Bola Tinubu surfaced as the Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States(ECOWAS) on the 9^th of July, 2023. He took over the seat of power from the President of Guinea Bissau, Umaro Sissoco.

In a statement made by the Chairman, he promised to bear the responsibility of the office and called for collective action of member states, and assured the countries that his leadership will bring harmony and actualize the dreams of ECOWAS. He also made mention of the issues affecting the region such as terrorism and insecurity and urged the countries of the region to work collectively to have an effective regional counterterrorism measure.

 As the President of Nigeria, he spoke confidently on making sure the Nigerian masses are going to be carried along in the whole reform process of the entire country. He stated that one of the ways he is going to achieve this is by letting the citizens in on the policies he laid down and is going to execute.

In a statement made by the President, he outlined the key sectors of the country that the following policies will be properly implemented. They are Security, Agriculture, Economy, Infrastructure, and Job Creation.

For the Security sector, the President said he is set to put the safety of the citizens at the top of the list in his administration and promised to invest more in security officials and not just increasing their numbers. He also talked about an increase in pay, firearms, and necessary equipment that will help the officers carry out their duties effectively.

 On the 21^st of June, 2023, Olukayode Egbetokun was appointed as the Acting Inspector General of Police, and on the 26^th of June, 2023, the President appointed Nuhu Ribadu as the new National Security Adviser.

Following these new appointments are also the Service Chiefs which are as follows:

Major General Christopher Musa as the new Chief of Defense Staff.

Major General Taoreed Lagbaja as the new Chief of Army Staff.

Rear Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla as the new Chief of Naval Staff.

Air Vice Marshall Hassan Abubakar as the Chief of Air Staff.

Major General Emmanuel Undiandeye as the Chief of Defense Intelligence.

On Agriculture, the President promised that there will be an increase in agricultural centers to increase production and reduce spoilage and waste. He also mentioned the livestock sector will be introduced to modern practices. He assured Nigerians that if all these are properly put in place, food shall be made plentiful and less cost. He also included the farmers and promised them huge earnings in their agricultural endeavors.

On Economy, the President stated that the main focus is to get a higher GDP growth and drastically reduce unemployment. To achieve this, he mentioned a few points like making electricity more accessible and affordable and encourage states to develop local sources as well, utilizing fiscal measures to promote domestic manufacturing and lessen import deficiency, amongst others.

On Infrastructure, the President mentioned to continue crucial work by making sure there is progress towards networks of road, rail and ports.

Lastly on Job Creation, the President expressed his love for the youths and promised that his administration will open opportunities for them. He said he is set to fulfill his promise of one million jobs in the digital economy. He also mentioned collaborating with the National Assembly to fashion an Omnibus Jobs and Prosperity bill that will provide improved social services for the poor, elderly and anyone in need.

In recent times, we have witnessed the signing of the Student Loan Act,, the Electricity Act, Judicial Officers Law, and the  Data Protection Law.

With all these being implemented, we can only hope that this is the start of the Better Nigeria that is being hoped for by all.

Sam-Sedi Agbodesi Favour,

PR Times Africa TV

This exercise is part of a broader effort by the EU to accompany Zimbabwe in its shared goal of increasing trade and investment and to support local economic development
HARARE, Zimbabwe, July 18, 2023/ — The Delegation of the European Union in Zimbabwe in collaboration with EU Member States is embarking on an exercise to assess the interest of potential EU investors in the Zimbabwean market. This exercise will be conducted via an online survey (https://apo-opa.info/3Q1VHVM) and its results will be used to better support EU businesses operating in Zimbabwe through tailored dialogue on the investment climate with the Government. Speaking about the survey, H.E Jobst von Kirchmann, Ambassador of the European Union said, “Zimbabwe offers many opportunities for European investors to work alongside local investors to contribute towards an active and successful private sector.” This exercise is part of a broader effort by the EU to accompany Zimbabwe in its shared goal of increasing trade and investment and to support local economic development.

All European firms operating in Zimbabwe, or potential investors in the country, are encouraged to participate by completing a 5-minute survey online (https://apo-opa.info/3Q1VHVM) available on the website of the EU Delegation to Zimbabwe, as well as on our social media by 30 September 2023.

By “European,” we consider any firm that has European shareholding, capital, registration, Headquarters, trade (imports or exports). Geographically, firms from the EU 27 Member States are covered. All answers will be handled discretely and in line with the existing EU data protection rules and regulations and only presented at an aggregated level (as a whole, not mentioning individual companies) and will not be shared with third parties.

Participants, who need further information or would like to add input not covered by the survey, are free to contact Ms Ines Escudero (Ines.ESCUDERO@ec.europa.eu), who is coordinating this project on behalf of the EU Delegation to Zimbabwe.

The EU has a long history of supporting Zimbabwean trade, which includes preferential trade access to the markets of 27 countries of the European Union in a duty-free and quota-free manner, since May 2012. The European Union is a noteworthy trading partner of Zimbabwe as it is the number one destination for Zimbabwe’s horticultural exports (42% of Zimbabwe’s horticulture exports were destined to the EU market in 2021). The EU sells machinery and chemical inputs to Zimbabwe that support local industry by encouraging greater efficiencies largely in the agro-processing, transport and leather processing sectors.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Delegation of the European Union to Zimbabwe.
SOURCE
Delegation of the European Union to Zimbabwe

The scope of the revised Child Policy is predicated on a number of core factors issues in relation to the rights of children in West Africa, including the problems of multi-dimensional child poverty
BISSAU, Guinea-Bissau, July 17, 2023/ — The ECOWAS Commission under the directorate of Humanitarian and Social Affairs organized a two 2-day Online Evaluation Meeting on implementation of the ECOWAS Child Policy with the Directors Responsible for Child Protection from Member States, 12th to 13th July 2023. The considered the validation of the draft ECOWAS Child Rights Information Systems (ECRIMS), assessment of levels of implementation of the ECOWAS Child Policy by Member States, building the capacities of Member States Directors in charge of Child Rights on implementation of the ECOWAS Child Policy and related child rights instruments and facilitation of the determination of key priorities and formulation of plans by Member States in advancing the rights of the Child in West Africa.

The scope of the revised Child Policy is predicated on a number of core factors issues in relation to the rights of children in West Africa, including the problems of multi-dimensional child poverty
BISSAU, Guinea-Bissau, July 17, 2023/ — The ECOWAS Commission under the directorate of Humanitarian and Social Affairs organized a two 2-day Online Evaluation Meeting on implementation of the ECOWAS Child Policy with the Directors Responsible for Child Protection from Member States, 12th to 13th July 2023. The considered the validation of the draft ECOWAS Child Rights Information Systems (ECRIMS), assessment of levels of implementation of the ECOWAS Child Policy by Member States, building the capacities of Member States Directors in charge of Child Rights on implementation of the ECOWAS Child Policy and related child rights instruments and facilitation of the determination of key priorities and formulation of plans by Member States in advancing the rights of the Child in West Africa.

At the Opening Ceremony, the ECOWAS Director for Humanitarian and Social Affairs, Dr Sintiki Tarfa Ugbe, recalled the adoption of the initiail ECOWAS Child Policy in 2008 and the revised policy 2019 to 2023. The scope of the revised Child Policy is predicated on a number of core factors issues in relation to the rights of children in West Africa, including the problems of multi-dimensional child poverty, the Impact of climate change, natural disasters and environmental hazards on children; crises, conflicts and children in emergencies; gender inequalities affecting children and other cross-cutting vulnerabilities and issues. The Policy also encompasses the situation of children in the region with special needs and vulnerabilities that need to be addressed include those with disabilities, those affected by HIV/AIDS, children on the move including forcibly displaced children, and children in contact with the law. The Director called on all participants to actively participate in the meeting and recommit the collective vision for the welfare all children. The Representative of the Child Development Department , Federal Ministry of Women Affairs in Nigeria, Mrs Mariam Shaibu in her opening address stated that the meeting was timely and congratulated ECOWAS for its various initiatives dovoted to improving the rights of the child.

The Meeting featured the presentation of the Child Policy and Strategic Plan 2019-2030, the draft ECOWAS Child Rights Information Management System( ECRIMS), the Template for reporting on Implementation of Child Policy by Member States and other initiatives and activities on Child Rights by the ECOWAS Commission. Member States also presented the status of implementation of the ECOWAS Child Policy in thier countries and highlighted key areas of priority for the future.

In her Closing Remarks, Dr. Sintiki Tarfa Ugbe, represented by Mr. Olatunde Olayemi thanked the participants for the keen insights brought to the fore in the meeting and the commitment of the Member States, including in thier agreement to submit all Country Reports for 2023 and continued collaboration in the establishment of the ECRIMS.

Participants at the workshop, in addition Officers from the ECOWAS Directorate of Humanitarian and Social Affairs and Member States Directors responsible for Child Rights, included a number of member organizations of the the Regional Working Group on Child Protection (RWGP), namely : UNICEF, MAEJT,SSI-AO,SOS Village d’enfants.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
SOURCE
Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)

Climate change is one of the most pressing issues facing our planet today. It is causing more frequent and severe weather events, rising sea levels, and huge impacts on ecosystems and human health.

Climate Change has caused the average temperature in some parts of Africa to surpass the global standard of 1.5 degree Celsius, which is a worrying trend. The effects on Africa are becoming more and more evident, and we can see them happening right before our eyes.

To tackle this issue called Climate Change, Africa must join the fight and invest in sustainable solutions. There should be more conversations about channeling investments into renewable energy such as solar, wind and hydro power. Renewable energy provides long-lasting source of power that does not participate in climate change.

It is important for the leaders of the African continent to treat climate change as urgent and lessen its impacts. Providing sustainable agriculture and forestry practices will help in reducing deforestation, planting more trees, and using lasting farming methods to increase yields and reduce emissions.

By taking up the challenge of eradicating climate change and investing in sustainable solutions, Africa will definitely be able to create a bright and sustainable future for all.

Sam-Sedi Favour

PR Times Africa TV

Undoubtedly, cooperative societies ( CS) worldwide contributes greatly to the Gross Domestic Product ( GDP ) of every nation. In Nigeria, CS, particularly workers Cooperative Societies, have contributed immensely to the economy of this nation.

However, this big segment of our economy has been surprisingly neglected or given little attention by successive governments.

As the world and Nigeria marks the International Day of Cooperatives on July 1, there is a clarion call on the Tinubu administration to establish the COOPERATIVE COMMISSION OF NIGERIA ( CCN ) to give CS in Nigeria the desired attention. Such Commission, if established, will not only generate huge employment for our teeming youths but will also be self regulatory & self-funded.

Like the Corporate Affairs Commission ( CAC ) of Nigeria, the proposed CCN shall be responsible for the regulation and management of CS in Nigeria. Even though a cash cow, the cooperative societies/ business is the most unharnessed, unregulated and unmanaged segment of the Nigeria economy today.

It’s a testament today that before the establishment of CAC, business activities of companies and other related matters were unregulated-they were unmitigated fraudulent activities of fraudulent persons. However, with the coming into being of the Commission, all such fraudulent activities of companies are being properly checked and regulated. Therefore, what happened to Companies in Nigeria can also be applied to cooperative societies in Nigeria; the Federal government will have nothing to lose but gain.

The United Nations’ (UN) International Day of Cooperatives is observed on the first Saturday of July each year. Some of the day’s goals are to increase awareness on cooperatives, as well as strengthen and extend partnerships between the international cooperative movement and other supporting organizations.

Onjefu Obe
( President, FEDCOOP) Federal Civil service Cooperative Union of Nigeria

The Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park, which attracted some ninety thousand visitors annually before the renovation, is now expected to attract over one million tourists annually
ACCRA, Ghana, July 5, 2023/ — The President of the Republic, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, on Tuesday, 4th July 2023, commissioned the renovated and modernised Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park, a year after he cut the sod for the commencement of work on the project.

The Park, which was built in 1991 and opened to the public in 1992, in the time of the 1st President of the 4th Republic, His Excellency the late Jerry John Rawlings, had not seen any renovation since then, resulting in significant deterioration of the edifice.

It is for this reason that President Akufo-Addo instructed the Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Ibrahim Mohammed Awal, to close it down temporarily for renovation to be undertaken.

Addressing the gathering at the ceremony, the President noted that the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park has not only been renovated, but it has also been completely modernised to befit the status of the final resting place of the man who led us to independence in 1957, and became Ghana’s first President, the justly-celebrated Kwame Nkrumah.

“The Park now has facilities including a presidential library, receptive facility, mini-amphitheater, restaurant, freedom wall, and a digitalised payment and access system. The mausoleum has also been fully refurbished, with the tombstone upgraded, and the museum expanded with an audiovisual tunnel. There is also an upgraded VVIP lounge, expanded recreational area, a modernized gift shop, and a fountain area with synchronised audiovisuals, the first of its kind in West Africa,” he said.

The President continued, “The thirty million cedi (GH¢30million) modernised Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park is in line with plans by Government to make the Park one of the best tourism and heritage attractions in West Africa. As the outstanding pan-Africanist of his generation, the burial site of Dr. Nkrumah must be appropriate to his status and exceptional contribution to the liberation of Africa from colonialism and imperialism.”

The Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park, which attracted some ninety thousand visitors annually before the renovation, is now expected to attract over one million tourists annually.

To this end, the President charged the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture and its agencies to devise effective marketing and promotional strategies to achieve the target of one million domestic and international tourists’ visitations to the Park.

As part of measures to make Ghana the hub of tourism in West Africa, the President indicated that Government is building museums and other tourist attractions in various parts of the country.

“The construction of a Museum and Heroes Park for the “Big Six”, a Memorial Park in Cape Coast for the Aborigines, a Memorial Enclave in Tamale for the founders of the erstwhile Northern People’s Party to symbolise their participation in the drive for national independence, and the completion of ongoing works at the Bonwire Museum and the Yaa Asantewaa Museum both in Ejisu, are in the offing. You will recall also that the National Museum had to be closed down for seven years from 2015 to 2022 due to lack of maintenance. It was in my time, in 2022, that the renovation of the museum was completed,” he added.

In seeking to delight visitors who throng our tourist attractions, President Akufo-Addo noted that the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture and the Ghana Tourism Authority have embarked on product improvement and customer service orientation for operators in the hospitality and tourism value chain.

To this end, the President indicated that some six thousand (6,000) frontline operators will be imbibed with the necessary customer care skills and competencies over the course of the next one year to enable them handle both domestic and international tourists.

Ghana, the President reiterated, has the potential to be the tourism and business hub of West Africa for several reasons.

“We are host of the African Continental Free Trade Area Secretariat; we have political stability and proven democratic credentials; and we have a rich and diverse culture. The Kotoka International Airport in Accra is the best airport in West Africa, with easy connectivity to many countries, whilst Ghana is the home of modern pan-Africanism and global African diasporan activities. Above all, we are a warm and hospitable people,” he said.

He reiterated Government’s determination to maintain Ghana’s ranking as the number one country in the Region on the West African Digital Competitiveness Index so as to support service delivery, and enhance our regional competitiveness.

“The improvement in our road networks and the construction of several interchanges across the country are expected to ease travel, and open up tourist destinations. Also, the completion of airports in Kumasi, Tamale and Ho will boost further domestic and international tourism, thereby creating jobs for people, the President added.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency, Republic of Ghana.
SOURCE
The Presidency, Republic of Ghana

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PRESS RELEASE
The 50th Ordinary Session of The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Mediation and Security Council (MSC) at The Ministerial Level to Hold in Bissau
The Ministers will be discussing the peace and security situation in the region
BISSAU, Guinea-Bissau, July 5, 2023/ — The 50th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Mediation and Security Council (MSC) at the Ministerial level will hold in Bissau, Guinea-Bissau on July 5, 2023.

The Ministers will be discussing the peace and security situation in the region, the ECOWAS Standby Force, ECOWAS Stabilization Missions, humanitarian situations in the region, and update on the status of the Implementation of the National Early Warning Centres, among others.

The Session is holding ahead of the 63rd Ordinary Session of the Authority of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government scheduled to hold in Bissau, Guinea-Bissau on July 9, 2023.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
SOURCE
Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)