Dakar, Senegal, 02 June 2023 – The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), through its Sub-Regional Office for West Africa, in partnership with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), is organizing a regional workshop from June 12 to 13 in Dakar to review the study draft report on regional value chain opportunities development in West Africa in the context of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
This two-day workshop aims to :
- Review and enrich the draft report of the study on the opportunities of value chains in West Africa;
- Inform and mobilize stakeholders, including the private sector and their regional umbrella structures on the West African value chain development project in the context of the AfCFTA
- Agree on a sub-regional roadmap on the implementation of the study’s recommendations and mainly on the development of value chains in West Africa, in coherence with ECOWAS initiatives in the related area
Value chains, whether regional or global, represent the new face of international trade. They are booming, and now account for almost half of total world trade. They are associated with a variety of benefits, including poverty reduction, income generation, structural transformation and inclusive growth. For example, it has been shown that a 1% increase in trade through value chains leads to an increase of more than 1% in a country’s per capita income, which is more than double the income gain attributed to ordinary trade (reference: World Bank, World Development Report 2020).
With the advent of the AfCFTA, intra-regional trade is expected to increase significantly. Indeed, according to ECA simulations, the implementation of the AfCFTA should generate a 33.8% increase in intra-African trade by 2045 (compared with less than 20% in 2020). This should translate into an increase in trade in agri-food products of 41.1%, industrial products of 39.0%, energy and mining products of 16.10%, and services of 39.2%. In the ECOWAS region, the effective implementation of the agreement should generate more gains than at regional level, i.e. over 32% of the gains at continental level, notably in terms of intra-African trade, including in sectors with high potential for added value, GDP and well-being.
Representatives of regional and national private sector organizations, ministries in charge of trade, industrialization, SMEs/SMIs, agriculture, various national and regional trade committees (ZLECAf, trade facilitation, etc.), regional bodies (ECOWAS, UEMOA, ZLECAf Secretariat, etc.), and UN organizations such as ECA, UNDP, UNCTAD, ITC, UNIDO will take part in this workshop.
For further information, please contact: Tahirou Gouro, Communications Officer, CEA- BSR/AO Email: gouro2@un.org
“I feel my low self-esteem came from being raised by a single parent”. Moet Abebe shares
Television presenter and actress, Laura Monyeazo Abebe, popularly known as Moet Abebe, sits with the host of #WithChude, Chude Jideonwo to discuss leaving an abusive partner, her struggle with low self-esteem, and dealing with an absent father.
“I was politely asked to leave my secondary school because I was a bully. Now I am anti-bullying. I think for you to be against something, you have to experience it. I wasn’t necessarily on the receiving end. And I will have to say, I had my reasons as to why I was a bully. I have always been a fighter; I have always been fighter; I have always been misunderstood and I have always had to get my point across. And I wouldn’t say I didn’t grow up with love, because I did but I didn’t necessarily get much paternal love, so I have always had to fight to protect what is mine and what I feel and what my views were. At that moment of my life, I sort of interpreted that as to become a bully as opposed to actually not being a bully”. She also said that she was happy that she went through things like that because she is the kind of person who gets comfortable, and something has to shake her and it is when she is disappointed, and she gets to pick herself.
“My parents were not together, they never got married. I am what you call ‘a love child’. I believe that I was created out of love, but I have only known maternal love because I grew up with my mum. My mum was my mum and dad did what he needed to do but he wasn’t there physically”. Now that she is grown, Moet shared that she is much closer to her dad but not as close as it should be because it will then be pretentious if they start to make up for lost time.
“People are quick to put in a box, and not believe that I could have self-esteem issues. So, I always must remind myself to be myself because I am so unique and special”. On what she thinks caused her lack of self-esteem, she said, “I feel it came from being raised from a single parenthood. I usually say that if I had that male presence in my life, you can’t tell me anything. She shared about how she builds her esteem, “I’m one of those people that literally have to keep reminding myself that, ‘you’re beautiful, you’re hardworking, you can do this’. I keep reminding myself to keep loving and appreciating my mistakes, my past, my present, my future.”
On her past relationships and surviving abuse, she said, “I could have been married by now, but it didn’t work out. I have also been in a few violent relationships and realised that wasn’t what I wanted for myself. So, I will rather just love me and just deal with me and if anyone else wants to handle me that is cool. I believe that women are the price. I was in a violent relationship for about two and half years. If you don’t love yourself, you will find yourself in situations like that constantly. Even in your family, if you don’t love yourself, your family can do you anyhow. If you don’t love yourself, the other person can’t give you back that love. Abusive people can smell that you are vulnerable, and you have low self-esteem from a mile away. On how she came out of it, she said, I am the type of person that doesn’t like people telling me what to do. I like to experience it and then leave the situation. It wasn’t even something that someone had to tell me, I needed to sort of realise that, ‘No, Mo this cannot be you loving yourself, you are being here means that you don’t want the best for yourself’. After that, we just had a little fight, and I never picked up his phone call again”.
“It took death for people to realize they had lost someone important”, Yeni Kuti speaks on Fela’s legacy #WithChude.
Singer and dancer, Yeni Kuti sits with the host of #WithChude, Chude Jideonwo, discuss the circumstances surrounding her father’s death, her life as a dancer and her family.
On how Fela’s reputation has grown after his death despite the disdain he was treated while he was alive, Yeni said, “it amuses me. I remember that Fela was in jail and my cousin Dotun introduced me to this girl. He said, ‘These are my cousins, ‘Yeni and Sola’ and she said, ‘Don’t introduce me to such people’. It stuck in my mind, I moved away from her, and I just thought to myself, ‘how nasty?’ I’m sure if I met that girl today, she would want to be my friend. That is why it is amusing that decades later, Fela is suddenly the hero while in those days, he was the villain. She also shared why she thinks this change happened, “I think ‘their eye don clear, suffer don hook us for Nigeria’. We have seen that there was at least one person who was singing about the abuse and fighting it. Fela used to take out an advert then on Daily Times that later became Punch, every Saturday. He would tag it, ‘Chief Priest says’, and he will write something about Nigeria. He had a printing press, where he would just print and yab all of them. Of course, it took death for them to realize that they had lost something important.”
Yeni Kuti also talked about her relationship with her late father. “Fela was a good father in his own way, but in the conventional sense, he wasn’t. My identity and pride as an African woman, I learnt from my father. Who I am today was shaped by him, but I don’t think he should have had children. I think he should have just been a father to all the nation. You don’t feel any special bond that you were Fela’s child. You are just another human being as far as he was concerned. You could resent it, but I just had to rise above it. But it caused a lot of rifts between us. I mean, there was a time when Femi and Fela quarelled. Of course, Fela quarrelled with Femi, Sola and I. So, if we were going to settle, we would send Femi, ‘You’re the son now, you go and settle with your father. If you settle with him, Sola and I will follow.’ So, it was different, we didn’t call him Daddy. I think our not calling him daddy made him not realize the gravity of having kids”, she added.
On dancing as a career path, she said, it (dancing) was rewarding as a career path, but it isn’t anymore. I still get offers for people who want me to teach them. The fact of the matter is that I didn’t do it for monetary value, I did it because I loved it. Of course, we went on tour, and I made money”.
Yeni also shared about joining Your View on TVC, she said, “I have been trying to work on a TV program with my best friend, Carol King. We had gone to meet MITV and showed them what we wanted to do but we couldn’t get it off the ground. Then Lukman Musa called me to say that he wanted me to do a TV show, and because it sounded like what Carol and I were working on, I went, we talked, and I accepted. I think it is a good decision and I do not regret it for one minute. People have now come to know me as Yeni, not just as Fela’s daughter or Femi’s sister but as Yeni Anikulapo Kuti”.
PRESS STATEMENT
2022 OWO ATTACK: WE’RE STILL RECUPERATING FROM THE PAINS – GOV AKEREDOLU
- Says Victims Will Never Be Forgotten
Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, CON, has described the 5th June, 2022 terror attack in Owo as a devastating tragedy that struck the government and people of the state.
The Governor said the state will always remember the tragedy that befell Owo Kingdom following the attack on innocent worshippers at St. Francis Catholic Church, Owo.
“It’s been one year since the massacre that occurred at St. Francis Catholic Church, Owo. Forty-one persons were killed, while several others were injured. Workers of iniquity invaded our land and terminated the lives of our people. It was a black Sunday.
“One year after, we are still nursing our pain. The scars of the heavy blow dealt to us will always remind us of our losses and the pain we endured. The horrific attack was a dagger drawn into our hearts. It was the most dastardly act that could happen in any society.
“The Church of God was desecrated. A place of worship, considered safe, was turned into a slaughter slab. Our people were mindlessly killed by cowards and mass murderers. It was a tale of pain, sorrow, and fear. We are still grappling with the shock from the attack.
“So far, the Donation Management Committee on Owo Attack, led by the Commissioner for Finance, Mr Wale Akinterinwa, has reached out to the dependants of the victims and the injured. We have provided financial and medical assistance to the dependants and the injured.
“We understand that no amount of money can fill the void left by our loved ones. Our efforts are geared toward easing the burden created by the death of breadwinners in the families.
“We are constructing a fitting Memorial Park in honour of the deceased. The Memorial Park, situated opposite the Palace of Olowo of Owo, is part of our commitment to immortalise the victims of the attack.
“We once again extend our heartfelt condolences to all those who lost their loved ones in the horrific attack. We also sympathize with the injured and their families. Equally, we offer our condolences to the Catholic Church of Owo and the entire people of Owo,” the Governor said.
Governor Akeredolu expressed appreciation to the people of Nigeria for standing up for Owo and Ondo State in general during these trying times.
He particularly thanked former President Muhammadu Buhari and former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo as well as other members of the Buhari led administration for their roles and supports after the attack.
Governor Akeredolu also appreciated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his brother Governors under the platform of Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) for their kind donations and assistance.
“We note with deep gratitude the concerns and support of all Nigerians for Owo and the state. From the North to the South, Nigerians stood with us. Your support and solidarity were a comforting balm for us in the state. We thank you.
“We thank all our security agencies. Your dedication and commitment led to the arrest of the perpetrators of this dastardly act. We are grateful to you for not letting our people die in vain. Thank you.
“We express our gratitude to all countries of the world. We use the United States as a point of contact to appreciate the international community for identifying with us and condemning the attacks.
“To everyone who made donations that were used to support the dependants of the victims and the injured, we are immensely grateful.
“Ondo State is a land of indomitable people. We are bold and brave. Nothing can deter us from the path we have chosen. Our determination to protect our land and people is unwavering. We will continue to rise above this challenge.”
“Our prayers and hopes will remain with the families of the deceased and injured. We pray that God, in His mercy, will grant the dead eternal rest. Amen.”
Signed:
Richard Olatunde
Chief Press Secretary to the Govenor of Ondo State.
June 5, 2023.
June 5, 2023
Press Statement
PDP Hails Gov. Diri at 64
…Says He’s a Dedicated Democrat
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) congratulates the Miracle Governor, the Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, on his 64th birthday.
Governor Diri is a humble, compassionate, selfless and exceptionally resourceful leader who continues to demonstrate an uncommon sense of duty and commitment in the service of Bayelsa State and the Nation at large in line with the manifesto and policy thrust of our great Party, the PDP.
The PDP is very proud of Governor Diri for his numerous landmark and legacy infrastructural, human capital development projects and economic empowerment of the people in all critical sectors with which he has further repositioned Bayelsa State in the last four years of his very impactful administration.
Governor Diri’s performance and achievements in the last four years have endeared him to the people of Bayelsa State and account for their unwavering resolve to re-elect him for a second term in office in the November 11, 2023 Governorship election in the State.
The PDP family celebrates Governor Diri on this special occasion and prays to the Almighty God to grant him many more years in wisdom, good health and sound mind in the service of our Nation and humanity, to the glory of His name.
Happy Birthday Your Excellency!
Signed:
Hon. Debo Ologunagba
National Publicity Secretary
June 5, 2023
Press Statement
PDP Condemns Attack on Members, Journalists by APC at Ogun Election Tribunal
… Petitions IGP, Accuses APC of Seeking to Subvert Justice
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) condemns, in very strong terms, the violent attack on its members, including a notable leader of the PDP in Ogun State, Otunba Segun Sowunmi, journalists and other Nigerians today, Monday, June 5, 2023, by thugs mobilized by the All Progressives Congress (APC) to disrupt the proceedings of the Ogun State Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Isabo, Abeokuta.
The PDP is aware that the attack by the APC is aimed at instilling fear, disrupting the proceedings of the Tribunal, creating a siege mentality on the people and the Judiciary so as to truncate the delivery of justice in the Petition filed by the PDP governorship candidate, Hon. Ladi Adebutu, against the manifest rigging of the Ogun State Governorship election in favour of APC candidate, Governor Dapo Abiodun.
Information available to the PDP indicates that the hoodlums were mobilized by APC leaders who are in mortal fear that the APC’s manipulations and rigging in the Ogun State Governorship election will be exposed at the Tribunal.
The attack by the APC is a direct assault on the institution of the Judiciary, the Election Tribunal and a serious threat to the sustenance of Democracy in our country.
Our Party is distressed that the attack by the APC on our leaders and members, journalists and other innocent Nigerians reportedly occurred in the full glare of police operatives and other security agents, who were said to have made no attempt to arrest or stop the APC hoodlums from unleashing violence at the Tribunal. Such scenario is indicting on Nigeria’s security authorities which requires urgent attention.
The PDP therefore calls on the Inspector General of Police and the Director General of the Department of State Services (DSS) to direct an immediate investigation into the security lapses that might have paved way for such unchecked attack on the institution of the Judiciary and other innocent Nigerians at the premises of the Electoral Tribunal.
Our Party, standing with the people of Ogun State, demands that those behind the attack must be tracked down and brought to book immediately especially as there are ample evidence from video recordings of this shameful and dastardly action by the APC sponsored hoodlums.
The PDP however states that the people of Ogun State and the PDP will never be deterred or cowed by the APC to give up the legitimate and constitutional pursuit for the recovery of the mandate freely given to our Party and Governorship candidate in Ogun State, Hon. Ladi Adebutu, and nothing will change that resolve.
Our Party also calls on all our members, supporters and people of Ogun State to remain calm but at alert and ready to use every means within the ambit of the law to resist the APC in its plots to disrupt the Tribunal and subvert the course of justice in the matter.
Signed:
Hon. Debo Ologunagba
National Publicity Secretary
OMO-AGEGE HAILS GBAJABIAMILA, AKUME’s APPOINTMENT AS CoS, SGF
The Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege has hailed the appointment of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila as Chief of Staff to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The Delta Central lawmaker also applauded the appointment of Senator George Akume as Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF).
Describing the appointments as round pegs in round holes, the Delta APC Governorship candidate noted that their commitments to public service and dedication to the betterment of our nation stood them out from the lots.
He expressed confidence that they would bring their wealth of experience in public service spanning a combined period of more than four decades, to bear in their new assignments.
He particularly expressed excitement as both appointees are products of the National Assembly.
“In the various positions Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila and Senator George Akume have served in the National Assembly, they did so with distinction, working tirelessly to attract important developmental projects to their constituencies and advance the socio-economic development of the country in general.
“I am confident that they would deploy their immense wealth of experience, national and global connections in giving our President the needed support to deliver on his mandate of taking the nation to greater heights,” he said.
Yomi Odunuga,
Special Adviser, Media and Publicity, to the Deputy President of the Senate.
2nd June, 2023
TUESDAY, JUNE 6, 2023
PRESS RELEASE BY FESTUS KEYAMO CHAMBERS
KEYAMO TAKES BATTLE OVER SPV SAGA TO APPEAL COURT; FILES APPEAL AGAINST COURT ORDER DISMISSING SUIT TO COMPEL INVESTIGATION OF ATIKU
Earlier today, Mr. Festus Keyamo, SAN, CON, filed an appeal against the ruling of the Hon. Justice J.K Omotosho of the Federal High Court dismissing his suit which sought to compel law-enforcement agencies to investigate ATIKU Abubakar over the SPV saga.
We have raised an initial four grounds of appeal with a possibility of raising additional grounds of appeal. (Find the initial copy attached)
Mr. Keyamo has a rich history of taking it upon himself to challenge unconstitutionality, corruption and the breach of the rule of law by public officials. Like ALL lawyers from time immemorial, he has won some, lost some and some are still pending in court. That is what the struggle is all about. And that is THE SAME SITUATION with our legal icons of blessed memories.
This case is not an exception. The battle will be taken all the way to the apex court. Mr. Keyamo is not about to back down now.
Thank you.
JOHN AINETOR, ESQ
Asst. Head of Chambers,
Abuja Office
PRESS RELEASE
SANWO-OLU PROCLAIMS 10TH LAGOS ASSEMBLY, URGES LEGISLATIVE FOCUS ON PEOPLE’S WELFARE
- Obasa re-elected as Speaker, gets woman deputy
- Ninth Assembly passed 46 bills, 120 resolutions to set new record
At 11:20am on Tuesday, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu proclaimed the first session of the 10th House of Assembly, following the inauguration of 40 members-elect of the State legislature by the clerk.
The ceremony, Sanwo-Olu said, symbolised the continuity of the State’s democratic journey, stressing the role of legislature, as indispensable pillar of democracy, was vital in exercising the power of the people in a system of governance.
The Governor said the legislative arm embodied the hopes and aspirations of the State’s residents, who elected representatives to work in partnership with other arms of the Government in the quest for good governance and prosperity of Lagos.
Sanwo-Olu, who described Lagos as a citadel of resilience and dynamism, noted that the rancour-free transition from the Ninth Assembly to the 10th parliament further demonstrated the sustenance of culture of legislative vibrancy entrenched in the State’s parliament. This, he said, confirmed Lagos’ journey on the path of innovation, development and cultural diversity.
He said: “Today, we come together for the proclamation of the 10th Lagos State House of Assembly. The ceremony symbolises not just the continuity of our democratic journey, but also the vital role of legislative power in our system of governance. The legislature, an indispensable pillar of our democracy, plays an essential role in the journey we have embarked upon. It is the embodiment of the hopes and aspirations of our people, a crucial partner in the quest for good governance, and a custodian of our shared democratic values.
“The independent atmosphere under which the House of Assembly operates is a testament to the strength of our democracy and the commitment of Lagosians to the pursuit of excellence. Lagos has always been a citadel of resilience and dynamism, leading the path in innovation, development, and cultural diversity. As we embark on this new journey, we are reminded of our shared commitment to bolster the prosperity of Lagos and improve the lives of every Lagosian.”
Sanwo-Olu, who maintained neutrality in the process that led to selection of the Assembly’s principal officers, said his interest lay in how the executive and the legislature could work in collaboration to fulfil shared responsibilities to the people.
The Governor urged the legislators to bring their unique value and perspective to bear in the debates of issues and policies in the assembly, stressing that the Government would achieve extraordinary results through collective efforts and cooperation.
Sanwo-Olu thanked members of the Ninth Assembly, whom he said worked with his Government to ensure dividends of good governance were reaped by the people. He charged members of the 10th Assembly to meet and outperform the record set by the expired Assembly in legislative activities.
He said: “As we look to the future, let us remind ourselves of the importance of cooperation, dialogue, and mutual respect. The Executive and the Legislature are partners in this democratic journey. Our shared goal is to create a Lagos where everyone thrives, where opportunities abound, and where our cultural diversity propels us forward.
“I stand ready to work with the 10th Assembly, collaborating to drive impactful policies, and fostering an environment where the hopes and dreams of every Lagosian can be realised. I believe the 10th Assembly will meet the expectations of Lagosians and surpass the record set by the Ninth Assembly.”
Clerk of the House, Barr. Bunyamin Onafeko, rated the Ninth Assembly high in legislative achievements, noting that the House, in four years, passed 46 bills into law and approved over 120 resolutions, touching range of issues, relating to welfare of the people, settlement of dues, and other socio-economic issues.
Onafeko disclosed that 20 legislators from the previous Assembly returned, while 20 members were newly elected into the House. The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) retained the majority in the Assembly with 38 members, while Labour Party has two members.
“Legislature is the only arm of Government composed of elected representatives of the people across constituencies with statutory mandate to aggregate the concerns of the people and present their interests for implementation by the executive arm. The legislature has oversight power on other arms of Government through which it ensures transparency and accountability in allocation of public resources,” Onafeko said.
Sanwo-Olu, in pursuant of Section 105(3) of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, transmitted a letter to proclaim the holding of the first session of the 10th Assembly.
Upon confirming the Governor’s letter, Onafeko, citing Section 92 of the Constitution and Order 2 and Rule 4 of the House, called for the nomination of Speaker and Deputy Speaker.
Temitope Adewale, representing Ifako-Ijaiye Constituency 1, nominated member representing Agege Constituency 1, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, to take the chair of the Speaker.
Obasa, who is returning to the House for the record sixth term, led the Eight and Ninth Assemblies as Speaker.
Hon. Ogunkelu Sylvester from Epe Constituency II seconded Obasa’s nomination to return as Speaker.
With no other nomination for the position, the Clerk returned Obasa as Speaker of the 10th Assembly.
Hon. Desmond Elliot of Surulere Constituency 1 nominated Hon. Mojisola Lasbat Meranda, of Apapa Constituency 1, to take the seat of Deputy Speaker.
Meranda was elected after her nomination was seconded by Hon. Tijani Surajudeen of Ojo Constituency 2.
Upon assumption of duty as Speaker, Obasa said members’ elections were a testament to avowed commitment to sustaining and upholding democratic values and principles through effective policy formulation, implementation and evaluation.
The Speaker thanked Governor Sanwo-Olu for according respect to this House and maintaining neutrality in the internal affairs of the Assembly. Obasa also appreciated the Governor for what the Speaker described as his defence of the legislature from external forces and manipulations.
He said: “The 10th Assembly has been proclaimed today. To achieve our goals, we will need to work hard, be innovative and stay united. We must abstain from being purveyors and sponsors of negative publicity about this House and publications that do no one any good, but destroy the image and reputation of the parliament as well as its leadership.
“As we begin a new chapter in the history of this Assembly, I want to affirm my commitment to the principles of transparency, accountability and good governance. My goal is to ensure that every member of this Assembly is respected and valued, and that we work together to provide effective representation for the people of Lagos state.”
Other principal officers constituted on the first session are Majority Leader, Hon. Noheem Adam, of Eti Osa Constituency 1; Deputy Majority Leader, Hon. Damola Kasumu of Ikeja Constituency II; Chief Whip, Hon. Mojeed Fatai of Ibeju Lekki Constituency 1, and Deputy Chief Whip, Hon. David Setonji of Badagry Constituency II.
Gboyega Akosile
Media Adviser to the Governor
6th June, 2023
