on Nigerians to make sacrifices that would make the nation great. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

Edited by Ijeoma Popoola

Tinubu salutes fathers for sacrifice, resilience in shaping nation’s future

Vivian Ihechu
Jun, Tue, 2024

General News

Tinubu salutes fathers for sacrifice, resilience in shaping nation’s future

By Salif Atojoko

President Bola Tinubu has congratulated fathers, including paternal figures, who have contributed to shaping the destiny of the nation with their sacrifices.

Tinubu also congratulated fathers for their forbearance, provision, protection and guidance of the young ones, to the noble and true path.

The President made the remarks in a statement issued by Chief Ajuri Ngelale, his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, on the occasion of Father’s Day marked every June 16.

“The President states that Father’s Day is significant for its purpose as a day set apart to honour all fathers – living, deceased and paternal figures.

“President Tinubu affirms that society is in better stead with fathers who rise to the great demand of responsibility, guiding the children through the vagaries of existence and preparing them for the future,” he said.

He added that society was also better off when fathers bequeathed to children pristine values that money or material comfort could not provide, but only by personal example of discipline, integrity, service, respect, love and allegiance to the nation.

“The President salutes all fathers, the sung and the unsung, who brave the toil of the day and the soreness of the night to provide for their families, describing them as true heroes.

“President Tinubu urges fathers to stay true to their bounden commitment of positively shaping the destinies of those to whom the future belongs.

“The President wishes Nigerians happy Father’s Day,” Ngalele said in the statement.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Father’s Day has its origins in the middle ages, and official roots in West Virginia, the United States, where an event was held in 1908 to celebrate 362 men who died in an explosion at a coal mining company. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Emmanuel Afonne