Flowerbud News

Author: Salisu Sani-Idris

  • Adamawa Govt. sensitises stakeholders on World Bank educational intervention

    Adamawa Govt. sensitises stakeholders on World Bank educational intervention

    By Talatu Maiwada

    The Adamawa State Government on Friday begun sensitisation engagement with stakeholders on the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) project.

    AGILE, is a World Bank supported initiative, implemented by the Ministry of Education and Human Capital Development.

    The project aims to improve secondary education opportunities for adolescent girls between the ages of 10 and 19, across the 21 Local Government Areas (LGA’s) in the state.

    The engagement involved the sensitisation of 100 selected senior secondary school principals on life skills.

    The event also featured Sensitisation of Zonal Quality Assurance Officers on roles and responsibilities and Appointment of five Zonal School Based Management Committees (SBMC).

    Dr Umar Pelle, Commissioner for Education and Human Capital Development in Adamawa, disclosed this during the sensitisation meeting.

    Represented by Aisha Umar, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Pelle, stated that the aim of the sensitisation was to introduce AGILE project to key stakeholders for effective implementation and sustainability.

    “ Principals are being sensitised as heads of their schools, and the quality assurance officers responsible for proper monitoring and evaluation will ensure sustainability and effective implementation.

    ” We want them to sensitise parents and guardians in their communities about the importance of education, especially the girl child, so they can embrace it and ensure its success.

    “ This project will empower girls with knowledge, skills, and financial stability, particularly those who were not oppotuned to school or dropped out due to social or economic reasons.” he said.

    Pelle urged the stakeholders to lead by example and to be passionate about creating awareness and encouraging every child, to enrol in, and remain in school.

    Mr Bathon Ati, Monitoring and Evaluation Officer for the AGILE project, explained that adolescent girls in Nigeria face unique challenges that exclude them from secondary education.

    These challenges he said include; gender-based violence (GBV), female genital mutilation (FGM), rape, early marriage, cost of schooling, among others.

    Ati outlined the three main components of the project, which aimed to improve educational opportunities for girls in the state:

    “Firstly, creating safe and accessible learning spaces, by constructing new classrooms, rehabilitating existing ones, and providing teaching and learning materials to create safe, inclusive, and conducive environment.

    “Secondly fostering an enabling environment for girls; by promoting social and behavioural change through advocacy, empowering girls with life skills to navigate adulthood and digital literacy.

    “It will also provide financial incentives to the poorest households, as well as ensuring proper management and accountability in project implementation,” he said.

    Mr Siddiki Liman, Adamawa State Coordinator for AGILE, added that the sensitisation was designed to ensure that each stakeholder understands their roles and responsibilities as implementing partners.

    He emphasised the importance of the School Improvement Grant (SIG), which would be used to meet the critical needs of schools across the 21 LGA’s.

    Mrs Tadakapwa Kaford, a beneficiary and Principal of Villanova Government College, Numan, praised the project as a revolutionary step for the state.

    She expressed hope that the cash incentives would motivate communities to bring every girl-child back to school, helping them know their rights and become relevant members of society.

  • CANEX 2024 to celebrate African excellence in sports, kannywood, culture

    CANEX 2024 to celebrate African excellence in sports, kannywood, culture

    By Taiye Olayemi

    CANEX 2024, the highly anticipated celebration of African culture, sports, and entertainment, kicks off on October 16.

    This year’s edition promises to be an unforgettable experience, featuring renowned sports personalities, celebrities, and industry experts.

    Imane Khelif, Olympic Gold Medalist and professional boxer from Algeria, will join Nigerian sports icons, including Valentine Ozigbo, Africa Lead, Freestyle Football Championship, and Director, World Freestyle Football Association.

    The event will also showcase Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage through music, dance, and culinary arts. Qing Madi, Nigerian music sensation, will perform live, while Chef Stone, celebrated Nigerian chef and restaurateur, will share his expertise in African cuisine.

    Other notable speakers and facilitators include Ndidi Nwuneli, Founder, African Food Changemakers; H.E. Hannatu Musa Musawa, Minister of Art, Culture and the Creative Economy of Nigeria; Pops Mensah-Bonsu, President, New York Knicks Minor League Operations; and Kannywood actor and Managing Director, Nigeria Film Corporation, Dr Ali Nuhu.

    CANEX 2024 will feature exciting sessions, including:
    United in Culture: Prosperity through Shared Cultural Heritage
    Collective Disruption: Strengthening the Fashion and Textile Ecosystem
    Globalised Strategies for Strengthening Intellectual Property Rights Protection
    Catalyzing African Renaissance: The Confluence of Sports, Entertainment, and Development.
    The event will also host the Freestyle Football Championship and CANEX Shorts Screenings.

  • Nollywood federation seeks comprehensive review of national film policy

    Nollywood federation seeks comprehensive review of national film policy

    By Taiye Olayemi

    The Federation of Registered Guilds and Associations in Nollywood has called for a comprehensive review of the national film policy to reflect today’s realities and dynamic nature of the industry.

    Dr Victor Okhai, Chairman of the federation, made the call during a news conference on Thursday in Lagos.

    He said to attract investment and grow the industry, policies that would foster a conducive environment for growth must be implemented.

    “Imagine a Nollywood where every talent, from actors to directors, from scriptwriters to set designers, can thrive and reach their full potential.

    “A Nollywood where our stories are told with authenticity; where our culture is celebrated; and where our industry is recognised for its excellence on the world stage. This is the vision of the federation

    He said going forward, the federation would intensify efforts in engaging government and financial institutions on pertinent challenges within the industry.

    He pledged the federation’s commitment toward repositioning the industry.

    Okhai said it was also the duty of the federation to promptly address inter-guild conflicts as the case may be.

    According to him, the federation comprised of leaders of the 18 registered guilds and associations within the industry.

    “Today, we stand at the dawn of a new era for Nollywood. For the first time in our storied history, guilds and associations from the North, East, West, and South of Nigeria have come together under one unified body.

    “This union is not just a symbolic gesture, it is a powerful testament to our collective strength, our shared vision, and our unwavering commitment to the future of Nollywood.

    “The federation is more than just a name. It is our opportunity to work closely with government bodies and organisations both locally and internationally.

    “As a federation, we will advocate tax holidays from the government, making it easier for new and existing productions to thrive.

    “Accessible loans and grants will be pursued to support our filmmakers and creatives. We are advocating an Arts Endowment Fund to be established, to provide financial backing for ambitious projects and emerging talents,” he said.

    He said that the federation would work in harmony, seize every opportunity to transform dreams into reality, and shape the future of Nollywood.

    “Our industry has faced numerous challenges, but it is in our challenges that we find our strength.

    “Together, we will overcome obstacles, advocate better conditions for all our members, and ensure that the world recognises the brilliance of Nollywood.

    “We will leverage our diverse talents and experiences to create a more robust and dynamic industry.

    “Let us move forward with determination and purpose, knowing that our unity is our greatest asset. Together, we will write the next chapter of Nollywood’s story, a story of collaboration, innovation, and success,” she said.

    Okhai noted that forging these partnerships, the federation would enhance the industry’s creative economy, secure better opportunities for members, and establish Nollywood as a global powerhouse.

    “Our unity will drive job creation, foster innovation, and create opportunities that were once unimaginable.

    “Today, we make history. Today, we become pioneers of a movement that will contribute to the growth of our nation’s creative economy.

    “With The federation, we are not just participants in an industry; we are leaders, visionaries and champions of our culture.

    Urging members of the guilds and associations to work unanimously in advancing the industry, Okhai said with unity among guilds, challenges would be conquered.

    “A true-life story that epitomises our potential is the international success of “The Wedding Party”.

    “This film, produced by a diverse team of talented individuals from various parts of Nigeria, showcases how collaboration within Nollywood can lead to groundbreaking success.

    “The Wedding Party” not only broke box office records but also put Nollywood on the global map, proving that when we come together, we can achieve extraordinary feats. (NAN) (nannews.ng)

  • Africa Magic hosts private screening for “My Fairytale Wedding”

    Africa Magic hosts private screening for “My Fairytale Wedding”

    By Taiye Olayemi

    Africa Magic, on Wednesday, had a private screening for its thrilling new original limited series, “My Fairytale Wedding”, exploring the theme of love and romance.

    The screening session attracted renowned Nollywood actors as well as the immediate past Big Brother Naija reality show housemates.

    The series reveals how a woman’s quest for true love takes a mystical turn as she quickly realises the price of her desires.

    ‘My Fairytale Wedding’ is a three-part movie that captures the unique experiences of modern-day African women.

    It revolves around a 29-year-old woman, who in a desperate bid to find love, turns to the strange powers of ‘kayanmata’, a love potion from an affluent seller.

    The movie is predominantly shot in English with a blend of indigenous Nigerian languages and pidgin English.

    Dr Busola Tejumola, Executive Head of Content and Channels, West Africa, at MultiChoice, said that the film was in line with Africa Magic’s mission to continuously tell relatable stories.

    Tejumola said, “My Fairytale Wedding”, would premiere Oct. 20 by 8.00 p.m., on Africa Magic Showcase, DStv Ch. 151 and GOtv. Ch. 8.

    “It’s been a year of weddings and I’m particularly excited to announce the next big union to look forward to.

    “My Fairytale Wedding offers a glimpse into a tale of love with a sprinkle of magic, but not in the way you expect. With an amazing cast, this is a show you cannot afford to miss.

    “So, this story is one that really resonates, it’s one that is really meaningful. It’s one that will take you through a range of emotions. Through laughter, shock, strife, sadness, pride, intrigue and all,” she said.

    According to Tejumola, the series was produced by Chinenye Nworah and Taiwo Adebayo, directed by Dimeji Ajibola.

    She said it was written by Xavier Ighorodje, Great Opara and Owumi Ugbeye, which was based on an original story idea by Nworah.

    Also speaking during the event, Nworah said that the series was conceived when issues around finding true love came to the fore between 2021 and 2022.

    According to her, it was the outcome of series of research done on finding true love.

    She described the series as an educating, instructive and entertaining one which revealed morals on why parents do not need to influence the age their children could get married.

    She also explained that viewers would learn the implications of engaging ‘Kayanmata’ (charms) to secure true love.

    “This work will guide parents not to force their children to get married hurriedly because of age.

    “It is good to find love in the most natural way without the use of charms.

    “It will also teach parents the implications of introducing external forces to their children’s marriage. The marriage will not last in such scenario.

    The series stars Ini Edo, Ramsey Nouah, Shaffy Bello, Kanayo O Kanayo, Carolyna Hutchings, Mercy Eke, Etim Effiong, Lilian Esoroo, Tina Mba, Binta Ayo Mogaji, Vine Olugu and Uzor Arukwe.

    Commenting on if viewers should expect the second season to the series, Carolyna Hutchings said, “Demand will determine if there would be a second season.”

    One of the casts, Ayo Mogaji expressed excitement having worked with the A-list actors on the production work.

    On the age an individual should get married, Mogaji said, “anyone can get married anytime, provided genuine love is involved as well as devoid of charms.” (NAN)

    Edited by Folasade Adeniran

  • NIPOST unveils single postage stamp to celebrate UPU’s 150th anniversary

    NIPOST unveils single postage stamp to celebrate UPU’s 150th anniversary

    By Taiye Olayemi

    The Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST) on Wednesday joined 192 other countries to launch a single postage stamp in commemoration of the 150th anniversary of the Universal Postal Union (UPU) and 2024 World Post Day.

    Ms Tola Odeyemi, Post Master General of the Federation, during the unveiling ceremony in Lagos, said the stamp was in N250 denomination, depicting the logo of 2023 world post day.

    She expressed pride to celebrate every milestone that had been achieved in postal services so far.

    “NIPOST is joining other 192 countries under the umbrella of the United Nations Postal body, Universal Postal Union (UPU), to celebrate this year’s World Post Day which marks the 150th anniversary of the creation of the Universal Postal Union (UPU).

    “UPU is a specialised agency of the United Nations founded October 9, 1874.

    “The world post day is a day set aside to celebrate the establishment of this important union.

    “It is also an excellent opportunity for postal authorities in all countries of the world to educate the public of the important and invaluable contributions which the postal services makes in the socio-economic development of nations,” she said.

    Odeyemi noted that the Federal Government through the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, had prioritised reiterating its commitments to the evolution of the NIPOST leveraging technology.

    She said that this was to ensure that the postal system remained nationally relevant and globally competitive.

    She explained that the post occupied a very unique position in every country, considering its fundamental means of communications that is easily accessible to the people.

    According to her, the post continues to serve as an essential instrument of economic and social development in the country, enabling an unprecedented level of connectivity between people, businesses and governments worldwide.

    “It also provides a framework for cooperation, ensuring that mail could be sent and received reliably, efficiently and affordably across borders.

    “We have come together today to commemorate the incredible journey of communication, innovation and empowerment that the postal service has undertaken, connecting people,” she said.

    Odeyemi said that this year’s World Post Day was not just to mark an occasion, but to honour a legacy that spanned 150 years.

    “The theme, ‘150 years of enabling communication and empowering peoples across nations’, resonates deeply with our core values. Communication is foundation of progress and understanding.

    “It speaks directly to the heart of our mission and the profound impact we have made, and continue to make, on the world.

    “It is, therefore, imperative to state here that postal workers globally need to be celebrated for the exceptional roles they play to continually deliver services and items at post offices and to various homes courageously.

    “They do not mind the circumstances as it creates a bond between the postmen and the innumerable individuals they interact with daily.

    “Today, post offices serve as essential hubs for cohesiveness, inclusiveness and connected communities,” she said.

    Odeyemi hinted that recently, NIPOST and the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) formalised a partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at supporting Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

    She said with the implementation of this partnership, MSMEs can anticipate a 15 per cent reduction in courier service costs, improved market access and enhanced last mile delivery capabilities.

    She said this would contribute to job creation and economic development across Nigeria.

    She noted that NIPOST had also consolidated on its partnership with the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) for the implementation of transportation of biological samples within the country.

    “The project has entered its final stages for launching in Taraba and Abia States with all facilities in place.

    “The initiative is part of the efforts to strengthen the referral of biological specimens in the country using National Integrated Sample Referral Network (NiSRN) approach by leveraging on the expertise of NIPOST effective delivery network.

    “National Addressing System is being developed as a strategic infrastructure for national development in collaboration with the National Population Commission and other partners.

    “This will help facilitate mail handling, identify precise locations, ensure consistency in address related database and enable efficiency services in government agencies, financial institutions and businesses in a consistent manner.

    “As part of the activities to mark this year’s celebration, is the unveiling of NIPOST Agency Banking Solution (POTMONI), aimed to bring accessible, convenient and affordable financial services to Nigerians nationwide and from any location across the globe.

    “POSTMONI is An Electronic Money Order Solutions- Customised for NIPOST to connect for the greatness of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the advancement of the Nigerian Postal Service,” she said.

    The Post Master General noted that to celebrate the day, NIPOST’s state Offices across the country would organise road shows among other activities to mark the day.

    She said the goals were to publicise the role of the post and its activities, innovations, new vision as well as its role as a catalyst in the socio-economic development of the nation.

    “Together, let us continue to work towards making that vision a reality and for your undying support and trust in our postal services.

    “Together, let us collaborate to create a safer, more connected future for us all,” she said. (NAN) (nannews.ng)

  • FTAN seeks mandatory use of life jackets on waterways

    FTAN seeks mandatory use of life jackets on waterways

    By Taiye Olayemi

    The Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN) on Wednesday called for the mandatory use of life jackets by people on waterways and adherence to other safety rules.

    Mr Nkereuwem Onung, National President of FTAN, during an interactive session with the media in Lagos, said that the association was worried about the recent boat mishaps in Lagos and Niger states.

    Onung said it was disheartening to know that the boat mishaps could have been avoided as some passengers refused to use life jackets while another boat was overloaded.

    He said constant careless attitude of ignoring safety rules on the waterways would hinder the nation from making headway in grooming its marine tourism economy like other nations of the world.

    He sympathised with the families of those who lost their lives as he advised boat operators and Nigerians generally to always adhere to safety rules on the waterways.

    “FTAN is worried over certain developments in the tourism sector. It is absolutely wrong to go on a boat without life jackets. Safety rules on Nigeria’s waterways should be strictly adhered to.

    “Putting into consideration that boat operators are our members, we want government and boat operators to be proactive in ensuring all form of negligence is curtailed on the waterways.

    “Government and the private sector operators should come together to uphold safety rules to bring about economic prosperity to the nation.

    “This economic prosperity can only be achieved through frequent use of the waterways for trade, tourism and transportation.

    “When we continue to record cases of boat mishaps, local and international tourists will be discouraged from exploring our waterways and there is huge money to be made on the water,” he said.

    Onung advised state governments to work on ensuring the needed infrastructure are in place on the waterways as he commended the Lagos State government for taking the lead.

    He said his recent journey from Lagos to Port Novo, in Benin Republic, was an eye opener to the fact that Lagos state had done a lot on the waterways but more needed to be done.

    He commended the cordial relationship between the Nigeria Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) and and the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA).

    He also commended the boat operators for their resilience in developing the Nigerian marine economy thus far.

    He said government at different levels needed to work in synergy with boat operators to boost the huge marine tourism economy in Nigeria.

    “Please, as boat operators, let’s not operate outside the known rules, we should be concerned about encouraging tourists to explore our waterways and not scare them by these boat mishaps.

    “Nigeria’s waterways is still under-utilised. The destination Lagos is well developed for tourism, we just need the right infrastructure on water to aid tourism activities.

    “Nigerians’ purchasing power is now minimal in other countries, so, let us encourage one another to unwind within the country as we also encourage water tourism,” he said.

    Earlier, Mr Ganiyu Balogun, National President of the Association of Tourist Boat Operators and Water Transporters of Nigeria (ATBOWATON), explained the unfortunate incident that led to the recent boat mishaps.

    Balogun, who is also the Chief Executive Officer of Tarzan Boat, said, “it is disheartening to know that some passengers can be so careless and stubborn, not to use their life jackets before going on water, even after being told the implications.”

    He, however, advised Nigerians to always abide by the stipulated safety rules on the waterways.

    He also advised boat operators across the country against making any trip on the waterways beyond 6.00 p.m, as it could be dangerous.

    He noted that though government was trying in terms of putting in place the needed infrastructure on the waterways but there were still insufficient navigation signs.

    Also, Mrs Bolaji Mustapha, National President of the Nigeria Association of Tour Operators (NATOP), advised boat operators on the need to always reel out safety tips to passengers before embarking a trip from the jetty.

    Mustapha said this would always guide tourists, travellers or boat users on the neccesary things to be done whenever they find themselves in life threatening situation while on board on the waterways.

    “Just as we have air hostesses intimate travellers on safety rules before an aircraft takes off, this should be replicated in the case of water transport as well.

    “Boat operators should ensure this is done so that victims of boat mishaps can be knowledgeable on what to do in such dangerous circumstances,” she said.

    Mr Tope Fajemirokun, National President, Waterfront Boat Owners and Transporters Association of Nigeria (WABOTAN), reiterated the association’s commitment toward changing the narrative on Nigeria’s waterways through annual training of boat operators, drivers and jetty operators. (NAN) (nannews.ng)

  • Taxation: RTEAN urges its members to be law abiding

    Taxation: RTEAN urges its members to be law abiding

    By Salisu Sani-Idris

    The Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) has urged its members to be law abiding when conducting their lawful activities in 774 Local Governments in the country.

    The association’s Deputy National President, Administration, Amb. Muhammad Bishara, made the call in a statement on Monday in Abuja.

    He reiterated the association’s total support and commitment to peaceful co-existence in the country.

    “The attention of the National Executive council of Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) has been drawn to publication circulating on some online Newspapers.

    “The publication alleged that the leadership of the RTEAN in Anambra state threatened to shut down its services in the state if the State Government does not consider its heavy taxation on transporters.”

    He said that the position expressed by the leadership of RTEAN in Anambra state did not reflect the modus operandi of the association.

    He added that the stands of the leadership was not in line with the Article five (d) , six A2 (f-i) and article 12 (e) that stated only National Executive of the RTEAN had legal and moral justification to make such a decision.

    Bishara, therefore, urged the leadership of RTEAN in Anambra state to followed due process and report all matter to its National Headquarters for redress.

    “The alleged heavy taxation and harassment of drivers by the Anambra State Board of Internal Revenue should be channels of the RTEAN headquarters for amicable resolution, instead of going to press to voice his angers, ” he said. (NAN)

  • Tourism Minister partners tour operators to promote Nigerian tourism sites for patronage

    Tourism Minister partners tour operators to promote Nigerian tourism sites for patronage

    By Taiye Olayemi

    Mrs Lola Ade-John, Minister of Tourism has promised to collaborate with the members of the Nigeria Association of Tour Operators (NATOP), to promote Nigeria’s tourism sites, landmarks and diverse cultural heritage.

    Ade-John made the pledge when she received Mrs Bolaji Mustapha, National President of the Nigeria Association of Tour Operators (NATOP), at her office in Abuja, on Friday.

    She expressed excitement at NATOP’s focal intention to visit the entire stretch of the country’s vast landscape.

    She said it was impressive for the association to under study, package and promote the various tourism, hospitality, festivals and heritage offerings associated with the Nigerian people to the world and to Nigerians in particular.

    “We shall partner together and I do assure you of my ministry support and encouragement.

    “Going forward, we shall endeavour to invite and carry your association along in whatever we are going to do.

    “We need you to furnish us with a list of your accredited members and when we are going to present the tourism policy, which we think we needed to review, we shall invite NATOP to look at it and further add value to the document,” she said.

    On fund support for NATOP activities and facilitating efforts to showcase Nigeria at the upcoming World Travel Market( WTM), the minister said that the ministry was working around tourism budget which currently cannot help drive the many pending tourism projects of the ministry.

    She said this may impact on the ministry’s participation at the global tourism trade event this year in London.

    She noted that at the next budgetry release in 2025, Nigeria will take giant steps to showcase her tourism offerings to the world.

    “We are constrained financially for now and can’t do much but hopefully by next year budget, we should have done our home work well.

    “And I assure you that we are going to do many tourism projects together because what you did during the World Tourism Day in Lagos, was the way to go in promoting Nigeria which is very dear to my heart, she said

    The NATOP President, who visited the minister in company of her deputy, Ms Geraldine Itoe, had earlier briefed the minister on the association’s plans to intentionally market Nigeria’s rich tourism assets.

    She also spoke on their intention to participate at the World Travel Market.

    She said the association would be working on reinventing the strategic socioeconomic importance of tourism economy to job creation and empowerment of the people.

    According to her, this would be with focus on improving Nigeria’s global ranking as a destination to visit in Africa.

    “We are here to assure you and the ministry of our partnership and collaboration to market Nigeria’s diverse offerings cutting across cultural heritage, ecological tourism, hospitality, festivals, and fashion.

    “We are interested in sharing our knowledge concerning Nigerian tourism policy and other industry related concerns, which would help reposition our tourism within the domestic and international space

    “We have started looking inwards, and in weeks or months to come, NATOP will embark on project rediscover Nigeria.

    “And with it, we will glavernise the states and local authorities and the Nigerian people to think Nigerian culture and tourism first. Nigeria tourism is important to us, and we want to have your ministry’s backing in this noble effort,” she said.

  • IHRO-Africa inducts Koussou, Chairman for Nigeria chapter

    IHRO-Africa inducts Koussou, Chairman for Nigeria chapter

    By Taiye Olayemi

    The International Human Rights Observatory Africa (IHRO-Africa), a civil society organisation, on Friday inducted Daniel Koussou as the Chairman, Committee on Economic Diplomacy, Trade, and Investment in Nigeria.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Daniel Koussou is a philanthropist and the Chief Executive Officer of Dau-O-Gik Oil and Gas.

    Dr Chimbo Obieze, Country Director, BIGWIL IHRO-Africa, during the induction ceremony in Lagos, said Koussou was picked after thorough integrity investigation.

    Obieze urged Koussou to assume high level of patience, perseverance, courage and determination to excel, in order to emerge successful.

    “On behalf of the Supreme Council of IHRO-Africa, under the leadership of His Excellency Prof. J O Oguleri, Head of Africa Mission; Dr Mariia Atrott, Secretary General; Prof. Abdu Shaffa, National Secretary and executive members of BIGWIL IHRO-Africa.

    “I am honoured to induct Amb. Daniel Koussou as Chairman of the Committee on Economic Diplomacy, Trade, and Investment.

    “Ambassador Koussou’s appointment is a testament to his dedication to fostering economic growth and development in Africa.

    “His experience and expertise in diplomacy and trade will contribute significantly to the committee’s success.

    “As Chairman, you will lead and coordinate efforts to promote economic diplomacy, facilitate trade, and attract investment in our region.

    “Your leadership will advance our mission to promote sustainable development and prosperity for all.

    “We have full confidence in your ability to fulfill this role with excellence,”he said.
    Obieze noted that BIGWIL IHRO-Africa had made significant strides in advancing human rights and empowering marginalised communities across Africa.

    He said the NGO’s commitment to promoting peace, justice, and equality aligned with the ideals and values of the International Human Rights Organisation and the United Nations.

    “As we celebrate this moment, we recognise the challenges ahead. Defending human rights and promoting social justice requires dedication, patience, and courage,” he said.

    Also speaking, Amaka Ezedioranma, an official said IHRO-AFRICA was an international Civil Society Organisation registered, with International headquarters in Kenya, East Africa.

    She said organisation aimed to collaborate with African governments to support the African Charter, which was unanimously adopted at the Organisation of the African Union (OAU) meeting of African Heads of state and government held in Kenya, June 27, 1981.

    She explained that IHRO Africa seeks to engage with African governments and civil society organizations for project implementation and good governance.

    “We focus on regional and national economic development goals for a better Africa that we propose to see, which will benefit the most vulnerable through our technical support in human rights campaign such as health, education, support, arts, culture and science,” she said.

    Responding, Koussou said: “I am so humbled, so honoured to be able to receive this privilege of not only serving humanity, but equally protecting those that are weak, that are not able to speak, that are in any form of bondage or challenge.

    “I excitedly accept this and thank you.
    “What we want to achieve is to improve the image of Nigeria, work has begun already. We want to show the global communities that there are overwhelming opportunities in Nigeria.

    “We want to show international investors, international Chief Executive Officers that Nigeria is extremely safe, that we have people of integrity and fear of God. We want to make sure that this office is able to empower Nigerians.

    “So, this particular chapter, we will ensure adding value becomes our core message, especially in this office, we will be known for delivering significant value.”