Africa, Arab Defense Ministers Agree Counter-Terrorism Cooperation

Defense ministers and officials from 27 Arab and African States last Friday agreed to  bolster cooperation on counter-terrorism, in a meeting held at an Egyptian resort town.

The Community of Sahel-Saharan States (CEN-SAD) members agreed on “strengthening cooperation in counter-terrorism,” according to the draft resolution read out by Egypt’s Defense Minister Sedki Sobhi.

The resolution, which will presented to presidents of the member states, emphasized intelligence sharing and joint border patrols.

The ministers also agreed to set up “a counter-terrorism center headquartered in Cairo,” Sobhi said as the two-day conference wrapped up in Sharm el-Sheikh.

Several of the bloc’s members, including Egypt, are locked in conflicts with jihadist groups who have killed thousands of people in attacks across the region and taken control of some territories.

“Terrorism and extremism presents a strong threat that has spread across all continents,” Sobhi said in a speech on the first day of the conference, after calling for a moment of silence for victims of attacks.

In Egypt alone, Islamist militants have killed hundreds of policemen and soldiers, and bombed a plane carrying Russian tourists that had taken off from Sharm El-Sheikh in October, killing 224 people.

The conference is the fifth CEN-SAD defense ministers’ meeting since the bloc’s founding in 1998.

The group was founded in part to promote a free trade area among member states.

AFP

 

NIGERIA EXCEL, AS ICAO AUDIT ENDS

The International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) has once again authenticated the progress and development of aviation in Nigeria.

This was made manifest during the presentation of preliminary audit result at the closing meeting of the ICAO Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme (USOAP).These result clearly indicated that Nigeria has done excellently well according to the auditors.

In a press release by the General Manager, Public Relations of NCAA, Mr Sam Adurogboye, the presentation was presided over by the Team leader of the Auditors; Mr Jean-Claude Waffo.He was joined by three team members to present their assessment of the aviation industry in Nigeria.

Each member gave an individual assessment of all the delineated areas.

These are: - Legislation (LEG), Organisation (ORG), Accident and Incident Investigation (AIG), Air Navigational Services (ANS) and Aerodrome and Ground Aids (AGA).

During the presentation, the Team leader and the members articulated all their systemic findings in the course of the 11-day USOAP Audit conducted on Nigeria.

While there were areas that were identified as open items that need to be closed, the Auditors were unanimously very satisfied with the level of improvement in the aviation industry in Nigeria.

The Auditors were highly impressed with the stellar preparation for the audit by all concerned and claimed that this made the exercise a huge success.

However, the final report will be produced and sent to Canada for review and final assent. This will be done only when comments on the draft report have been received from Nigeria.

According to the Mr. Waffo, “draft results will be produced 90 days after today’s presentation.”

“Therafter, Nigeria is expected to produce a Corrective Action Plan (CAP) which will provide room for comments and observations within 45 days.”

“He said the final report is only to be expected and produced after 30 days of receipt and acknowledgement of comments.”

At the end of the presentation the auditors thanked the Director General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Capt.Muhtar Usman and all the Chief Executives of the aviation parastatals.

Commendations were also extended to the Nigerian team that worked with the auditors during the audit.

Earlier, the NCAA DG in his opening remarks expressed his appreciation and acknowledged the demonstration of unparalleled dedication and the high sense of responsibility with which the auditors acquitted themselves during the audit.

He assured the auditors that all the open items will be closed forthwith. This will be adequately communicated in the Corrective Action Plan (CAP) to be forwarded by the Authority as required.

“All the lessons learnt from this exercise will be used to enhance the development, safety and security of aviation not only in Nigeria but the whole of Africa.”

The Managing Director of the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Engr.Saleh Dunoma in his vote of thanks reiterated that all areas that require improvement will be expedited and adequately carried out.

Other Chief Executives present at the meeting were Dr. Felix Abali, Commissioner, Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB), Engr.Emmanuel Anasi, Ag. Managing Director of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) and Directors from all the parastatals.

 

 

 

Fashola, Enelamah, Onyeama to speak at Enugu State Investment Summit

The Minister of Power, Works & Housing, Babatunde Raji Fashola; Minister of Industry, Trade & Investment, Okechukwu Enelamah; and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama, have all been confirmed as speakers at the Oganiru Enugu State Investment Summit scheduled to hold from April 12 – 14, 2016 at the Michael Okpara Square, Independence Layout, Enugu.

 

The three-day summit with the theme “Beyond Oil: Fostering Inclusive Economic Growth & Sustainable Development” will bring together local and international business leaders and investors, bankers, financiers, the diplomatic community and the academia to explore Enugu’s rich potential – and the entire South-East - in a wide range of industries including agriculture, solid minerals and mining, power generation and distribution, infrastructure and real estate development, tourism and hospitality, education, ICT, media and entertainment.

 

According to Ike Chioke, Director-General of Oganiru, “Dr. Babatunde Raji Fashola will deliver the keynote address at the summit, and he will be speaking on the theme: Public-Private-People Partnership for a Vibrant and Inclusive Economy. Dr. Okechukwu Enelamah, the ‘Minister of Enabling Environment’ is billed to speak on the theme: Advancing State Industrialization through Public Policy while Mr. Geoffrey Onyeama, the Foreign Affairs Minister, will address delegates on the theme: Accelerating Local Economic Growth through International Cooperation.”

 

“Some of the confirmed speakers from the private sector include Dr. Pascal Dozie, Founder and Former Chairman, Diamond Bank Plc; Emeka Ene of Oildata Energy Group; Ndidi Nwuneli of AACE Foods and LEAP Africa; Prof. Margee Ensign of the American University of Nigeria, Yola; Prof. Barth Nnaji of Geometric Powers Ltd; Lazarus Angbaso of General Electric; Nicholas Okoye of Anabel Group; and many other notable business leaders and captains of industry.”

 

The Oganiru Director-General also disclosed that many more Nigerian companies, multinational corporations, government agencies and international organisations have confirmed their participation at the summit. 

Among them are DfID, World Bank, Fidelity Bank, UBA, Afrinvest, Etisalat, Innoson Motors, NBET Plc., Yuanda Company, Nigeria Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC), National Pension Commission (Pencom), Small & Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) and Enugu Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Mines & Agriculture (ECCIMA).

 

The Enugu State Investment Summit (Oganiru) is a platform through which the government of Enugu State seeks to collaborate with the private sector to promote enterprise and improve economic productivity.

It is an initiative of the Enugu State Economic Advisory Committee, which was set up by Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi in June 2015 to advise and guide the state on the best economic policies that would help to engender sustainable economic growth.

 

 

 

UBA, Etisalat, Afrinvest for Enugu State Investment Summit

The United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, telecommunications giant, Etisalat, and leading wealth advisory firm, Afrinvest, are among several local and international companies that have confirmed their participation at the forthcoming Enugu State Investment Summit scheduled to hold from April 12 – 14, 2016 at the Michael Okpara Square, Independence Layout, Enugu.

 

Themed “Beyond Oil: Fostering Inclusive Economic Growth and Sustainable Development”, the Oganiru Enugu State Investment Summit is the first investor forum of its scale in Nigeria’s southeast, and it will bring together stakeholders critical to advancing business interests across a variety of industries, not only in Enugu State but also the entire south-east region.

 

In the words of Ike Chioke, Director-General of Oganiru, “We believe that real progress happens by bringing together people from all walks of life who have the drive, influence and resources to stimulate socio-economic growth, and by fostering a favorable legal and regulatory climate for businesses to thrive.”

 

“To this end, the Summit will engage the best from diverse institutions – including the public and private sector, international organizations, the diplomatic community and the academia – to shape regional and industry agendas. Already, many top Nigerian companies, multinationals and key agencies of government have confirmed their participation. Among them are UBA, Fidelity Bank, Afrinvest, Etisalat, General Electric and NBET Plc, to mention but a few.”

 

Commenting on the benefits of attending the Summit, State Commissioner for Commerce & Industry, and Deputy Director-General of Oganiru, Sam Ogbu-Nwobodo, said, “delegates will gain valuable insight into Enugu’s investment landscape and untapped potential across various economic sectors including agriculture, solid minerals and mining, power generation and distribution, real estate development, tourism and hospitality, ICT, media and entertainment.”

 

“There will also be opportunities for joint venture or outright acquisition through public-private-partnership, privatization and commercialization of state-owned enterprises including Hotel Presidential, Nike Lake Resort, Ada Rice, Sunrise Flour Mills, and many more. Interested investors can also avail opportunities to boost trade and commerce in the region through co-investment in a Free Trade Zone.”

 

The Enugu State Investment Summit (Oganiru) is a platform through which the government of Enugu State seeks to collaborate with the private sector to promote enterprise and improve economic productivity. It is an initiative of the Enugu State Economic Advisory Committee, which was set up by Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi in June 2015 to advise and guide the state on the best economic policies that would help to engender sustainable economic growth.

 

Enugu Plans Investment Summit To Boost State’s Economy

In a bid to re-engineer the economy of Enugu State towards a better future for its citizens, the Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi-led Government is set to host the maiden Enugu State Investment Summit with the theme “Beyond Oil: Fostering Inclusive Economic Growth and Sustainable Development” from April 12 – 14, 2016 at the Michael Okpara Square, Independence Layout, Enugu.

 

Christened ‘Oganiru’ meaning ‘progress’, the three-day summit will bring together local and international business leaders and investors, bankers, financiers, the diplomatic community and the academia to explore Enugu’s rich potential – and, indeed, the potential of the entire South-East region - across various sectors including agriculture, solid minerals, trade and tourism.  

The summit will also showcase how Enugu State intends to partner with the private sector to leverage the state’s competitive advantage for inclusive growth and development.

 

According to Ike Chioke, Director General of Oganiru, “Now more than ever before, with the decrease in federal allocation to states due to dwindling oil revenue, there is a paramount need for government to look to alternative revenue sources that would ensure sustainable economic growth. Oganiru seeks to highlight Enugu’s prospects as a business destination while exploring the state’s potential in a wide range of industries.”

 

“Key outcomes of the summit will include opportunities for joint venture or outright acquisition through public-private-partnership, privatization and commercialization of state-owned enterprises including Hotel Presidential, Nike Lake Resort, Ada Rice, Sunrise Flour Mills, and many more. There will also be opportunities to boost trade and commerce in the region through co-investment in a Free Trade Zone,” Chioke disclosed.

 

The Investment Summit is an initiative of the Enugu State Economic Advisory Committee, which was set up by Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi to advise and guide the state on the best economic policies that would help to engender sustainable economic growth. 

The Ugwuanyi administration has mandated a 4-point agenda for development of the state including employment generation, social services & good governance, rural development and security & justice.

 

 

 

Why FG Must Prosecute Jonathan – AFP

Agence France-Presse (AFP), a European news agency declared yesterday that President Muhammadu Buhari’s war against corruption can only succeed if he zeroes in on former President Goodluck Jonathan.

An editorial written by the AFP recalled that Buhari had previously warned the Nigeria’s monied elite that it was “no longer business as usual.

“But with Nigeria in economic crisis as a result of the collapsing price of oil, analysts say Buhari can ill afford to alienate Jonathan and his allies, even if it threatens success in court”, the international news agency warned.

The news agency said though acknowledged that many anti-graft trials were ongoing by the administration of Buhari, they may spin off to imperil his war against corruption, if Jonathan was not brought in as a key witness to the alleged crimes of the persons standing trial at different courts of law in the country.

AFP stated: “It would be easy to believe that Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari is winning the war against corruption since his landmark election victory nearly a year ago. Hardly a week goes by without the country’s anti-graft agency announcing new arrests and investigations to add to the prominent politicians already in the dock.

“But the longer the cases already brought to court drag on, the clearer it becomes that a potential setback could prevent Buhari from securing the convictions he has promised — and Nigerians demand”.

In the article titled Called, “the Goodluck Jonathan alibi”, AFP said, “Certainly, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has not implicated the former head of state in any of its ongoing investigations.

“But his glaring absence is increasingly posing problems for state prosecutors as the preliminary stages of cases are heard in court and trials get under way”.

Citing the case of Olisa Metuh, the spokesman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who is on trial for money laundering as an instance, AFP quoted him as claiming “he was only acting on Jonathan’s orders and last week argued he should be acquitted because the former president has not been called to the stand”.

“The former president forms an indispensable witness,” Metuh’s lawyer Onyechi Ikpeazu told AFP.

The agency also quoted Metuh’s lawyer, Mr. Ikpeazu as saying “We are saying the failure to investigate what really amounts to an alibi is fatal to their case,”.

According to AFP, “one lawyer working for Sambo Dasuki, Nigeria’s former national security advisor, has also hinted at pursuing a similar defence.

“Dasuki, who is accused of diverting the weapons procurement cash through his office via bogus defence contracts, has himself said he was only doing the bidding of the then-commander-in-chief – Jonathan”, it further stated.

Dasuki’s lawyer, Ahmed Raj also told AFP that “The national security advisor will normally carry out the instructions of his president,”.

Raji was also quoted by the agency as saying “You cannot talk about this matter without talking about President Jonathan.”

AFP has warned that “If the “Goodluck Jonathan alibi” works, many high-profile accused could potentially walk free, dealing a serious blow to Buhari’s pledge to root out endemic corruption and impunity”.

The agency added that “Buhari has previously warned the country’s monied elite it was “no longer business as usual, but with Nigeria in economic crisis as a result of the collapsing price of oil, analysts say Buhari can ill afford to alienate Jonathan and his allies, even if it threatens success in court”.

BY TORDUE SALEM, with agency report