By Kadiri Abdulrahman

The managements of the World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF), together with Moroccan authorities have agreed to hold their 2023 Annual Meetings in Marrakech in spite of  the recent devastating earthquake in the country.

This is contained in a joint statement signed by World Bank President, Ajay Banga; IMF Managing Director, Kristalina Georgieva; and Kingdom of Morocco Minister of Economy and Finance, Nadia Alaoui.

They, however, said that the meetings, scheduled between Oct. 9 and Oct. 15, would hold by “adapting the content to the circumstances”.

“Since the devastating earthquake in Morocco on Sept. 8, the World Bank and the IMF staff have worked in close coordination with the Moroccan authorities and a team of experts to thoroughly assess Marrakech’s capacity to host the 2023 Annual Meetings.

“In undertaking this assessment, key considerations were that the meetings would not disrupt vital relief and reconstruction efforts, and that the safety of the participants can be assured.

“Based on a careful review of the findings, the Managements of the World Bank and IMF, together with the Moroccan authorities, have agreed to proceed with holding the 2023 Annual Meetings in Marrakech from Oct. 9 to Oct. 15,” they said.

According to them, the meetings would be conducted in a way that does not hamper the relief efforts, and respects the victims and Moroccan people.

“At this very difficult time, we believe that the annual meetings also provide an opportunity for the international community to stand by Morocco and its people, who have once again shown resilience in the face of tragedy.

“We also remain committed to ensuring the safety of all participants,” they said.

NAN reports that the World Bank plays a key role in the global efforts to end extreme poverty and boost shared prosperity.

Working in more than 100 countries, the bank provides financing, advice, and other solutions that enable countries to address the most urgent challenges of development.

The IMF is a global organisation that works to achieve sustainable growth and prosperity for all of its 190 member countries.

It does so by supporting economic policies that promote financial stability and monetary cooperation, which are essential to increasing productivity, job creation, and economic well-being. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Maharazu Ahmed

By Ismail Abdulaziz

President Bola Tinubu says the African Union (AU) is strategically positioned to secure consensus positions for the continent on economic and socio-political relations with the world.

The president, in a bilateral discussion with the President of the Union of Comoros and Chairperson of the AU, President Azali Assoumani, on Monday in New York, said this is possible with Nigeria’s strong of the continental body.

“There is nothing that can bring development and prosperity, outside of embracing freedom and constitutional order. It is a critical hallmark of sustainable development.

‘’We appreciate that the AU is working hard to bring about peace in the Sahel and is actively negotiating between the warring factions in Sudan. Peace in Sudan will be a great achievement. I appreciate your effort in Burkina Faso and our effective cooperation on Niger.

“You can call me at any time and we will discuss the peace and stability of AU member states. We need stability and prosperity for the black race.

‘’This is our era. We must be peaceful in order to take maximum advantage of the developmental opportunities presented to Africa in this era. We must build a model of sustainable development.

‘’Nigeria will collaborate with you. But we must move beyond those whose vision of Africa is narrow and evil. We are not afraid of confrontation, but we prefer to be restrained for now, at this time,” the President declared.

Assoumani said that the AU seeks to complete Nigeria’s effort in securing peace and prosperity in Africa, rather than competing with it.

“It is our responsibility to confront the extra-constitutional wrestling for power on the continent.

‘’We have told China and Russia that they have a responsibility to ensure that there is stability in these countries, as there will be no developmental partnership where there is a lack of stability in countries being impacted by coupists.

‘’We appreciate your stand on these matters,” the AU Chairperson said.

As President of the Union of Comoros, the AU Chairperson said that Comoros seeks to learn from Nigeria’s experience concerning the steady improvement in diversity management, electoral process and economic growth over many years.

“We want to turn our country into an emerging economy and we need the experience of Nigeria as we seek your cooperation to conduct an election that will win us the respect of the international community and allow us to develop at the right speed and quality,” he said.

Tinubu also met with the Secretary-General of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Hissein Brahim Taha, and reiterated that the Islamic world has a strategic role to play in the sustenance of peace and development in Africa, and across the globe.

“The effort we are making in the Sahel is very important. We know we must double our efforts. We must tell our Muslim brothers who are struggling to steal power that only Allah chooses leaders. We must respect the will of Allah.

‘’I am ready to collaborate with you. Your effort in supporting agricultural growth and food security through the provision of resources from Islamic banks has been most commendable and our region is appreciative.

‘’I am determined to work with you in uplifting Nigerians and Africans,” the President said.

The leader of the 57-nation body of cooperation praised the Nigerian President for his active effort in bringing African states to a place of common understanding.

“We must gain consensus on the need for peace, especially amongst our member states.

‘’When you were elected as ECOWAS Chairman, it gave us confidence and hope that the situation in the Sahel region would improve because you are bringing people together.

‘’We were also happy about your election as President of Nigeria and we see the changes,” the OIC leader stated.

The OIC Secretary-General extended an invitation to Tinubu to participate at the OIC Heads of State Summit, expected to hold in a few months. (NAN)

Edited by Folasade Adeniran

By Yusuf Yunus

Canada (Calgary), Sept. 19, 2023 (NAN) The African Petroleum Producers Organisation(APPO) says it has committed five billion dollars to the establishment of an African Energy Bank (AEB), to develop oil and gas assets across oil producing member countries.

Dr Omar Ibrahim, the Secretary-General of APPO, said that the bank would be established in collaboration with Afreximbank.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Ibrahim disclosed this at a news conference held on the sidelines of the ongoing 24th World Petroleum Congress(WPC) on Monday in Calgary, Canada.

He explained that the establishment of the bank would address the funding challenge often associated with oil and gas projects.

According to him, the AEB has the objective to close the gap resulting from the decision of Western financiers to discontinue funding the industry, especially in Africa.

Ibrahim said the bank would assist investors, who believe that Africa needed to use all forms of available energy for the fore-seeable future, to eliminate the huge poverty in the continent.

He, however, said that the bank would also look into other energies.

On strategies to address the technology and expertise challenge, Ibrahim said a team from the Secretariat undertook an assessment tour with a view to establishing the professional level of these institutions.

According to him, the tour was based on oil and gas research, development, innovation and training institutions in APPO member countries.

‘‘We were pleasantly surprised at the level of advancement of many of the institutions visited, in terms of their training programmes, facilities and equipment as well as faculties.

“We concluded that given the huge financial requirements for establishing high class oil and gas research and training institutions, APPO member countries need not all establish these institutions.

“Instead, each country can establish institutions for training oil and gas technicians and well as middle level personnel.

“For the highly skilled sectors, we plan to have regional centers of excellence in the various sectors of the industry.

“In this regard, Sonatrach, the National Oil Company of Algeria hosted the inaugural meeting of Directors of Oil and Gas Research and Training Institutions last June, in Bourmedes, Algeria,” he said.

Ibrahim also said that Nigeria would be hosting the second Africa Roundtable on Local Content in October, while Angola had indicated interest for the next in the first quarter of 2024.

“In pursuing this objective, we believe that partnership with players from the technologically countries will be fruitful.

“The oil and gas industry in Canada is one place that we believe we can come for technological support.

“Partnership is critical to our success and we are prepared to partner with all like-minded institutions to pursue our objectives,” he added.

Ibrahim hinted that APPO was currently addressing the challenge of markets and energy infrastructure.

He explained that the organisation was working on producing a blue print for the integration of the African continent through the stablishment of cross border energy infrastructure.

Regrettably, he said most of the energy infrastructure that exist on the continent, today, were established to serve extra-Africa interests.

‘’That is why our pipelines run from the fields to the sea ports for export.

“The time has come for us to route these pipelines from areas of plenty to areas of need within Africa.

‘‘For too long, we have been told that Africans do not have purchasing power, so our energy needs external markets.

“But we all know that energy is the biggest catalyst to economic development.

“So, if the people cannot access energy because they do not have the purchasing power, when will they ever get out of poverty?

He maintained that APPO believes that that poverty cycle might not be broken if the industry continued
believing on the received wisdom.

“Deliberate policies must be created to make our people have access to energy and with that, the poverty cycle shall be broken.

‘‘Give the people energy not just to light their homes but to do cottage industries and you will be shocked at the quantum leap in the national Gross Domestic Products,’’ he said.

The APPO scribe said that one of the first assignments given to the APPO Secretariat after the reform was to conduct a study on the future of the oil and gas industry in Africa in the light of the energy transition.

According to him, the findings of the study have continued to shape APPO’s strategy.

The study, he said, found out that the global pursuit of energy transition pose four imminent challenges to African oil and gas producing and dependent countries.

“These imminent challenges are; funding, technology and expertise challenge, markets and energy infrastructure challenge.“ (NAN)

Edited by Olawunmi Ashafa

By Yusuf Yunus

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum Resources, Mr Gabriel Aduda, says Canada has pledged to collaborate with Nigeria on developing a robust gas infrastructure network.

Aduda said that the Premier of Alberta, Canada, Daniella Smith, gave the assurance at a meeting on Monday with the Federal Government delegation to the 24th World Petroleum Congress (WPC) in Calgary, Canada.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the five-day conference has the theme:”Energy Transition: The Path to Net Zero”.

“One of the things that we have discussed earlier today (Monday) with the Premier of Alberta was fruitful around collaboration to develop our gas assets in Nigeria, especially trunks and distribution pipelines which is something that we need now.

“It is one thing for you to produce the gas and it’s a completely different thing for you to transport the gas to where it is needed and required, and that is something that l think the government of President Bola Tinubu is committed to doing, which is how do we get this gas out where it is needed.

“That is the same massage we have brought, and between now and Friday, we will be meeting with few investors especially those that build the pipelines across Alberta, Canada and America.

“So, we have had discussions and meetings with them to see how they can come back home and help us build our lines,’’ he said.

Aduda said that for Nigeria to be able to deliver on its energy transition plans, it must have strong footings on a three tripod.

According to him, these  include financing, technology transfer and infrastructure to meet its net-zero target by 2060.

“We do not need to pressure ourselves into attaining net-zero but rather come up with a framework that works for Nigeria which will allow our resources that we have now take us to where we want to be,” he said.

He said that Nigeria has  identified gas as its transition fuel and put the decade of gas ahead as a framework to be able to develop and also ensure the domestic injection of gas in every home, factory and industry.

“The policy is also  to ensure distribution across out of Nigeria to feed others because this is a resource we have in abundance, and for us to be able to do that, there is need for huge financial outlay.

‘‘One of the massages we have come with to WPC which we hope we will achieve at the end of the day is to be able to gather investors that will see the business opportunities in Nigeria.

“Investors that will also see that Nigeria is actually ready to do business because the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) has opened the doors that we need in addition to the sector being liberalised so that more players can now come across the world,’’ he said.

On divestment of assets, Aduda said that it was not a bad thing as it is an opportunity from one end to the other.

According to him, the divested assets are a goldmine because it is not as if the assets are left idle but rather, investors are rushing them for takes.

‘‘The truth of the matter is that, once the business place is right, there will always be funding for whatever project you bring in the area of oil and gas.

“So, it’s nothing to be worried about, and at the end of the day all you can see is that this has been taken off by those who think and who can run the process actually.

“So, all we need are capable operators. The moment you are capable, there is no assets that is a waste,’’ he added.

NAN also reports that the 24th WPC has recorded no fewer than 15,000 visitors from over 100 countries, 5,000 delegates and over 200 national and international exhibitors. (NAN)

Edited by Folasade Adeniran

By Cecilia Ologunagba

The Organisation for the Advancement of Nigerians (OAN) and partner organisations are seeking an audience with President Bola Tinubu on the sidelines of the ongoing United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that President Tinubu arrived in New York on Sunday to attend the High-Level meetings of the 78th session of UNGA.

The event is scheduled to open on Monday with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) summit.

James Francis, an OAN board member, in a letter on behalf of 20 Nigerian organisations, said the group would like Tinubu to have a strategic Town Hall Meeting with U.S.-based Nigerians.

A copy of the letter made available to NAN in New York stated that the strategic meeting was to ensure the most fruitful engagement between the Nigerians in the country and their President.

“We welcome you on your first official trip to the U.S. as the President of our nation, and hope you will take advantage of our invitation to engage with Nigerians in the U.S.

“ OAN and its partner organisations specifically welcome you to the U.S. on your maiden High-Level meetings of the 78th Session, as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“We also wish to assure you of the support of Nigerians in the U.S.,’’ Francis said.

The official said Nigeria is blessed with abundant eminently-qualified human resources spanning all sectors in the diaspora, and especially in the U.S.

“We are also pleased to note that this demography of Nigerians is unapologetically patriotic and unwaveringly committed to the development of our homeland.

“Nigerians are part of the brain thrust of many successful large corporations and industries in the U.S., UK, Canada, and other parts of the world.

“Many of them are C-level executives in these establishments that are responsible for managing the critical aspects of the economy of their host countries,” he said.

According to him, the diaspora is beyond the billions of dollars in annual remittances to Nigeria.

Francis said that many countries the world over had since leveraged on their diaspora to turn their fortunes around due to the strategic importance of diasporas to the development of any nation.

“As you embark on the arduous task of returning Nigeria to her glorious days, we are assuring you of the support of many qualified Nigerians in the diaspora.

“Indeed, the Nigerian diasporas are available complimentary talents that can contribute immensely to your administration, especially in critical areas that require international collaborations and relationships, or where there are needs to build Nigerian standards to internationally-reputable standards,’’ he added.

Francis said as organisers of the annual Nigeria Independence Day Parade and Carnival, which is the largest annual gathering of Nigerians abroad since 1991, OAN Inc. was founded in 1989.

It was founded by a group of concerned Nigerians to address the needs of the Nigerian community.

At that time, the official said Nigeria and Nigerians were suffering seriously from negative stereotypes in the American media.

“Prior to OAN’s formation, no organisation existed that was committed to broader issues facing the Nigerian community in the U.S.

“Recognising the accomplishments and challenges faced by Nigerians living abroad, OAN filled the void by creating an umbrella organisation, which embraced Nigerians living from all walks of life, regardless of their ethnic and religious backgrounds.

“The organisation also immediately dedicated itself to enhancing the image of Nigeria in the U.S., addressing the negative stereotypes of Nigeria and Nigerians in the American media and culture.

“OAN has since become a platform for engaging the Diaspora community in  meaningful dialogue and initiatives aimed at contributing to the development of Nigeria.’’ he said.

Francis added that while they were not unmindful of the dire situation the Tinubu administration inherited, they are aware that Nigeria remains the envy of the international community in spite of challenges.

“We, therefore, believe that you possess the uncanny ability to take Nigeria out of its current challenges and put it on a pedestal that tasks other African leaders to deliver the age-long yearnings for good governance to their citizens,

“As the President of Africa’s largest democracy and economy, we are very hopeful that your administration will bring the much-needed relief to Nigerians.

“Once again, our group is prepared to work with your administration to realise a more prosperous, secure, and resilient Nigeria.

“We are willing to support you, Mr. President, to make your courageous and unwavering dream and quest for a better Nigeria a reality,’’ he said.

NAN reports that the president on his first outing to the Assembly will deliver his inaugural national statement to the world leaders on Tuesday.

On Wednesday, the Nigerian President is slated to participate in the high-level dialogue on financing for development.

He will attend a high-level meeting on Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness and Response.

On Thursday, he will be participating in the UN Secretary General’s Climate Ambition Summit.

He will later attend a high-level meeting on Universal Health Coverage and join another high-level panel on reform of the global financial architecture.

On Friday, he will be attending the high-level meeting on the fight against tuberculosis.

During the week, Tinubu is scheduled to hold several bilateral meetings with world leaders, including the Presidents of the European Union Commission, Brazil and South Africa, among others.

The theme of the UNGA is: “Rebuilding Trust and Reigniting Global Solidarity: Accelerating Action on the 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals towards peace, prosperity, progress, and sustainability for all”.(NAN)

Edited by Olawale Alabi

By Salisu Sani-Idris

The Federal Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Republic of Cuba on food security and agriculture advancement.

The Director of Information, Office of the Vice President, Olusola Abiola, in a statement on Sunday, said the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, signed the MoU for Nigerian Government, in Havana.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the signing of the MoU that was done on the sidelines of the ongoing G77+China Leaders’ Summit, took place at the Ministry of Agriculture of Cuba in the presence of officials from both countries.

Kyari said the Expression of ne Interest (EOI) was a historic journey to strengthen the ties between Nigeria and Cuba in the field of agriculture.

He commended the willingness of Cuban government to partner with Nigeria, noting that both countries share a common vision for their people.

The minister expressed heartfelt gratitude for the shared insights into Nigeria’s pressing food and agricultural opportunities and challenges.

He also underlined Nigeria’s demographic advantage, vast land resources, immense agricultural potential and President Bola Tinubu’s vision for food and nutrition security.

” It is in this spirit that the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development evolved into the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security,” he said.

Kyari also extended a hand of partnership to his Cuban counterparts with a focus on vital areas such as bio-fortification of agricultural produce, improvement of agricultural seeds and seedlings.

He added: ” Others were agricultural mechanisation, cutting-edge technologies for increased yields, and the reduction of post-harvest losses.

” Nigeria is keenly interested in collaborating with Cuba in the domains of poultry, livestock, and fisheries.

” Key areas of cooperation include veterinary medicine, vaccine development, artificial insemination, development of pastures and ranching as essential components in curbing the challenges posed by inefficient open grazing of cattle.”

The minister listed other areas to include training, capacity building, and knowledge transfer as the cornerstone of any thriving agricultural economy.

Earlier, Cuba’s Minister of Agriculture, Ydael Brito, told the Nigerian delegation about the island nation’s agricultural prowess.

He said: “Cuba has over 500,000 hectares under cultivation and remains a global player in the export of tobacco, coffee, honey, and other commodities.”

Brito, who expressed delight at the opportunity to partner with Nigeria, stated that Cuba would provide impactful cooperation in identified areas contained in the MOU.

The host minister also highlighted Cuba’s agricultural human capital and different models of practices which have raised its productivity.

He assured that Cuba would deploy its wealth of experience to help Nigeria achieve its agriculture and food security policies.

Brito said: ” Nigeria will benefit from Cuba’s agriculture capacity in areas such as bilateral relationship encompassing agricultural productivity, sustainability, knowledge sharing and technology transfer.”

Kyari was accompanied to the ceremony by Nigeria’s Ambassador to Cuba, Ben Okoyen and other members of the Nigerian delegation.

NAN reports that the Nigerian delegation to the G77 + China Leaders’ Summit in Cuba was led by Shettima, who represented Tinubu. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

By Kamal Tayo Oropo

King Mohammed VI of Morocco has pledged speedy succour to families of victims of the earthquake which recorded over 2, 946 fatalities.

The monarch made the pledge following a working meeting at the Royal Palace in Rabat earlier on Thursday,  a statement  by the Royal Office said on Friday.

The meeting, chaired by the King, was devoted to activating the emergency programme for rehousing disaster victims.

It was also devoted to caring for the categories most affected by the Al Haouz earthquake.

The Royal Office noted that the meeting followed on from the series of measures ordered by the King.

The office said the meeting was aimed at mobilising all resources, with the necessary speed and efficiency, to help stricken families and citizens.

It added that the focus  in particular was to deploy rehabilitation and reconstruction measures as quickly as possible, in the localities affected by this natural disaster of unprecedented proportions.

According to the royal office, the first version of the rehousing programme presented to the King, and which was prepared by the inter-ministerial commission set up pursuant to the High Royal Instruction, covers some 50,000 totally or partially collapsed homes in the five provinces affected.

It consists, on the one hand, of emergency temporary rehousing measures, in particular through adapted formulas for on-site accommodation in structures designed to withstand the cold and bad weather; or in reception sites equipped with all the necessary amenities.

In addition, the  state will grant emergency aid of 30,000 dirhams to the households concerned.

The office said, in this respect, the king drew the attention of the competent authorities to the extremely high priority of the rehousing operation, which must be carried out under the necessary conditions of fairness and constant attention to the needs of the populations concerned.

It said that, on the other hand, the programme consisted of immediate reconstruction actions, which would be deployed after preliminary expertise operations and land preparation and stabilisation work.

To this end, direct financial assistance of 140,000 dirhams has been earmarked for totally collapsed dwellings, and 80,000 dirhams to cover rehabilitation work on partially collapsed homes.

King Mohammed VI also insisted on the need for the reconstruction operation to be carried out on the basis of specifications and under technical and architectural supervision in harmony with the region’s heritage and respecting its unique architectural features.

The King reiterated his call for a strong, swift and proactive response, while respecting the dignity, customs and heritage of the populations.

In addition to repairing the damage caused by the earthquake, the royal office said these measures would also involve launching a well-thought-out, integrated and ambitious programme for the reconstruction and general upgrading of the affected regions.

According to the office, this will be both in terms of infrastructure reinforcement and improving the quality of public services.

“This multifaceted programme will primarily mobilise the state’s own financial resources and those of public bodies, and will also be open to contributions from private players and associations, as well as from brotherly and friendly countries that so wish.

“The king also raised the equally crucial issue of immediate care for orphaned children, who today find themselves without family or resources.

” The king has asked that these children be registered and granted the status of wards of the nation.”

Also, in order to lift them out of this situation of distress and protect them from all risks and all forms of fragility to which they may unfortunately be exposed after a natural disaster, the King ordered the government to launch the adoption process, as quickly as possible, of the bill necessary for this purpose.

“Through the vision and action of its Sovereign, Morocco is once again demonstrating the resilience that characterises it.

“Enabling it to face up to the trials and challenges with resolve, wisdom and determination, thanks to the strength of its institutions and the solidarity and generosity of its people, ” the statement read.

The working meeting was attended by the Head of Government, Mr Aziz Akhannouch, Advisor to the King, Mr Fouad Ali El Himma, and the Interior Minister, Mr AbdelouafiLaftit.

Also in attendance were the Endowments and Islamic Affairs Minister, Mr Ahmed Toufiq; the Economy and Finance Minister, Ms Nadia Fettah, and the National Territory Planning, Land Planning, Housing and City Policy Minister, Ms Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri.

Others included the Minister Delegate to the Minister of Economy and Finance, in charge of the Budget, Mr Faouzi Lekjaa, as well as Lt.-Gen. Mohammed Berrid, Inspector General of the FAR and Commander of the Southern Zone. (NAN)

Edited by Vivian Ihechu

By Fortune Abang

The Indian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Shri Balasubramanian, says India through its flagship Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) programme has trained no fewer than  200,000 officials from over 160 countries, since inception.

The ITEC Programme was launched by the Indian Government on Sept. 15, 1964.

Balasubramanian stated this on Friday in Abuja at the 2023 ITEC Day, celebrated every Sept. 15 and gives a unique opportunity for ITEC Alumni to reconnect.

The envoy who highlighted the cordial bilateral relations between India and Nigeria, said the programme was one of the ways of fostering cooperation among  partner countries.

“The Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Programme is the leading capacity building platform of the Ministry Of External Affairs, Government of India, instituted in 1964.

“ITEC is one of the oldest institutionalised arrangements for international capacity building having trained more than 200,000 officials from over 160 countries in both the civilian and defence sector.

“ITEC is about cooperation and partnership for mutual benefit. It is response-oriented, and it addresses the needs of developing countries.

“India possesses rich experience in the field of economic development as well as manpower skills and technology suited to the geographical and ecological conditions of partner countries,” he said.

The envoy underscored the need for both countries to continue to explore areas of mutual interest, noting that the programme
is based on the belief of shared growth and prosperity.

Earlier in his remarks,  Sen. Atiku Bagudu, Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, thanked India for sustaining the laudable initiative over the years.

He said Nigeria was willing to deepen cooperation with India, especially with President Bola Tinubu’s robust engagements at the just concluded G20 summit in India.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that ITEC alumni took turns to share their experiences in India and how they can use it to contribute to the development of Nigeria.

The occasion was attended by ITEC alumni, diplomats, defence attaches and professionals from all walks of life. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Muhyideen Jimoh/Folasade Adeniran

By Salisu Sani-Idris

Vice President Kashim Shettima has emphasised the need for international cooperation towards combating global challenges.

The Director of Information, Office of the Vice President, Mr Olusola Abiola, in a statement, said Shettima, stated this while addressing World leaders at the ongoing G77+China Leaders’ Summit, in Cuba.

Shettima also spoke to an assembly of Heads of State and Government, the UN Secretary-General, Antonio Gutteres and delegates from over 100 countries from the global South.

The vice president also emphasized the need to be focussed leveraging cooperation or partnership for finding realistic solutions to global challenges.

Shettima said: ” We must always remember that cooperation is our compass and the most realistic path towards maximizing the opportunities and resolving challenges before us.

” We must not allow geopolitical tensions in any corner of the world to deter us from forging a collective and mutually advantageous path forward, a roadmap of shared prosperity and progress.”

He, therefore, expressed Nigeria’s commitment to tow the path of partnership with member-States of the G77+China towards addressing global challenges.

Shettima said: ” Allow me to reiterate Nigeria’s commitment to partnering with our fellow member nations of the G77 and China.

” We shall champion initiatives that harness the potential of science, technology, and innovation to confront economic challenges, particularly within the global south.”

On the theme of the summit, ” Current Development Challenges: The Role of Science, Technology and Innovation,” Shettima underscored the prominent role played by science, technology and innovation in resolving challenges from the past to the present.

” Throughout history, science and technology have shaped the course of nations.

“The phases of the Industrial Revolution, from the first to the fourth, and from mechanization to automation, have determined the prosperity of those nations.

” It is crucial to acknowledge that the developing world found itself at a disadvantage in the earliest phases of these transformations, struggling to compete fairly as these revolutions swept across the globe,” he added.

The vice president told his audience that Nigeria was contributing its own share in leveraging science, technology and innovation to resolving challenges such as COVID-19 and the climate crisis.

Shettima said: ” Nigeria understands that the key to advancing innovation in science and technology lies in fostering a vibrant knowledge economy and facilitating the unrestricted exchange of ideas.

” This is the reason why across the globe, one would be hard-pressed to identify a premier institution, even within the most developed nations, where a Nigerian, trained at home, is not contributing significantly.

” Whether as a tech innovator or a medical specialist, in the noble pursuit of improving the human condition.”

On the efforts of the Nigerian government to combat Covid-19 using science and technology, Shettima said that the pandemic, while being a tragic chapter, served as a catalyst for “our brilliant minds in Nigeria to rejuvenate their pursuits in the fields of science and technology.

” Our scientists have successfully positioned our nation as a prominent global hub for mRNA vaccine production, a milestone currently in progress.”

Shettima extolled the contributions of the youth in the nation’s quest for science, technology and innovation advancement.

He also emphasised that Nigeria’s demographic advantage was not limited to the absence of an aging population. Nigeria stands as a beacon of youthful talent and innovation.

He added: ” These young citizens are not only dedicated to integrating human elements into the evolving technological sphere, but their efforts also extend to diverse fields.

” Ranging from telemedicine to the automation of agriculture, all with the aim of making our daily lives more seamless.”

On climate crisis, the vice president opined that the climate crisis around the globe too had dominated Nigeria’s agenda and prompted youthful innovators to engage in crafting solutions.

He said: “This fervent commitment has resulted in the establishment of start-ups like the Climate Action Africa (CMA) Labs.

“It is a hub dedicated to addressing diverse challenges posed by climate change, including severe droughts, flooding, and the escalating agricultural complexities.”

Shettima, while stressing the imperative of global partnership, warned, “the stakes are high. If we fail to act now, the prevailing trend could imperil our attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).”

In his welcome speech at the opening of the summit, the President of Cuba and Chair of G77+China, Miguel Diaz-Canel lamented the precarious situations faced by developing countries who are member-states.

He said that science, technology and innovation had only benefitted developed countries while the global South was largely still facing very serious development challenges.

The president, therefore, called for collective wisdom to address the challenges.

Also, the United Nations (UN) Secretary-General, António Guterres, acknowledged that there were development problems confronting developing countries.

He promised that the UN system would continue to work with the G77 and China to proffer solutions to these challenges. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

By Salisu Sani-Idris

Vice President Kashim Shettima on Thursday expressed the desire of President Bola Tinubu’s administration to deepen existing bilateral relations with the Republic of Cuba.

The Director of Information, Office of the Vice President, Mr Olusola Abiola, in a statement, said Shettima stated this during a courtesy visit to the Vice President of Cuba, Salvador Valdez Mesa at the Palace De Revolution, Havana.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Shettima is currently in Cuba to represent Tinubu at the G77+China Leaders’ Summit in Havana, Cuba, holding from Sept. 15 to 17.

Shettima during the visit traced the history of relations between Nigeria, Africa and Cuba, especially its support for Southern Africa.

“We hold Cuba in high esteem, especially your commitment to us in Africa,” he affirmed.

While commending the existing relationship between the two countries, Shettima reiterated the need for the two countries to re-commit to future relations.

“Our relationship has been very excellent over the years and this relations needs to be strengthened and upscaled.

“This is why I came with Ministers of Agriculture and that of Science, Technology and Innovation to explore future areas of partnership.”

The Vice President also stressed the need to explore opportunities in Science, Technology and Innovation as well as the agriculture sector.

Shettima, while delivering a special message to the President of Cuba, Miguel Diaz-Canel from President Tinubu, assured the commitment of Nigerian government towards deepening their mutual relations.

In his remarks, the Vice President of Cuba, praised Nigeria’s leadership role in Africa and the world.

He said Cuba takes its relations with Nigeria very seriously, noting that the support to Africa in past decades was due to the fact that Cuba considers itself as an African State.

He, therefore, expressed Cuba readiness to explore new areas of collaboration with Nigeria in such sectors such as health, biodiversity and agriculture.

He also thanked Nigeria for its participation at the upcoming Summit saying, “we attach great importance to your presence here.” (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Rabiu Sani-Ali