Day: July 17, 2023

Address on Status of Regional Integration in ECOWAS- President Tinubu

• Your Excellency President Azali Assoumani, Chairperson of the

African Union;

• Your Excellency William Ruto, President and Head of State of

the Republic of Kenya;

• Your Excellency Musa Faki Chairperson of the African Union

Commission;

• Excellencies Heads of State and Government;

• Excellencies Heads of the Regional Economic Communities;

• Excellencies the Vice President and AUC Commissioners;

• Distinguished Heads of Regional and Continental Institutions;

• Excellencies Members of the Diplomatic and Consular Corps;

• Ladies and Gentlemen

1. In my capacity as the Chairperson of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, I am honoured to participate, for the first time, in the Mid-Year Coordination Meeting of the African Union (AU) and the Regional Economic Communities. On behalf of ECOWAS member States and Institutions, I would like to express our gratitude to the African Union for sustaining the efforts to strengthen collaboration and coordination between the Continental Union,the Regional Economic Communities (RECs) and Regional Mechanisms (RM).

Let me also thank the Government and people of the Republic of Kenya for hosting the meeting and placing excellent facilities at our disposal. My delegation is particularly appreciative of the excellent courtesies accorded to us since our arrival in this beautiful city of Nairobi. Excellencies, Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen,

2. Allow me to present to you the efforts that our regional economic community, ECOWAS, has deployed in the areas of trade, free movement of persons, investment, infrastructure, energy as well as in peace, and security.

Trade

3. Trade remains the backbone of our integration. Although the Free Trade Area has been attained in ECOWAS, the Customs Union and Common Market have yet to be fully realised. Intra Community trade remains low at around 12%. The main products traded across our region remain minerals, food and industrial products.

There is a great disparity between member States in terms of capacity to contribute significantly to intra-regional trade ranging, from 2% for Cabo Verde to 43% for the Gambia. On the other hand, trade with third parties constitute the bulk of our external trade. The European Union continue to be the major external trading partner of the region, followed by Asia, North America, and the rest of Africa. On average, the region’s trade in goods with European Union stands at $34.5 billion. The region’s trade stands at $27.0 billion with Asia and $9.8 billion with the United States of America.

However, informal trade in the region is significant and appears to be growing. The major item of informal exchanges are food stuff, livestock, fuel, and manufactured consumer goods.

4. ECOWAS has been working to consolidate the gains of its trade liberalisation scheme and to enable the private sector to take advantage of the opportunities provided by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The ECOWAS Commission has been supporting its Member States in the negotiations, ratification, and implementation of the AfCFTA. To date, 13 out of the 15 ECOWAS Member States have ratified the AfCFTA.

ECOWAS is also supporting its Member States to finalise their Draft Schedule of Specific Commitment (DSSC) as part of the negotiations on the five (5) Priority Sectors in Trade in Services. In my capacity representing ECOWAS and capacity as Nigeria’s head of state, I affirm we shall keep faith with this year’s theme: Acceleration of the African Continental Free Trade Area Implementation.

Establishing the African free trade area has been a historic achievement, opening the door to continental economic growth and unity and nurturing the brave optimism that comes with these benign goals.

5. As Africans, we forge ahead no matter the barriers thrust before us. The world we inhabit is often unkind and uncertain. Past history and current global difficulties argue against our future success. Lessons of the past few years teach us that the world economy can be disrupted in ways that halt progress and invite downturn.

Our nations can suddenly find themselves in dire situations if we choose to be passive observers of our fate. Such passivity does not commend itself to me. I will not listen to it. Neither should any African.

The challenges we face mean that governance will be difficult. They also mean that visionary good governance is necessary.

Some observers assert a new scramble for Africa is afoot and it is much like the old scramble that plundered our continent.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

African Heads of State and Government have declared their commitment to advancing integration, development and cooperation within the continent.

Mr Dele Alake, Special Adviser on Special Duties, Communications and Strategy, made this known in a statement on Sunday in Abuja.

The leaders, representing the Bureau of the Assembly of the African Union (AU), Chairpersons of the eight Regional Economic Communities (RECs), and Regional Mechanisms (RMs), concluded the Fifth Mid-Year Coordination Meeting of AU in Nairobi, Kenya on Sunday with the adoption of a draft declaration.

The meeting was chaired by President Azali Assoumani of Comoros and Chairperson of the African Union.

It was attended by President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria and the Chairperson of ECOWAS, as well the Presidents of Kenya, Egypt, Gabon, Djibouti, Libya, Senegal and DR Congo.

The leaders expressed their support for initiatives aimed at boosting connectivity and tourism within Africa, including the implementation of E-visa facilitation.

They also pledged to champion the ratification of the Protocol on Free Movement of Persons to effectively support the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agenda.

The leaders vowed to support the operationalisation and expansion of key initiatives such as the AfCFTA Adjustment Facility, Payment and Settlement System, and Guided Trade Initiative, aiming to enhance trade facilitation and economic cooperation.

Earlier at the meeting, Tinubu, in his capacity as the Chairperson of ECOWAS, presented a comprehensive report on the progress and challenges faced in regional integration.

He emphasised ECOWAS’ commitment to promoting stability, democracy, and economic growth in Africa, underscoring the sub-regional organization’s dedication to good governance, rule of law and democratic values.

Tinubu reaffirmed ECOWAS’ readiness to actively combat security challenges, and work towards the integration and prosperity of the region.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The Co-founder of Nigeria Radio Awards, Mr Williams Archibong, has described ‘On-Air-Personalities’ (OAPs) in Nigeria as catalyst for socio-economic development.

Archibong said this at a news conference and official unveiling of the Nigerian Radio Awards (NRA) in Abuja on Monday.

He said OAPs deserved recognition for their role in providing unsolicited support for Nigerians.

Archibong said that there would be an award for 30 different categories which included best musical programme, best documentaries programme, best morning radio programme, and best night radio programme.

Others are, best news presenter male/female, most played male, female and religious songs, most educative radio programme and most innovative/informative programme.

“The selection process will be based on merit which will be open for radio listeners to vote for their favourite OAPs,” he said.

Archibong said over 100 registrations had been secured, and that radio stations were also registering currently.

He said after registration, there would be two months period for voting which would give them the desired reward.

Archibong said that car and houses were some of the prizes to be won at the award.

Archibong said that OAPs had succeeded in making many Nigerians who listen to their programmes, focused and get direction in life.

He said that the news conference was aimed at bringing to the consciousness of Nigerian radio listeners, the need to make deliberate efforts to appreciate them.

Archibong said OAPs contributions to national development could not be quantified because they render invaluable service to the socio-economic development.

“OAPs role prepares the psychological balance of many radio listeners, serves the Nigerian social sphere and well-being of the public and provide them direction on daily basis to face their day.

“They share some life experiences that you relate with and it gives you the kick to get going,” he said

Archibong said the role of OAPs had been beneficial to most Nigerians to the extent that it eased tension and depression from.

“One most important thing is that their role takes you off depression and provide hope to many Nigerian listeners who may be depressed and need some words of encouragement.

“They are on air talking on how to overcome life’s challenge; how can you quantify that kind of support?

“Such counsel encourages persons who have been beaten down and almost given up in life with no one available to listen to their challenges but are met with unsolicited radio counselor.

“Their advices re-energise these group of persons to face life again and become conquerors, hence the need for the OAPs to be recognised for their impactful role in the society,” Archibong said.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

President Hage Geingob has described the late Archbishop Peter Tjijombo as a generous man who had a spirit of friendliness, traits that should motivate present and future generations to commit their lives to serving others.

Geingob expressed these statements in a message of condolence to the family of the late Tjijombo, who died at his home on Sunday morning.

He was 87.

Geingob stated that Tjijombo will be remembered for his selfless service to the community and dedication to the freedom of Namibia.

‘’I have fond memories of Archbishop Tjijombo. Following my return from exile, we forged a connection that remained until his death. I travelled to Gobabis after independence to visit the place through which I travelled when I undertook my journey into exile. To my surprise, I was received in Gobabis by Archbishop Tjijombo and the St. Apostolic Brass Band, which performed excellent renditions. We remained friends ever since. Towards the end of last year, I informed Pastor Mbazuvara that I needed to visit my friend Archbishop Tjijombo in Katutura. We visited Pastor Tjijombo and

enjoyed a good lunch with him and members of the Church, accompanied by the St. Apostolic Brass Band,’’ he said.

“On behalf of the people and the Government of the Republic, I extend my profound sympathies to the bereaved children, family and the St. John’s Apostolic Faith Mission, as the country mourns a cherished man of faith,” the President added.

Source: The Namibian Press Agency

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Nandi-Ndaitwah said Africa’s resources contribute enormously to global development, yet Africa is negatively perceived as a mere supplier of raw materials and incapable of adding value to or developing them.

Nandi-Ndaitwah made this statement on Monday during the two-day inaugural meeting of the high-level panel of experts on Africa and the reform of the multilateral system.

‘While Africa has an abundance of resources, it has little to no control over the global financial systems and international trade rules. Hence, the compelling need to reform the global economic and financial systems to level the playing field. A fairer and more resilient multilateral trading system must be open, transparent and non-discriminatory,’ Nandi-Ndaitwah said.

Nandi-Ndaitwah emphasised that the reform of the multilateral system is a crucial issue for Namibia and Africa, adding that there is a demand for the United Nations (UN) to be reformed in order to ensure regional representation at the UN Security Council.

Solomon Dersso, the Founding Director of Amani Africa, said that from reflections, what has become clear is that this is a moment of challenge but also of opportunity.

‘If the opportunities are harnessed and seized, then initiatives like this are critical and of strategic significance for the African continent, as they would help the continent take leadership and exercise urgency in informing, shaping and reforming the multilateral system,’ Dersso said.

Dersso stated that the only way this moment can be seized and challenges overcome is if Africa takes leadership and action with urgency, adding that this reform has to be comprehensive, touching on the political and economic governance of the international order.

The inaugural meeting by Amani Africa aims to reflect on strategic-level matters related to the current global state of affairs and its impact on Africa, with focus on matters related to a reformed global conflict management and diplomacy architecture and financial system.

Amani Africa Media and Research Services is an independent pan-African policy research, training and consulting think tank with expertise on the African Union system, with a specialisation on the AU Peace and Security Council.

Source: The Namibian Press Agency

Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) president McHenry Venaani said Namibia has lost many Namibians with brilliant minds due to political persecution in the country, who hold immense potential.

One such example he said is exiled Namibian academic Joseph Diescho who is currently based in Germany.

Venaani made this remark during his party’s mega rally at Rundu on Saturday aimed to revitalize all its structures, as the party gears up for the 2024 Presidential and National Assembly elections.

He said there is a beacon of wisdom that the country needs to guide it forward by bringing home Namibians in the diaspora who have carried with them hopes and aspirations of many Namibians before them.

“Professor Diescho is a writer of remarkable talent and a political analyst of exceptional insight who symbolizes the potential that the diaspora holds. We extend our arms to Joseph Diescho and to all Namibians in the diaspora to come back home,” he stated.

According to the PDM leader the return of diaspora leaders holds an immense potential for the country as they bring a wealthy of knowledge and experience having worked in diverse fields and in different cultures contexts.

Namibia’s destiny he said is in the hands of Namibians wherever they may be in the world thus it is important to harness the collective power of the diaspora to propel Namibia forward.

“It is time for the sons and daughters of our land to bring their skills, knowledge and experience back home, to weave their success into the fabric of Namibia’s future,” he noted.

Meanwhile the PDM leader had a strong anti-corruption message, equating the vice to cancer, “a monstrous hydra that eats away the soul of the Namibian nation and degrades their dignity”.

PDM will continue tirelessly advocating for a stable and fair economy, eradicating corruption and monopolistic tendencies to create an economic space wherein every Namibian can thrive.

Hundreds of supporters attended the rally at the packed Dr Romanus Kampungu Secondary School stadium.

Source: The Namibian Press Agency

Bishop Uazenga Ngahahe on Monday described the late archbishop of the St John’s Apostolic Faith Mission Church, Daniel Tjijombo as an honest, cultural and God-fearing man.

Archbishop Tjijombo died on Sunday at his residence.

He was 87.

Ngahahe who is a bishop in the same church, while paying his respect to the late Tjijombo stated that the late archbishop was a man of caliber, a man who only spoke the truth, noting that it was through Tjijombo that he (Ngahahe) gained a father, mentor and teacher.

“We have lost a giant, a leader, a father, a mentor and a teacher, we will continue his legacy. Archbishop Tjijombo took us to foreign countries such as South Africa, Zambia and Zambia where we learnt most of God’s work. He was a loving man and when it came to his family, he loved each one of us no matter the political party difference as it was always family first,” Ngahahe said.

The bishop further stated that the late archbishop was a healer and a counsellor, who helped those with all sorts of problems such as depression and family problems, among others.

Source: The Namibian Press Agency

The Government Institutions Pension Fund (GIPF)’s Board of Trustees has appointed Onno Amutenya as Acting Chief Executive and Principal Officer of the fund on Monday.

In a media statement issued on Monday, Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of GIPF, Nilian Mulemi stated that Amutenya will be taking over the Acting CEO position effective from 05 August 2023 for a period of six months.

The decision to appoint Amutenya as Acting CEO was made in a view of the end of the interim CEO, David Nuyoma’s term on 04 August 2023 to allow for a handover and most importantly with due regard to the process of appointing a substantive CEO, a process that is currently underway, Mulemi said.

The chairperson further stated that Amutenya is the general manager of information systems at the GIPF and that he holds a Masters of Science degree in Financial Economics, a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and a post-graduate certificate in leadership development.

As a member of the executive team, Amutenya has demonstrated good leadership skills and team cohesion. Furthermore, Amutenya played, and continues to play, a critical role in shaping the fund’s information systems strategies that have underpinned the fund’s success in offering efficient and accessible services to its esteem members, Mulemi said.

Source: The Namibian Press Agency