By Chijioke Okoronkwo

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo is expected to share perspectives on engendering democratic governance in West Africa at a high-level dialogue on Monday in Abeokuta, Ogun.

The Coalition for Dialogue on Africa (CoDA), organisers of the event, in a statement on Sunday in Abuja, said it was in furtherance to ongoing efforts by leaders across West Africa to contain threats to democracy in the region.

The event, which holds at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library in Abeokuta, will be hosted by the former president himself.

Osinbajo will deliver the keynote address while other participants comprising leaders across West Africa and Obasanjo, Chairperson of CoDA board of directors, will make contributions physically and virtually.

The vice president will be speaking on the theme: Rising to the Challenge of Consolidating Democratic Governance.
CoDA attributed the recent development in Mali, Guinea and Burkina Faso as part of its reasons for convening the high-level dialogue.
It is this overarching concern that serves as the motivation for this high-level dialogue which is designed to bring together a group of West Africans to address a challenge which not only threatens a political regression in the sub-region but which might also threaten the viability of ECOWAS as a regional economic community.
The dialogue is a joint endeavour to find ways of redressing the discontents of West African democratisation and achieving a democratic reset in the sub-region, the statement said.
ECOWAS leaders had, at their meeting on March 25 in Accra, Ghana, deliberated on the political situations in Mali, Guinea and Burkina Faso, and affirmed their commitment to democracy.(NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Emmanuel Mogbede

Chief David Kente, a chieftain of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Taraba, says there is no winner or loser in the contest for party executives in the just concluded National Convention of the APC.

Kente who is also a governorship aspirant in Taraba, said this while speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday at the Abuja Eagle Square, venue of the APC convention.

He congratulated Sen. Abudullahi Adamu, the newly elected National Chairman of the party on his emergence and other members of the newly elected National Working Committee (NWC) of the APC.

For the APC family, the contest for party offices do not produce winners and losers, we are all winners because our primary interest is to strengthen and unite the party.

Let me on behalf of our great party congratulate those who have emerged as our national officers, you are all welcome on board, he said.

The Taraba business mogul commended the sportsmanship of other aspirants, especially those who stepped down to pave way for consensus candidates. in the interest of the party.

He urged APC members, especially from Taraba to remain committed, and be prepared to continue to work for the interest of the party in the state and the country.

He advised stakeholders of the party to ensure discipline within its fold and be guided against conduct that could bring it into disrepute.

We must be a party where internal discipline is supreme and a guiding anchor of our processes, we must eschew bickering and remain united in the pursuit of our goals.

As members of a great party, we must resist the temptation to allow inordinate ambition and what appears to be a growing obsession with the politics of succession.

Each and everyone of us, have an obligation to ensure that our party remained a party of values and fresh ideas, Kente stressed.

NAN reports that the APC national convention is the climax of a process that started with Ward, Local Government and State Congresses.

On the whole, 78 positions were contested for at the convention, including NWC and non NWC members.(NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Sani Zainab

Business owners in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have expressed concern over the current fuel scarcity and how its affecting prices and delivery of goods and services.

Hajia Adebayo Adenike, a market woman in Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that prices of goods and services have gone up as a result of the scarcity over two months ago.

What we buy in the market has increased price since the beginning of the scarcity. Prices of Goods are multiplying day by dayespecially due to transport fares in addition to taking our children to school.

She also pleaded with the government to act fast so that everything would return to normal.

Michael Donald, a business owner, also said the fuel scarcity has affected the delivery of every commodity in the market.

Things are gettingworse; we manage to survive since we cant close our shop because of the scarcity, both customers and the business owners are complaining.

The cost of common things like sachet water have more than doubled and there seems to be no end to the situation, that is why we are calling on the federal government to quickly move in and save us, he said.

Mary Samuel, a store owner, said she now only saw her goods being delivered once in a while due to the scarcity, unlike before when requests were overwhelming.

Although consumers make so many requests, the supply mechanism is not there because we cant fuel our delivery vehicles and cant lay hands on dispatch riders who also seem over stretched, she said.

Meanwhile, as the situation continues, the government is giving assurances that the scarcity is being addressed while urging fuel buyers to avoid panic buying.

Many fueling stations in Abuja city and environs were seen dispensing petrol amidst long queues.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Source: NAN News

By Franca Ofili

A gynecologist, Dr Prosper Igboeli, has attributed early menopause in young women to health issues and genetic reasons.

Igboeli said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.

He, however, advised young women who experienced early menopause to take a look at their genetic pool, health issues for the causes and possible remedy.

According to him, menopause occurs between 48 and 55 years.

Menopause is the transition period in a womans life when her ovaries stop producing eggs, her body produces less estrogen and progesterone, and menstruation becomes less frequent, eventually stopping altogether.

He noted that menopause was a state in womanhood when menstruation ceased, marking the end of the reproductive life of a woman.

It means that the ovaries stop making hormones and periods stop at a younger age, Igboeli said.

Igboeli explained that, premature menopause is the loss of the functions of the ovaries before the age of 40 and it is mostly caused by primary ovarian failure.

Due to certain health and genetic conditions, younger women have started experiencing menopause before their time.

In cases where the mother experiences menopause early, the daughter is likely to also experience it when she reaches the age when her mother experienced it, he said.

Igboeli disclosed that premature menopause could also be induced as a result of frequent treatments of certain diseases such as cancer.

The gynaecologist said that symptoms of menopause such as periods of feeling heat leading to excessive sweating, known as hot flashes, were common initial symptoms.

According to him, eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly could help manage menopause symptoms.

He added that physical symptoms include sleep disturbances, feeling of anxiety, irritability, experiencing difficulty in concentrating and depression.

The woman may also experience wrinkling of the skin as well as sexual dysfunction, although these symptoms become brief after a while.

The gynaecologist said that hormone replacement therapy could be used for women who were experiencing severe cases of menopause.

He added that women who had gone through early menopause had the option of Assisted Reproductive Technique, a method used to achieve pregnancy by artificial or partial means.

They are also hormones used in the therapy of early menopause known as dietary estrogens, he said.

Igboeli, therefore, advised women who were experiencing early menopause to help themselves by improving on their diet and not to despair.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Source: NAN News

An Abuja-based medical practitioner, Dr Chioma Ofoekii, says it is normal for a girl to start menstruation as early as eight years.

Ofoekii told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja that a girls body can begin to change into
that of an adult too soon, which is called precocious puberty.

Menstruation, or period, is normal vaginal bleeding that occurs as part of a womans monthly circle.

Every month, the womans body prepares for pregnancy; if no pregnancy occurs, the uterus, or womb,
sheds its lining. The menstrual blood is partly blood and partly tissue from inside the uterus.

Ofoekii, who said that precocious puberty usually occurs before the age of eight in girls and before the
age of nine in boys,added that it refers to the onset of secondary sexual characteristics beforethe age of eight years.

rapid bone and muscle growth.

A girl who starts menstruation at a young age is usually because the hormones responsible for puberty are being produced earlier.

The symptoms in boys include enlarged testicles and penis, a deepening voice and facial hair, often on the upper lip.

She said that at the level of the brain, causes include hypothalamic lesions, hydrocephalus, brain tumours, infections and
trauma.

She said other causes include ovarian cysts, tumours of the adrenal gland, congenital adrenal hyperplasia and obesity.

According to her, it is important to note that it can also be genetic, in which case it is just based on family genes.

She said that family history may reveal similar early onset of puberty in the mother and other female siblings.

Ofoekii said that some complications are short height, low self esteem and psychological stress. (NAN)()

Source: NAN News

By Buchi Onyejiaka
Dr Vincent Okaa, an Abuja-based medical expert, has cautioned against self medication whenever someone feels ill, as he emphasised proper examination and diagnosis by qualified medical practitioner.

He gave the caution in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Sunday, saying that self-medication had become a major threat to peoples lives in rural areas.

The medical practitioner, who advised Nigerians to desist from consuming drugs without prescription by a medical expert, identified self medication as major cause of worsening illnesses.

Okaa said prompt access to certified medical facilities should be the norm, but most people in rural areas either patronise pharmacies or quacks for medical attention.

Some others resort to self medication and drug abuse, which can cause serious repercussions.

NAN reports that some commonly abused drugs in rural communities are analgesics and antibiotics.

A patent medicine dealer in Apo community, Abuja, who would not want to be identified, said pain killers and antibiotics are the most commonly patronised drugs in the area.

He said analgesics and antibiotics both for children and adults are in high demand here.

I sell it often, some do come and tell me what is wrong with them, fever, body pains or infections and I give them the drugs to relieve them.

Another patent medicine dealer in Kabusa community also in Abuja, who also would not want to be identified, said most people who patronise him buy analgesics and antibiotics.

He added that most people living here are artisans, market men and women. After the days work, some will develop headaches, fever and body pains.

They will come and buy drugs so that they can be relieved to go to work the next day. Some buy antibiotics for infection, either toilet infection or Sexually Transmitted Disease.

But a Community Pharmacist, Chidi Ezenduka, who also warned against persistent consumption of analgesics and antibiotics, advised that the act could damage vital organs and cause complications.

This is because interactions, drug-over dose, drug under-dose, adverse events, drug-abuse, drug-misuse and many more easily occur with the use of such cheap and common medications, he added. (NAN)(

Source: NAN News

Julius Toba-Jegede

A chieftain of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Osun, Prince (Dr) Ayoade Adewopo, has unveiled a 4-point agenda for his ambition to occupy Ife Federal Constituency ahead of the 2023 General Elections.

The agenda is contained in his mission statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday in Abuja, following his purchase of nomination and expression of interest forms to contest in the primary election of the 10th National Assembly.

He hinged the four development agendas to serve the people of the constituency on Health, Opportunities, Project and Education, which he termed as HOPE.

Adewopo described the HOPE slogan as the foundation to ensure a prosperous life for the people of Ife Federal Constituency.

I believe this is the real hope of our people and the foundation of a prosperous society especially for a constituency as endowed as ours that desperately needs dynamic representation at the federal level to unlock her hidden treasures.

I am prepared to roll up my sleeves and work to sponsor legislations that will directly and substantially impact our constituency, he said.

He added that he was also ready to promote qualitative education, empowerment programmes, technology and innovation hubs, healthcare, power, infrastructure and alleviation of poverty; if elected to office.

He said it was imperative for Ife people to elect someone like him as a representative, who will do their business and eloquently speak for them and champion their cause in the green chamber.

With great honour and a deep sense of humility, I solemnly declare my desire to serve my good people of Ife Federal Constituency as our Representative in the House of Representatives during the 10th National Assembly, he said.

Source: NAN News

By Ismaila Chafe

Sen. Abdullahi Adamu, late Saturday night emerged as the new National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the 2022 National Convention of the party.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Adamu emerged as the consensus candidate of the party after six other aspirants stepped down.

NAN observed that prior to the commencement of the convention on Saturday, former Gov. George Akume, had earlier on Saturday revealed that six of the APC Chairmanship aspirants had withdrawn from the race.

Akume, presently the Minister of Special Duties, was afrontrunner in the chairmanship race before the reported endorsement of Sen. Abdullahi Adamu by President Buhari.

Akume made the revelation in a letter addressed to the APC Election Sub-Committee, National Secretariat, Abuja.

Adamu was therefore declared winner at the convention after a voice vote in which the ayes had it.

NAN reports that the convention was attended by President Muhammadu Buhari and Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo.

,Others are: President of the Senate, Ahmed Lawan, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, APC governors, former Governor of Lagos State, Bola Tinubu and other party members as well as delegates.

Source: NAN News

By Angela Atabo

Chieftains of the All Progressives Congress (APC) have called on the party members to consolidate on the gains of president Muhammadu Buhari to win the 2023 General Elections.

They made the call at the APCs National Convention on Saturday in Abuja.

President of the Senate, Ahmed Lawan, said that the party proved that it was united by holding the convention which some people thought would never hold.

They said we will never be together as a party, but today we are together and holding the convention, this is a night of unity for us.

Our caretaker committee did well and achieved so much, I hope that at the end of the convention everyone will be happy.

This is seven years plus that we have been working as APC, President Buhari has done well ,although he may not be on the ballot in 2023, but you will remain the legacy of APC, he said.

Lawan commended the president for his effort in building infrastructure in every state especially the Second Niger Bridge.

The Speaker House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, also congratulated the party for holding the convention, adding that the party had come a long way through many trials and tribulations but stood the test of time.

Building is a long term task and we all have a role to play .

We at the National Assembly have kept faith in Nigeria through laws and passed some strong laws like the PIB Law ,Police reform Act, among others.

All things being equal, we will revisit the issues of the women inclusion bills.

Governor of Kebbi ,Atiku Bagudu, said that the party did well in terms of its promises of security, economy, accountability and food security.

Bagudu said that in spite of the global crisis, the party kept Nigeria stable by supporting the 36 states which could not pay salaries and pensions to restore social contract with the governed.

The president directed empowerment of farmers, supported fishing communities among others for food security and development of relevant economy.

We were able to survive two recessions in spite of COVID-19, even during this global crisis of the Ukraine and Russian war when other countries are in food crisis we have food security.

Source: NAN News

By Bashir Rabe Mani

Gov. Atiku Bagudu of Kebbi says the All Progressives Congress (APC) will come out stronger and more united after Saturdays National Convention.

The News Agency of Nigeria ( NAN) reports that Bagudu spoke at the opening of the National Convention holding at Eagle Square, Abuja.

Bagudu, who spoke on behalf of the 22 APC governors said, that will successfully see us to the 2023 General Elections and beyond.

We will surmount all the challenges and the convention will be largely successful.

In readiness to the 2023 General Elections, there is just no party like the APC.

According to the Chairman of the Progressives Governors Forum, APC governors are proud of their own achievements and that of President Muhammadu Buhari.

The Kebbi governor added, In all the states there are success stories because of the inspiration of Buhari.

Bagudu also stated that Buhari had instilled transparency and exemplary leadership in the country as he delivered on all his campaign promises.

He has laid a solid foundation for resilient economy, leading to the exit of Nigeria from recession, as well as surmounting the COVID-19 induced challenges, among others.

Source: NAN News

Source: NAN News

Source: NAN News

By Oluwaseun Fadugba

Simeon Akinsola of the Lagos State University (LASU) has emerged the Most Valuable Player (MVP) in the male badminton event at the ongoing Nigerian University Games Association (NUGA) in University of Lagos.

Similarly, Damilola Oyedepo of Adekunle Ajasin University Akungba (AAUA), emerged the MVP in the female category of the event.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that both players were outstanding in their respective events.

Akinsola won three bronze medals in the Mens team, Mixed doubles and Mens singles, while Oyedepo also won a silver medal in Women double event.

Akinsola told NAN that his victory at the games was as a result of dedication and constant training for four months.

I am delighted to get this award.

Training has not been easy. I have been playing badminton since I was in secondary school.

I have practised well enough and also determined to give my 100 per cent commitment.

This is just a starting point of my career because I want to play at the highest level of badminton, he said.

For Oyedepo, who is a Kinetics and Physical Education student,said her wish was to take badminton as a career.

She noted that her first appearance in the NUGA helped her to develop more interest in the sport.

I am surprised because I did not expect it. I believe my single event got me this award because I played with all of my strength.

I want to take badminton game further, I have been playing right from my secondary school.

Thanks to my coach because the game took longer than we expected, but we were not tired because we had been trained for it.

We trained overnight and it did not come as a surprise when we played all night, she said.

NAN reports that Team Ahmadu Bello University led the medals table with three gold, one silver and two bronze medals, while University of Ilorin is second with three gold, one silver and one bronze medals.

The Federal University Dutsinma (FUD), Kastina, is in third place with one gold and one silver in the sport.

Source: NAN News

By Moses Omorogieva

The police have announced the recovery of a Toyota Highlander (SUV), suspected to belong to a gang of armed robbers, with arms and ammunition including a dog (American Eskimo breed).

This is confirmed by the Lagos State Police Command Twitter handle monitored by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday.

The command said that one locally made double-barrel gun, three live cartridges, jewelry and the dog were found in the vehicle.

It noted that the vehicle, with Registration No. AGL 276 AQ, was abandoned by some suspected robbers, who fled after sighting operatives of the Rapid Response Squad in Alagbado area of the state.

Other items found in the vehicle were: two HP laptops, one NEC laptop, one LG TV, one iPhone 12 Pro Max, one Elepac generator, two kitchen knives.

The command said the suspected robbers were heading into Lagos around 2:20 a.m. from Abeokuta before they were accosted by RRS officials on patrol at Adura Bus Stop, Alagbado.

The four occupants abandoned the vehicle and fled in different directions, the command said.

It said the vehicle was brought to RRS Headquarters in Ikeja, where the Commander, CSP Yinka Egbeyemi, directed his team to commence investigation into the case, with a view to unravelling the owner of the vehicle and the suspects.

Source: NAN News

By Olaide Ayinde

The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Abubakar III has called on traders to avoid increasing prices of foodstuffs as Muslims month of fasting approaches.

Muslims across the world will observe a 30-day fasting period (Ramadan) beginning in April.

The Sultan made the call on Saturday in Bauchi at the close of a week-long 2022 National Quran Recitation Competition hosted by the Bauchi State government in collaboration with Usman Dan Fodio University, Sokoto.

He stressed the need for traders to be wary of the day of judgement and to avoid extortion of patrons.

I use this medium to call on all market people who sell things to be fearful of what Almighty God will ask them when they get to him on the day of judgement.

Instead of increasing prices of foodstuffs and other essentials, please try to reduce the prices so as to get the blessing of Almighty God, he said.

The sultan, who is also President-General of Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, also called on governments at all levels to evolve measures to reduce cost of living in the country.

He lamented increasing cost of living, especially foodstuffs and called on government to try and reverse the trend by providing an enabling environment.

I think it is left to all of us in authority to work together and bring this rise in cost of foodstuffs to affordable levels so all of us can have a successful Ramadan.

I believe its not too much to ask government after all, we elected you into office to serve us and not for us to serve you, the sultan said.

Alhaji Abubakar also called on politicians to play politics with the fear of God, especially as the 2023 general elections approach.

He reminded all that it is only God who gives power to whom He wants; at the time He wishes and that He will take it when He wants.

Do not make it a do-or-die affair because God already knows who is going to be the leader come 2023; whether at state or federal level, but we dont know because we are mere mortals, he stressed.

In his address of welcome, Gov. Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State said it was the third time the state was hosting the event since the inception of the competition.

Mohammed, who stated that there were winners, but no losers in the competition, donated N10 million to all the 368 participants drawn the 36 states of the federation and the FCT.

Those who won will also be given N10 million and N5 million to the judges. This is to say that we appreciate and that everybody is a winner.

On our part as leaders, we must live with the fear of God and lead by example.

As politicians, we should not overstretch our discretion; we should not be excessive, greedy or selfish and we should know that there is a day for accountability, a day of judgement.

We should fear not only EFCC or ICPC, we should fear God and also our people should know that they should elect people that are God-fearing, he said.

Mohammed promised that the state government would give winners in the competition free scholarships up to university level. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Source: NAN News

Algerias Desert Foxes on Friday beat hosts Indomitable Lions of Cameroon 1-0 in Douala for a crucial lead in their 2022 FIFA World Cup playoff.

The 2019 African champions scored through Islam Slimani in the 40th minute of the first leg encounter to tip the balance of the fixture in their favour.

The striker rose to meet Youcef Belailis free-kick and power a header past Ajax Amsterdam goalkeeper Andr Onana.

Algeria, who were eyeing a fifth World Cup appearance, will now on Tuesday host Cameroon who have been to an African record seven World Cup finals.

Fifty thousand home supporters had packed the Japoma stadium, where Algeria had lost two matches and drawn one in their disappointing 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) display in January.

But the Algerians, whose 35-match unbeaten run had ended then, resumed their form by showing steely resolve to keep the hosts at bay.

It seemed in the opening minutes that Cameroon would blitz their way to a comfortable victory, as Belmadi lined up a 5-2-3 formation for the first time since he took charge in 2018.

Lyon forward Karl Toko Ekambi threatened Rais MBolhis goal on two occasions, but Algeria found its shape after a quarter of an hour.

They began controlling possession and nullifying Cameroonian attacks.

The match was significantly delayed in the second half with multiple substitutions and then a partial power outage which affected some of the stadiums lighting projectors.

On the pitch, the hosts suffered from a similar lack of illumination until the closing stages when Karl Toko Ekambi and substitute Leandr Tawamba prompted scares in the Algerian defence.

Now, the Algerians have not lost a home match at Stade Mustapha Tchaker stadium in Blida since they started playing at the arena in 2004.

It is a run that spans over 40 matches.

Tuesday in Blida will now determine what goes from there for both sides.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Source: NAN News

By Hamza Suleiman

Troops of the Joint Task Force Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) have neutralised 126 Boko Haram and Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists in the North-East.

Col. Obinna Azuikpe, the Theatre Command Intelligence Coordinator, made this known while reviewing progress of the operations in the North-East, on Friday in Maiduguri.

He said the troops recorded successes against the insurgents in the ongoing clearance operations in the past three months, adding that, ten soldiers had paid the supreme price.

Azuikpe said that the troops under the Operation Desert Sanity conducted 9,163 patrols, 5,553 ambushes and 1,006 clearance operations.

He said the troops successfully cleared insurgents enclaves in Afa, Kara, Abullam, Talala Ajigin, Buk Alagarno, Dole, Alafa, Darusalam, Kuraba, Ukuba and Camp Zero.

The troops, he said, also destroyed insurgents bomb factories and a major cell used for detaining 150 captives.

Azuikpe explained that the Command also recorded about 81 Improvised Explosives Device (IEDs) attacks across the region within the period under review.

He said that about eight indirect Motar bomb attacks were recorded in Maiduguri, Malam Fatori, Gamboru Ngala and Bama.

He said the troops also recovered arms and ammunitions including artillery guns, Anti Aircraft guns, Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs), Gun trucks, an 18 seater bus and 60 Commando Mortar bombs, among others.

Also commenting, Maj.-Gen. Christopher Musa, Theatre Commander OPHK, identified detection and diffusing of IEDs as a major challenge in the fight against insurgency in the region.

Troops must scan areas where it is conducting patrols before going for any operation, and scan again while returning.

In spite of these challenges, the troops continued to record remarkable successes in various operations against the insurgents in the North East, he said.

Musa said the conduct of the Operation Lake Sanity by the Multi National Joint Task Force (MNJTF), would further harness the operational gains recorded so far in the theatre.

From the indices of happenings in the North-East theatre of operation, it is possible that the insurgency will be over in 2022.

This is because the ongoing battlefield regional counter insurgency efforts have been comprehensively sustained through operation Hadin Kai and the MNJTFs operation.

This is with the support from the Air Task Force, Maritime and other security agencies.

The Chief of Army Staff and other Service Chiefs have been very supportive which translate to the successes recorded so far.

This also means that President Muhammadu Buhari is supporting them, through the Minister of Defence and the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Source: NAN News

By Vivian Ihechu

The Government of the Republic of Cte dIvoire on Friday signed the hosting agreement for the Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF2023), which officially confers it as the host of IATF2023.

The agreement which took place in Abidjan was between Cte dIvoire , African Export Import Bank (Afreximbank), the African Union (AU) and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the IATF2023 will be the third edition of the African continents premier trade and investment event.

This follows the resoundingly successful second edition held in November 2021 in Durban, South Africa, and realised over .1 billion in trade and investment deals, with 1501 exhibitors and over 32,500 attendees from 128 countries across Africa and beyond.

Prof. Benedict Oramah, President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Afreximbank, said: The IATF has become a platform for actualising the vision of the African continental Free Trade Agreement.

It is opening up new trade routes, rapidly expanding knowledge of the continents trading environment and exposing our cultural heritage to our markets and faraway consumers.

The combined billion in deals sealed during the Durban and Cairo trade fairs are reminders of the abundant intra-African trade and investment potentials.

They represent the remarkable trade and investment arrangements that wouldnt have seen the light if not for the trade fair.

Citing instances of some of the successes as a result of the IATF, he said: For instance, the Government of Malawi has expanded the market for his agricultural products to South Sudan and other African markets.

Thanks to the bilateral government to government trade deals signed during the 2021 trade fair.

It was at the 2018 Inter African trade fair that the .9 billiondam project was signed between the Government of Tanzania and Egyptian contractors, making it the largest ever intra-African EPC contract.

We are happy that that project is going on smoothly.

When the curtains fell in Durban, new business relationships were forged, governments found new sources of food, capital goods and other items. African banks found new opportunities for regional expansion.

Fashion designers found new markets where the African creative industry found a new convening platform called the Creative Africa Nexus (CANEX).

According to Oramah, the IATF train has since left the South African base where it was a few months ago and has come to West Africa to build on the successes.

When it arrives in Abidjan in November 2023, it will make a stop in familiar territory, in a country that also values continental integration, and has been at the forefront to push for Africas collective self-reliance since the early1960s.

On behalf of the Board of Directors and Management of Afreximbank, I thank HIS Excellency, President Alassane Ouattara of Cte dIvoire.

I thank His Excellency, Prime Minister Patrick Achi, as well as the entire Government and People of Cte dIvoire for accepting to host the third edition of the trade fair.

It is a responsibility that Cte dIvoire has willingly assumed and which we sincerely appreciate and applaud, he said.

Prime Minister Patrick Achi, who represented President Alassane Ouattara of Cte dIvoire, commended the IATF2023 Advisory Council for their resilience, commitment and efforts to develop African economy.

He said that the country was committed to ensuring a successful hosting of the IATF2023.

This is an honour bestowed on Cte dIvoire and the leadership of the country for the economic development and strengthening of trade development in the African Continent.

It is evident that this will consolidate the business and economic intensity of the continent.

Also, His Excellency Souleymane Diarrassouba, Minister of Commerce and Industry, Cte dIvoire, affirmed that the IATF has helped to boost economic development of the African continent.

According to him, the IATF2023 serves as an opportunity to further showcase, exhibit and foster trade and joint ventures among others.

He assured that the event , as part of the vision of the Government of Cte dIvoires development plan, would overcome the impact of COVID-19 and deliver a fruitful and collaborative engagement. (NAN) (www.nanenews.ng)

Source: NAN News

By Ifeanyi Olannye

Delta State Government has approved a lease-to-own contract for the Oghara Independent Power Project (IPP) in Ethiope West Local Government Area of the state.

The State Commissioner for Information, Mr Charles Aniagwu, said this while briefing newsmen on the outcome of the State Executive Council (EXCO) meeting presided over by Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa on Friday in Asaba.

He said that government had taken the decision of Lease-to-own instead of outright sale as earlier advised to ensure that the state gets value for its investment in the electric power project.

Aniagwu said, at todays EXCO meeting, we approved the principle of Lease-to-own not outright sale as we were advised before now.

What we have done now is Lease-to-own where the lessee will now have to fix, operate and bring it to a state where it will work and then begin to pay some amount of money to the state government for a period of time.

The Commissioner flanked by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr Olisa Ifeajika, said the EXCO also approved the appointment of Sylvester Enechaziam, as the Ogbelani of Illah Kingdom, in Oshimili North Local Government Area of the state.

He said other approvals included the purchase of two fire fighting trucks for the state fire service to improve their capacity to combat rising incidences of fire outbreak across the state.

Exco also approved the appointment of HRM Sylvester Enechaziam as the Ogbelani of Illah Kingdom in Oshimili North Local Government Area of the state.

The Construction of Phase 1 of Odododegho Road 2.5km from Ekiugbo Junction in Ughelli North; Egbo Street and Egbule Street Idumesa in Ika North-East were also approved, while the Ute-Okpu and Ute-Enugu Road was repudiated to be rewarded to another competent company.

Exco approved construction of drainage channel to deflood Koka junction to Ibusa Road on dual carriage road, Aniagwu said.

Aniagwu disclosed that today would be the last council meeting to be attended by cabinet members who had expressed interest in contesting 2023 general election.

The exit would enable them pursue their 2023 aspirations and we wish them well in their future endeavours.

It is their desire to go and contest and we wish them well even as the governor has advised all contestants involved in the contest to avoid heating up the polity.

At the moment, Delta is a very peaceful state and we want it to remain so even in the course of the electioneering campaign and as such all contestants have been advised to maintain a high level of decorum.

They should use words recognising the fact that we are all brothers whether in the party at the level of primaries or at the level of the main contest with any other opposition party.

What is important is that we are all from Delta and those aspiring to lead must show leadership by using languages that are in line with what those who are to be called leaders use.

So, if you dont see some members of cabinet in the next meeting, do know that they have complied with the provision of the Electoral Act of 2022 as passed by the National Assembly, he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng).

Source: NAN News

By Sandra Umeh

The Federal High Court of Nigeria is scheduled to vacate for its annual Easter break from April 8, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports.

The notice was contained in a circular issued to Federal High Courts, signed by the Chief Judge of the court, Hon. Justice John Tsoho.

The circular was sighted by NAN on Friday.

According to the circular, the 2022 Easter vacation is from April 8 to April 25.

Judicial activities are scheduled to resume on April 26.

The circular further designated the Abuja, Lagos and Port-Harcourt divisions of the Court as vacation courts, open to the public in cases of extreme urgency.

Part of the circular read: The Abuja Division will cater for cases from the Federal Capital, North Central, North Western and North Eastern parts of the country.

The Lagos Division will cater for cases from Lagos and the South Western part of the country while Port-Harcourt Division will cater for cases from Rivers State, the South-South and South Eastern states.

NAN reports that the vacation Judges for the Lagos division include Hon. Justice T.E. Ringim and Justice A.O. Awogboro.

The Chief Judge further enjoined the vacation Judges to be wary of political cases brought to their courts during the period.

He advised that all matters requiring his attention be brought to him during the period.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Source: NAN News