By Jacinta Nwachukwu

Dr Olufunso Ojo, a US based Nigerian Medical Doctor, has been conferred with the honour of Outstanding Georgia Citizen for his exceptional contributions to Medicine.

In a Certificate of Award signed by Brad Raffensperger, the Secretary of State of the State of Georgia, US, Ojo was honoured for his compassionate patient care and philanthropic leadership.

A copy of the certificate and a Proclamation by the Georgia State Senate was made available to the News Agency of Nigeria on Thursday in Abuja.

In the Proclamation, the awardee was recognised as “a distinguished physician specialising in internal medicine, whose dedication to the health and well-being of his patients has earned him widespread recognition”

He was also honoured with a 4.5-star rating for his compassionate care and exceptional contribution to medical profession.

As contained in the Proclamation, the physician is said to have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to excellence in the field of medicine.

He was honoured for providing exceptional medical care to countless individuals in the State of Georgia and beyond and serving as a beacon of hope and healing for his patients.

“Dr OJo’s expertise in internal medicine, coupled with his empathetic approach to patient care, has set a standard of excellence in the medical community, inspiring both his colleagues and future generations of healthcare professionals.

“His contributions extend beyond the walls of his practice, as he actively engages in community outreach and health education, striving to improve the overall health and quality of life for all Georgians.

“He is not only a renowned physician but also a philanthropist of international repute, whose generous contributions and humanitarian efforts have uplifted communities locally, nationally, and globally, addressing critical needs in healthcare, education, and social development.

“Dr. Ojo’s outstanding achievements and dedication to his profession and philanthropic endeavours have brought great pride to the State of Georgia, and his work serves as a testament to the power of compassion, skill, and perseverance in the field of medicine and beyond,” the Proclamation read.

Ojo, a 1995 graduate of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife did his housemanship at the General Hospital, Akure and his National Youth Service in 1997.

He proceeded to the US, where he did his Clinical Research Assistant at Columbia University, New York in 1999.

He was accepted into Internal Medicine Residency Training at More House School of Medicine in Atlanta between 2000 to 2003.

The awardee further sub-specialised in Geriatric Medicine at Emory University School of Medicine in Atlanta Georgia and later worked with various hospital systems in Georgia.

He is a Member of American College of Physicians, American Medical Association and Diplomate of the American Board of Internal Medicine.

Ojo also held various positions, including, Chairman, Medical Evaluation Committee that oversees peer review of other Physicians and currently the Chief Executive Officer of Mercy Internal Medicine Associates PC. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

By Mercy Omoike

The ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID) has appointed Dr Cassiel Forson, as the new Chairman.

The appointment was made during the bank’s 23rd Ordinary Session held on April 14, in Banjul, The Gambia.

Forson, the current Minister of Finance of the Republic of Ghana, takes over from the Gambia’s Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs, Seedy Keita.

Speaking on the appointment of the new Chairman of the Board of Governors, Dr George Donkor, President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of EBID, expressed his confidence in Forson’s ability to lead the bank towards achieving its objectives in terms of strategic growth, efficiency, and regional impact.

Donkor also highlighted Forson’s expertise in macroeconomics, fiscal and tax policy administration, finance, and business management as an experienced tax practitioner and chartered accountant with over 20 years’ experience in the public and private sectors.

In his remarks, Thomas Ampem, the Deputy Minister for Finance of the Republic of Ghana, who represented Forson, reiterated the commitment of the new Chairman of the Board to helping the Bank achieve its objectives.

Ampem also emphasised that the new Chairman would focus on ensuring that the bank made progress to build on existing achievements, especially in the areas of resource mobilisation and capital recovery.

He also pledged to support the bringing on board of non-regional members and the overall establishment of EBID as the leading Development Finance Institution in West Africa.

EBID is the development finance institution of the Economic Community of West African States comprising 15 Member States.

Based in Lomé, Togolese Republic, the bank is committed to financing developmental projects and programmes covering diverse initiatives from infrastructure and basic amenities, rural development and environment, industry, and social services sectors, through its private and public sector windows. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

By Busayo Onijala

China says it is ready to work with Africa to oppose hegemonism, unilateralism, and protectionism while advancing the collective rights of the Global South.

Xue Bing, China’s Special Envoy for Horn of Africa Affairs, made this known during a seminar hosted by China Foreign Affairs University (CFAU) in Beijing.

The seminar, under the theme ‘Building China-Africa Community with a Shared Future,’ included African diplomats in China and a delegation of heads of African diplomatic academies.

Xue stressed the role of young diplomats in shaping a shared future, describing China-Africa friendship as a towering tree supporting generations of dreamers in diplomacy.

He said that China and Africa, as key parts of the Global South, must cooperate to resolve development challenges and reduce the global development gap.

Xue advocated for an equal and orderly multipolar world rooted in international rules, jointly upheld by China and Africa under the UN charter.

He urged both regions to remain committed to multilateralism and promote an international system that reflects equity, fairness, and mutual respect.

With global uncertainty rising, Xue called for true multilateralism and a just global governance system to address the world’s shared challenges.

He said the world faces a critical juncture, with urgent questions about how to build a better, fairer international order.

According to Xue, hegemony enforced through threats or tariffs harms legitimate interests, violates WTO rules, and weakens the multilateral trading system.

Amb. Wang Shihting, CPC Committee Secretary of CFAU, urged nations to draw lessons from World War II and promote global justice and peace.

Wang said 2025, marking 80 years since WWII’s end, is a time to reflect and support fairness and peace in global affairs.

He said China’s initiatives — such as the Belt and Road and the global development plan — offer solutions for collective global progress.

Wang referenced the 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation summit, highlighting shared goals between China and Africa.

These goals include modernisation and building a high-level China-Africa community with a shared future.

He said CFAU plays a key role, being the only university directly under China’s Foreign Affairs Ministry and part of the “Double First-Class” initiative.

Founded in 1955, CFAU trains top-tier diplomatic talents with multidisciplinary expertise to serve China’s foreign service and international engagement.

Wang noted CFAU has partnerships with 182 universities in 73 countries and hopes to expand links with African institutions.

He stressed that amid complex global tensions, young diplomats must play a key role in supporting peace and sustainable development.

Amb. Vuyelwa Maud Dlomo of South Africa praised CFAU for hosting the China-Africa Diplomatic Academy Forum as part of WWII anniversary events.

She emphasised the need to prioritise solidarity, equality, and sustainability in building a fairer global system.

Dlomo said these values are essential to overcoming barriers that hinder the Global South’s development and progress.

She stated that Africa and China are vital partners in creating a shared, prosperous future for all nations.

Global challenges, she noted, demand cooperation, as success is never achieved in isolation.

To this end, she urged strong support for multilateralism and global governance institutions as pillars of global peace and prosperity. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo

The European Union and Britain pledged on Tuesday to increase aid for Sudan, ahead of a conference in London marking the second anniversary of a conflict that has displaced millions.

Britain said the conference aimed to improve the coherence of the international response to the crisis, although Sudan’s government criticised the gathering because no representative from either side of the conflict was invited.

The war in Sudan erupted in April 2023, sparked by a power struggle between the army and Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces, shattering hopes for a transition to civilian rule.

It has killed thousands, displaced millions and devastated regions like Darfur. It has also drawn in several foreign powers.

The European Union and member states pledged over 522 million euros 592 million dollars to address the crisis while Britain announced an extra 120 million pounds 158 million dollars in aid.

British Foreign Secretary David Lammy said the international community had to persuade the warring parties to protect civilians and let aid in, and he hoped the conference would establish principles for future engagement.

He told delegates at the start of the conference that “we do need patient diplomacy. We cannot resign ourselves to inevitable conflict. We cannot be back here, one year from now, having the same discussion.’’

Britain is co-hosting the conference with the African Union, the European Union, France and Germany. Egypt, Kenya and the United Arab Emirates are among the other attendees.

Sudan’s foreign minister has complained to Lammy, saying Sudan should have been invited, while criticising the presence of the United Arab Emirates and Kenya.

Sudan accuses the UAE of arming the RSF, a charge that UN experts and U.S. lawmakers have found credible, and it has taken a case against it to the International Court of Justice in the Hague.

The UAE has denied the allegation and asked for the case to be thrown out.

Sudan also recalled its envoy to Kenya after it hosted talks between the RSF and its allies to form a parallel government.

Lana Nusseibeh, assistant minister for Political Affairs at the UAE’s foreign ministry, said both sides were committing atrocities and aid was being deliberately blocked.

“As Sudan’s devastating war enters its third year, the United Arab Emirates issues an urgent call for peace,’’ she said in a statement.

Organisers hope the conference will draw attention to a conflict where Britain says 30 million people desperately need aid and 12 million have been displaced.

Luca Renda, the UNDP Resident Representative in Sudan, told reporters there was hope for “a more coordinated and coherent approach of the international community,” adding “Sudanese people are tired of this war.’’ (Reuters/NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Hadiza Mohammed/Abiemwense Moru

Reparations

By Cecilia Ologunagba

The fourth session of the UN Permanent Forum on People of African Descent has opened at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.

The session is focusing on the challenges of reparations and the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on the development of people of African descent.

The week-long event is organised by the UN Human Rights Office and runs under the theme: “Africa and People of African Descent: United for Reparatory Justice in the Age of Artificial Intelligence.”

The forum aims to amplify global calls for reparations addressing the historical legacies of enslavement and colonialism.

“Let us recommit to ending racism everywhere, in all its forms in defence of the dignity and equality of every human being,” said Philemon Yang, President of the UN General Assembly, during his opening remarks.

In a message delivered by his Chef de Cabinet, Courtenay Rattray, UN Secretary-General António Guterres stressed the importance of frameworks for reparatory justice grounded in international human rights law.

He noted that colonialism, enslavement, apartheid, and genocide had long impeded the development of African nations and the human rights of people of African descent.

The first panel on Tuesday will focus on addressing the continuing consequences of these historical injustices as a critical and urgent global priority.

The second panel will explore how racism and sexism intersect, creating compounded forms of discrimination, particularly affecting women and girls of African descent.

“Women and adolescent girls of African descent are at a much higher risk of maternal mortality and adolescent pregnancy,” said Natalia Kanem, Executive Director of the UN Population Fund (UNFPA), speaking at the opening ceremony.

She added that the agency was actively addressing disparities in reproductive health.

The third panel, scheduled for Wednesday, will examine human rights-based policymaking tools aimed at promoting equality and tackling institutional racism, particularly where it is embedded in laws and policies.

“We must continue to address racism in all its forms, particularly where it is embedded in laws, policies, and institutions,” Guterres emphasised.

Artificial Intelligence (AI), while a powerful tool in modern society, has also raised serious concerns about racial bias.

The forum highlighted how AI systems often misrepresent or underrepresent people of African descent due to skewed datasets perpetuating stereotypes and deepening inequality.

In a video message, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk denounced “algorithmic bias” and called for solidarity.

“Solutions to our greatest challenges lie in more unity and greater respect for human rights, not less,” he said.

The fourth panel, also on Wednesday, will delve into AI’s dual role as both a means of advancing digital justice and a potential driver of systemic discrimination.

The closing event on Thursday will commemorate the bicentennial of Haiti’s “independence debt”—a forced payment of 150 million gold francs to France after Haiti’s 1804 independence.

This debt burden, with lasting interest obligations, entrenched poverty and hindered Haiti’s development, serving as a stark reminder of colonial exploitation and its lasting legacy.

The forum also marks the end of the First International Decade for People of African Descent, providing an opportunity to reflect on Haiti’s current crisis.

It also aims to ensure Haiti’s inclusion in the Second International Decade, which focuses on continuing the push for justice, recognition, and development. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru