NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
Economy/Business

African leaders urge collective action to secure future

424 total views today

 

 

L-R: The Minister of International Relations of Botswana, Dr Phenyo Butale, Ms Ahunna Eziakonwa, UNDP Assistant Secretary-General, President Duma Boko of Botswana, Mr Claver Gatete, UN Under-Secretary-General of ECA and Prof. Kevin Urama, AfDB’s Vice-President and Chief Economist at the opening of the AEC 2024 in Gaborone, Botswana on Saturday.

 

By Lucy Ogalue

African leaders say as global uncertainty rises, there is an urgent need for bold, collective action to secure Africa’s economic future and foster resilience.

 

Botswana President Duma Boko, speaking on Saturday at the ongoing  2024 African Economic Conference (AEC) in Gaborone, Botswana, said Africa needs to take its rightful place globally.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme of the conference is: “Securing Africa’s Economic Future Amid Rising Uncertainty.”

 

Boko called for economic transformation, urging greater value addition to Africa’s vast resource base and the development of regional value chains to boost employment and economic diversification.

 

“Africa has unparalleled potential to transform these obstacles into opportunities, thus, the critical importance of Africa’s youthful population as the continent’s greatest asset.

 

“With nearly 70 per cent of Africans under 30, there is the need for substantial investment in education, technology, and jobs to harness the potential of the next generation of innovators, entrepreneurs, and leaders,” he said.

 

The president reiterated the need to ensure peace and stability on the continent, which he said must be anchored on accountable and responsive governance.

 

According to him, this is a fundamental human right for every African citizen and setting the requisite bedrock for any measure of our economic development and sustainability.

 

He said that to attract foreign investment and build sustainable growth in Africa, we must demonstrate a commitment to transparency, accountability, and respect for the rule of law on the continent.

 

“The African Continental Free Trade Area holds significant prospects for transforming Africa’s economic landscape to foster investment, create jobs, and promote industrialisation.

 

“It is critical for us to capitalise on the AfCFTA and leverage its potential to enhance intra-Africa trade and position the continent as a global economic powerhouse.

 

“Beyond trade, regional cooperation must extend to shared physical infrastructure, resource management, and conflict resolution.

 

” Ending armed conflicts that hinder development by ‘Silencing the Guns in Africa’ will create a stronger and more integrated Africa.

 

“An Africa better equipped to navigate the global trade dynamics and challenges,” he said.

 

Mr Claver Gatete, UN Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), echoed these sentiments of addressing Africa’s significant economic challenges.

 

“The global financial system as it stands, is failing Africa. There is a need for urgent reforms that will prioritise financing for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), climate adaptation, and equitable growth.

 

“Africa has vast renewable energy potential, critical mineral reserves, and the transformative power of digital innovation.

 

“There is a need for leaders to act decisively to unlock the continent’s potential as Africa’s future lies in its ability to transform resources into value-added products,” he said,

 

Gatete further outlined the need for de-risking investment environments through improved governance, transparency, and innovative mechanisms to attract private sector investment.

 

Ms. Ahunna Eziakonwa, the Assistant Secretary-General and Director, Regional Bureau for Africa, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), decried how Africa had continued to bear the burden of climate change despite its little contributions.

 

“The challenge of these global uncertainties is to rise up, invest, and ensure innovative financing. The gathering was a dynamic platform to develop solutions to Africa’s challenges.

 

“We must strengthen resilience to shocks by decreasing dependency on food and fuel, investing in tech infrastructure skills that will provide sustainable and affordable energy for all and prioritising diversification of our economy.

 

“We need to mobilise resources at scale and take steps to ensure Africa’s abundant resources finance its growth. Africa’s money must work for Africa.

 

“It is time for Africa to lead. This continent is unstoppable and will remain so when we have leaders who care. Let us start sowing the seed of human rights to eliminate poverty and not just reduce it,” she said.

 

Also speaking, Prof Kevin Urama, Vice President and Chief Economist of the African Development Bank (AfDB), restated the importance of homegrown solutions embedded in local realities to drive growth on the continent.

 

“The AEC provides a leading platform for stakeholders to think together. It provides a golden opportunity to review Africa’s developing experience and find solutions relevant for Africa by Africa to move Africa forward.

 

” We must try to stem the leakages from African economies as the continent loses. We must find new African ways to help address African challenges,” he said.

 

Speaking Earlier, Dr Phenyo Butale, the Minister of International Relations, Botswana, welcomed participants and said the gathering would shape the future of Africa, thus emphasising the importance of collective action.

 

He expressed the commitment of the country to mitigate volatility to economic shocks, ensure inclusive growth, and leverage technology and innovation, among others on the continent.

 

The conference which opened on Saturday will end on Nov. 25. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ese E. Eniola Williams

Economy/Business

Use statistics to tell Africa’s story- Bagudu

471 total views today

By Okeoghene Akubuike

Sen. Abubakar Bagudu, Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, has urged the African statistical systems to use statistics to tell the African story.

Bagudu said this at the 2024 African Statistics Day  Celebration, organised by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) in Abuja on Monday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme of the Day is ‘Supporting Education by Modernising the Production of Fit-For-Purpose Statistics’.

He said there were calls for Africa to create its own credit rating agency which would adequately capture the realities of the continent.

The minister said this had become necessary because the methodologies used by some of the rating agencies were not known.

According to him, the African statistical system must help us tell the African story, and the African story is that of hard-working men and women.

“We are not going to wait for someone to develop a methodology for us to say it. That is as fit- for purpose as it could be.

“That at 4 am, a woman is carrying a child on her back, going to the farm or fishing ground, or moving around with livestock or by the roadside roasting corn or plantain, and this is as hardworking as it can be.

“But yet the global credit system has excluded these hard-working women.

“Yet maybe somewhere a woman who wakes up at 11 am and works for five hours a day some statistical system is likely to accord her more avenues for inclusion.

“Who should say this, who should tell the world this? Not only is she hardworking, she is honorable and this is the picture across our continent.

Bagudu said there was a need to reverse these statistics that put the continent  in a bad light or “show us as otherwise”.

He said this was important so the world capital market could appreciate that Africa is a continent of hardworking men and women.

“Also, that we have governmental systems in Africa  that ensure statistical systems are independent”.

The minister said the “sanctity of data” is the watchword of  President Tinubu-led administration.

“We have recognised and given independence to NBS; we have never sought to interfere with the formation, timing and release of data.

“We are not where we want to be but let us confront our reality and make choices pleasant and unpleasant.

“This will help us reach where we want to, and data systems can help us, and this is the African story,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Maureen Atuonwu

Foreign

Chinese media experts urge mutual cooperation in Sino-African exchange

657 total views today

 

By Halima Sheji

A Chinese teacher, Prof. Zhang Genfu, has underscored the need for mutual cooperation through China-Africa media exchanges to advance the Sino-African modernisation.

 

Zhang, a Deputy-Director of the Zhejiang Normal University (ZJNU) Affairs Committee, made the call during the inaugural ceremony of the Seminar for Omni-media journalists from English-speaking African countries in Jinhua city, China.

 

He said that the 10 partnership actions announced by President Xi Jinping at the 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in Beijing elevated Africa-China relations to new heights.

 

Zhang said, “China has always been a country of action and always done what it says. We believe that in the foreseeable future, China-Africa relations will deepen and cooperation in economy, trade, culture and other fields will be closer.

 

“I sincerely hope that through this Seminar, we can strengthen exchanges with you, enhance the understanding of Chinese and African media friends in the language and culture.

 

“Also, strengthen news and cultural exchanges, jointly promote the high-quality development of media undertakings of the two sides, inject new connotation into China-Africa friendship and write a new chapter.

 

“Let us move towards each other with mutual support and empowerment, jointly advancing the modernisation of China and Africa, and together achieving a bright future.”

 

He said that the visit of the participants councides with the autumn season when the eyes of the world focused on China-Africa.

 

“2024 FOCAC Summit held in Beijing in September and the Heads of State, Heads of Government, Heads of Delegation of China and 53 African countries, and the Chairpersons of the African Union (AU) Commissions met in Beijing to draw new blueprint for development of Africa-China relations.

 

“Now we welcome media friends from 11 countries, including Ghana, South Africa, Botswana, Kenya, Mauritius, Zambia, Gambia, Ethiopia, Zimbabwe, Benin and Nigeria. This is the epitome of China-Africa comprehensive cooperation and friendship,” he added.

 

He described ZJNU as an institution with disciplines such as Mathematics, Chemistry, Engineering, Materials Science, Environment/Ecology, Computer Science, Zoology, Animal and Plant Sciences, and General Social Sciences in the top 1 per cent of Employees State Insurance (ESI) globally.

 

He added that the university had cultivated not less than 400,000 talents of all types for the society since its founding 68 years ago, and established cooperation and exchange relations with 280 institutions of higher learning in over 60 countries and regions.

 

Chen Yan, Director of the Foreign Affairs Office of Jinhua Municipal City, urged the journalists to explore the media exchange platform to garner relevant knowledge towards deepening China-African relations.

 

Chen said, “This year, numerous foreign journalists visited Jinhua. They explored the local markets, industries, countryside, cultural sites and conducted comprehensive reporting on the city.

 

“Notably, Brazil’s flagship Media Group and the ‘Review’ press crew filmed the ‘Watch China Together’ programme in Jinhua. These related reports were then featured as a series of special topics in Brazil, commemorating the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Brazil.

 

“In May this year, 28 journalists from 27 African countries came to Jinhua and published 72 articles, introducing the colorful Jinhua to the world.

 

“In July, we held a special ‘overseas universities’ media workshop for Young media professionals from the “Belt and Road” countries, attended by 69 media professionals from 18 countries, all of which are vivid manifestations of the international communication of the Belt and Road Golden Hub.”

 

Meanwhile, Mr Lassana Tunkara, Deputy General-Manager of QTV/QRadio in The Gambia, spoke on behalf of the journalists saying the seminar titled: “Journalism organisation and news media for Belt and Road Initiative countries”, saying it would enable them advance international best practices in media operations.

 

Tunkara said, “This seminar presents an extraordinary opportunity to broaden our understanding of global media landscape, particularly within the context of Chinese media experience and our primary goal should be to explore how media can act as catalyst for international collaboration and development.

 

“We are enthusiastic about diving into the dynamics of vibrant Chinese media landscape with social and new media transforming the way we share and consume information across the world.

 

“Understanding this trend is essential for shaping media in Africa, especially as we navigate the fast-evolving digital environment. We look forward to learning about business management and how sustainable models can empower media organisations to thrive in competitive markets.”

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports Jinhua is a prefecture-level city in central Zhejiang Province in eastern China that has jurisdiction over nine counties cities and districts with an area of 11,000 square kilometers and a permanent population of 7.16 million people. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

Education

KOICA committed to supporting educational technology devt. in Africa – Official

656 total views today

By Sarafina Christopher

The Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) Nigeria on Wednesday said it remained committed to supporting the development of educational technology (edtech) ecosystem in Africa.

Its Country Director, Mr Son Sungil stated this in Abuja during the 6th edition of the African Edutech Conference.

The conference was co-hosted by KOICA in collaboration with UBEC, and the Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce (NBCC), among others.

According to Son, EdTech leverages software and hardware to enhance learning outcomes in the classroom.

He said KOICA would continue to support Africa’s education sector through strategic partnerships, edtech infrastructure development and capacity-building initiatives for teachers, school leaders, and education stakeholders.

“KOICA is committed to improving learning outcomes in schools across Africa through innovative smart solutions and collaborative efforts.

“We are working with relevant education stakeholders across Africa toward achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 4 (Quality Education),”he said.

The KOICA country director affirmed that the agency has been working on improving basic education in Nigeria since 2013.

“In 2018 we established the first Model school in Abuja called Nigeria-Korea model school (NKMS), which focuses on the use of multimedia contents and edtech facilities in delivering better teaching and learning experience for pupils.

“In 2021 we started a Smart education project in collaboration with Universal Basic Education, installing modern education Content Development Studios in 6 smart schools across 6 states,

“We trained 250 teachers, principals and education stakeholders in Korea and Nigeria on Smart education, and developed Smart education guidelines for school operation.

“By co-hosting this year’s Africa Edtech conference, KOICA hopes to foster a vibrant edtech ecosystem in Africa, driven by our shared passion for quality education and sustainable development that leaves no one behind,” Son said.

NAN reports that the event attracted educators, researchers, academics, and students from various African countries to facilitate global knowledge sharing, collaboration, and innovation. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Emmanuel Yashim

Foreign

Macron unveils plans for triangular partnership in Africa

435 total views today

 

By Usman Aliyu

French President Emmanuel Macron has unveiled plans for a triangular partnership between France, Morocco and Africa to foster cooperation in key sectors for growth, stability and development.

 

Macron announced this on Tuesday in Rabat while addressing a joint session of the two Houses of the Moroccan parliament.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the address formed part of the activities of the French president’s 3-day visit to the Northern African country.

 

He said the France, Morocco and Africa partnership would be premise in the areas of education, agriculture, ecological projects, digital technology and energy.

 

Macron stressed the importance of the Moroccan-French partnership in Africa, underlining the vision of the Moroccan King, Mohammed VI for the continent.

 

“Morocco, by virtue of its geography, its history, its culture and the vision of its Sovereigns, has long affirmed its vocation as a platform, a channel, a singular path,” Macron said.

 

This, he said, underlined that the Kingdom’s stability, openness and development “are unrivaled assets which we recognise at their true value and which can inspire many joint initiatives.”

 

Speaking on the Moroccan-Western Sahara issue, Macron reiterated the support of Paris for Morocco sovereignty over the contentious region.

 

“For France, the present and future of this territory lie within the framework of Moroccan sovereignty. The Autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty is the framework within which this issue must be resolved.

 

“The 2007 autonomy plan constitutes the only basis for achieving a just, lasting and negotiated political solution in line with the resolutions of the United Nations Security Council,” he said.

 

He said that the Paris position was rooted in history, respectful of realities and promising for the future, and the one that France would implement to support Morocco at international forums.

 

Turning to the situation in the Middle East, Macron paid tribute to the action of King Mohammed VI for providing urgent humanitarian aid to the Palestinian and Lebanese populations.

 

“I salute his mobilisation and that of all Morocco in favour of de-escalation, resumption of dialogue and the relaunch of a credible political process.

 

“In the current cacophony, in which extremes on all sides are indulging, Morocco has a strong and singular voice,” he said

 

Macron said Morocco and France were now destined to lay the foundations for a reinforced exceptional partnership, and to offer the generations of the next 25 years a new vision.

 

“At a time when His Majesty King Mohammed VI and I decided to write a new book together, I want to share with you that I am certain that these ties will continue to grow ever stronger,” he said.

 

He lauded the values of diversity, dialogue and tolerance, adding that it remains at the heart of the Morocco’s people, its institutions and Constitution.

 

“The tolerant Islam promoted by His Majesty the King, Commander of the Faithful, challenges all forms of extremism,” he said.

 

Macron added that Morocco’s wealth “is even more precious and worthy of respect at a time when our world is torn apart by intolerance and war.” (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

General News

Network woos investments in Africa’s talent, resources for mutual benefits 

565 total views today

By Diana Omueza

Africa Intercontinental Network has called on international organisations to tap into Africa’s vast talents and resources to boost the continent’s progress and global recognition.

Mr Precious Osagie, National Coordinator of the group, made this appeal at a news conference in Abuja to announce the 2024 Africa International Network Conference and Global Awards.

He said the conference and awards ceremony aimed to create a platform for networking, empowerment, entertainment, and recognition of individuals who have made significant contributions to Africa.

Osagie said that by leveraging this event, Africa Intercontinental Network sought to create a sustainable platform for economic growth and development across the continent.

According to Osagie, the conference will feature 50 awardees that have impacted Africa, either directly or through affiliation, with thousands of audience members.

He also highlighted the group’s collaboration with Build-Up Africa, which had empowered over 2,000 individuals worldwide, fostering innovation, leadership, and progress.

“The award ceremony will honour icons that have made a lasting impact in Africa, inspiring others to pursue excellence, resilience, and leadership.

“This recognition will not only highlight their achievements but also set a standard of excellence for younger generations,”Osagie said.

Mrs Abiemwense Moru, Assistant Editor-In-Chief at News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), lauded the initiative, stating that it would promote Africa’s positive image and attract investors to the continent’s rich heritage and abundant resources.

Also, Mr Onuche Kingsley, Founder of Peace Ambassadors of Nigeria, stated that there was a need to promote the values and worth of Africa and the personalities who have made immeasurable impacts.

Misra Anurag, a representative of Tulsi Chanrai Foundation, also commended the organisers for the initiative to woo investors to Africa.

A representative of Lexicon Media, Promise Rabi-Dauda, called for the support of the public and other media organisations to create awareness about the forthcoming event. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Defence/Security , Sports

Military Games‘ll strengthen cooperation, partnership in Africa – CDS

954 total views today

By Philip Yatai

The Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa said on Thursday that the Africa Military Games would strengthen military cooperation and partnership in the region.

Musa stated this in Abuja at a World Press Conference to announce the forthcoming games, scheduled for Nov. 8 to 30, in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.

He added that the event presents a unique opportunity for Nigeria’s Armed Forces to showcase their skills to the world and foster camaraderie amongst participants.

He also said the sports fiesta was another means of Nigerian military non-kinetic operations.

The CDS said hosting the African Military Games in Abuja was a testament to Nigeria’s commitment to promoting peace and security in the African region.

He added that it is also an opportunity for the nation to demonstrate its capabilities as a host nation.

“The games will provide a platform for our Armed Forces to compete internationally and exchange best practices with their counterparts from other African countries.

“It will also build lasting relationships that will contribute to the overall security and stability of the continent.

“I am confident that our Armed Forces will rise to the occasion and make the nation proud with their performances both on and off the field,” he added.

Musa said that the Nigerian Armed Forces was currently finalising preparations for the games, including ensuring that necessary infrastructure and logistics support was in place to host this prestigious event.

He expressed gratitude to the Minister of FCT, Mr Nyesom Wike, for being a wonderful host, saying that the noble opportunity to host the continent would bring significant benefits to the FCT and the nation in general

He identified economic and sports development, global recognition, and national pride as some of the benefits the country stands to derive by hosting the fiesta.

“Let us therefore come together to ensure a hitch-free event.

“I, therefore, urge all well-meaning Nigerians and corporate organisations to support our armed forces as they prepare to compete in the African Military Games.

“Let us unite as a nation to celebrate the spirit of sportsmanship, camaraderie, and togetherness that this event embodies.

“Let us show them the love and hospitality that Nigerians are known for,” the CDS said.

The Chairman, Local Organising Committee, AVM Abidemi Marquis, said that the theme of the event is “Enhancing Military Cooperation in Africa through Sports”

He said the objective was to foster the already established relationship among the African armed forces and enhance awareness and cooperation away from war.

According to him, 42 African countries have indicated interest in participating in the games and that 27 countries have submitted their final entries, while awaiting others from now to Oct. 15.

“As of today, we have 17,75 officials and athletes from the 27 countries, out of the 3,000 officials and athletes expected to participate in the games from the 42 countries.

“We will be competing in 19 sporting events, including all the ball games, swimming, obstacle crossing, taekwondo, and wrestling, among others,” he said.

Also, the President of Military Sports in Africa, Maj.-Gen. Maikano Abdullahi said the organisation’s design is to take the African armed forces from the battlefield to the sports field.

“The idea is to bring peace, stability, and understanding among members of the armed forces from the 44-member countries in the continent, to understand ourselves,” Abdullahi said.

In his remarks, Wike thanked the CDS for giving Abuja the opportunity to be the chief host of the games.

The minister said the 3,000 expected participants would become ambassadors and tell the world that indeed, “Abuja is one of the best cities in Africa and that Nigeria is moving forward.

“We will do everything to give you the necessary support so you can have a successful hosting of the event so that your colleagues can be proud of you,” he said. (NAN)

Edited by Emmanuel Yashim

X
Welcome to NAN
Need help? Choose an option below and let me be your assistant.
Email SubscriptionSite SearchSend Us Email