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U.S.: Nigerians frustrated by corruption, extremism

NIgerians are frustrated by corruption and extremism, the United States (U.S.) said yesterday.

U.S. Special Representative for Religion and Global Affairs Shaun Casey spoke with reporters at the U.S. Consulate in Lagos.

He spoke about an initiative at the instance of the Secretary of State John Kerry to train staff of the U.S. Mission across the world on building relationship with global religious organisations and leaders.

Casey said the U.S. government would create inter-religious conversations where different religious denominations and groups could collaborate to fight corruption and social injustice.

He said: “Given its diversity, we want Nigeria to become a just society. We sense real frustration with the level of corruption in the country. From the people in the streets and senior religious leaders, there is deep dissatisfaction about corruption and extremism. That is what we want to work with. When you observe unity among diverse religious groups that are saying, ‘we want to repel extremism’, this is where my office wants to work.”

The envoy said the initiative included helping Kerry to build capacity within the State Department on how to engage religious actors and assess dynamics of religions, and to establish a point of contact with external religious groups and non-governmental organisations working for social justice.

Casey said Nigeria held a strategic position in global religious ranking, noting that the aim of the initiative was to reform local groups with extremist tendencies, engage religious leaders in tackling corruption and promoting peace.

He said: “We believe, using the context of conflict resolution, religious leaders and communities can be a source of peace and reconciliation. Corruption is another area we believe religious communities can come with a unique voice to hold private individual and government officials accountable by calling for transparency and ethical behaviour. It is our belief that we can deal with corruption by going through religious groups as a source of inter-partnership.”

He added that the initiative would enable the U.S. government seek partnership with international interest organisations and global faith groups in promoting the understanding of policy implications at the recent climate change meeting in Paris, France.

Casey said the aim was to engage people in rural communities on mitigation and adaptation to climate change.

January 20, 2016
US moves to end crisis in Burundi

The U.S. Special Envoy for the Great Lakes of Africa, Mr. Thomas Perriello, would be visiting Burundi as part of his government’s efforts at ending crisis in the country.

The African Media Hub of the U.S. Department of State said in a statement that the Envoy would be visiting crisis-ridden Burundi, as well as Brussels, Belgium, Rome and Italy.

Perriello will also be visiting Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Kigali, Rwanda; Bukavu, Goma, and Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC); Bujumbura, Burundi; and Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

According to the statement, the trip is focused on supporting regional efforts to resolve crisis in Burundi, as well as support upcoming elections in the DRC.

“The U.S. Government strongly supports the regionally-mediated Burundian dialogue relaunched on Dec. 28, 2015, and is urging all stakeholders to remain committed to the process without preconditions.

“An inclusive dialogue remains the best route for peacefully resolving the crisis in Burundi and restoring the stability achieved by the Arusha Agreement.

“The Special Envoy will engage with Burundian stakeholders and the East African Community (EAC) leadership about next steps for advancing the dialogue, including moving the dialogue to Arusha, Tanzania,’’ it said.

The statement also reiterated the U.S. government’s commitment to supporting the DRC in holding her “elections as per the constitution.”

It said that the Envoy would meet with Congolese stakeholders to discuss next steps in the electoral process and the importance of respecting human rights during and after the elections.

The statement also said that Perriello’s visit would culminate in Addis-Ababa, where he would join the U.S. delegation to the African Union Summit.

January 12, 2016
U.S. condemns attacks by insurgents

United States (U.S.) has condemned attacks by Boko Haram in the Northeast and Cameroon, Chad as well as Niger, in which dozens of people were killed.

A statement by the Department of State Deputy Spokesperson in Washington, D.C, Mark Toner, reaffirmed America’s commitment to helping Nigeria win the battle against insurgency.

Toner said U.S. stands with the people of Nigeria and the region in the fight against Boko Haram.

The statement reads: “The United States remains committed to helping Nigeria and its neighbours counter Boko Haram’s senseless acts of terror. Despite much progress over the past year – due in large part to newly bolstered Nigerian and regional efforts – more work remains to ensure the people of Cameroon, Chad, Niger and Nigeria can live in peace.

“The conflict has affected communities across the Lake Chad Basin, with some 2.5 million internally displaced people and more than 170,000 Nigerian refugees forced to flee their homes.

“The United States provides advisers, intelligence, training, logistical support, and equipment to our African partners as they work to defeat Boko Haram. We also support those affected by Boko Haram’s violence through humanitarian aid and victim support services.

“The United States will continue to work with our partners in the region to identify new opportunities to support their efforts to stop Boko Haram’s wanton violence and restore order in the Lake Chad Basin region.”

The U.S. government extended its deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims.

December 31, 2015
Terrorism: U.S. mulls security master plan in Nigeria

The U.S. says it has concluded plans to begin the implementation of the Security Governance Initiative (SGI), a comprehensive security master plan aimed at defeating terrorism and security threats in Nigeria.

The U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr James Entwistle, disclosed this on Wednesday in Abuja when he paid a courtesy visit to the Minister of Interior, retired Lt. Gen. Abudulrahman Dambazau.

The SGI is an initiative of the U.S. Government that offers enhanced approach to security sector assistance beginning with six African countries, including Nigeria.

The envoy said that a crack team from the SGI would be arriving Nigeria in January 2016 as part of efforts to assist Nigeria in dealing with all forms of security threat to the country.

“We are ready to partner with you on security. As you know the Security Governance Initiative (SGI) is meant to enhance the security sector, so we will be having a team here in Nigeria by January,’’ he said.

He explained that the SGI would be implemented in collaboration with the Nigerian Government so as to ensure a holistic and efficient outcome.

Entwistle also said that the U.S. had concluded plans for the training of the Nigerian Police and other security agencies so as to professionally deal with the threat of terrorism and all other forms of crime.

“As the situation in the North-East improves, we need to look at issues of the Police going back to the North-East and explore ways we can help with their training, ‘’ he said.

He, however, stressed that all forms of assistance and support will be at the request of the Nigerian Government as demonstrated by President Muhammadu Buhari when he visited the U.S. recently.

In his response, Dambazau expressed gratitude to the U.S. envoy for the visit and assured of the readiness of the Federal government to continue to partner with the U.S.

He said the SGI was a welcome initiative that must involve all stakeholders in the security sector for it to succeed.

“We want to assure you that on our own part we will fulfill our own part of the partnership (SGI) and we are confident that you will also fulfill your own part of the initiative,’’ he said.

He described the Ministry of Interior as very crucial to internal security in Nigeria and emphasised the need for all hands to be on deck to ensure peace and stability in the country

December 2, 2015
U.S. to assist Nigeria in power sector – Envoy

Mr James Entwistle, the U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria says his country will assist Nigeria to increase its power generation.

Entwistle spoke on Tuesday in Abuja when he visited the Minister of Science and Technology, Ogbonannya Onu, in his office.

He said that the U.S. would assist the country through “Power Africa Programme“ to increase power generation, distribution and transmission.

“We are looking for stronger role by private sector in the power industries to support Nigeria for better generation, transmission and distribution.

“We will encourage large private power companies to come and invest in Nigeria because we see the private sector as a solution to many of the energy challenges in Africa,’’ he said.

The ambassador said that the U.S. was also set to collaborate with the ministry to assist in other areas to promote science, technology and innovation toward national development.

Onu expressed gratitude to the envoy for the visit and assured him of his ministry’s readiness to partner with the U.S. government.

“USA is a largest economy in the world which is driven by pronounced innovation.

“We want partnership that will advance the science sector to diversify the economy,“ he said.

December 1, 2015
U.S. issues global travel warning on Boko Haram, ISIS

The U.S. State Department yesterday in Washington issued a global travel warning amid possible increased terrorist threats.

The travel alert, which is in effect until February 24, said current information suggested that militants with ISIS, al-Qaeda, Boko Haram and other militant groups continued to plan attacks in several regions around the world.

The release did not provide specifics of any planned attacks or threats, and mentioned no specific regions, except to note attacks this year in France, Nigeria, Denmark, Turkey and Mali.

The department noted that the current information suggested that the Islamic State movement, al-Qaeda, Boko Haram and other terrorist groups are planning more terrorist attacks in multiple regions.

“U.S. citizens should exercise vigilance when in public places or using transportation.

“Be aware of immediate surroundings and avoid large crowds or crowded places,’’ it said.

The State Department said the U.S. was exchanging information with allies about threats of international terrorism.

November 25, 2015
U.S. issues global travel warning amid terrorist threats

The U.S. State Department on Tuesday in Washington issued a global travel warning amid possible increased terrorist threats.

The travel alert, which is in effect until February 24, said current information suggested that militants with ISIS, al-Qaeda, Boko Haram and other militant groups continued to plan attacks in several regions around the world.

The release did not provide specifics of any planned attacks or threats, and mentioned no specific regions, except to note attacks this year in France, Nigeria, Denmark, Turkey and Mali.

The department noted that the current information suggested that the Islamic State movement, al-Qaeda, Boko Haram and other terrorist groups are planning more terrorist attacks in multiple regions.

“U.S. citizens should exercise vigilance when in public places or using transportation.

“Be aware of immediate surroundings and avoid large crowds or crowded places,’’ it said.

The State Department said the U.S. was exchanging information with allies about threats of international terrorism.

November 24, 2015
Akwa Ibom woos investors from China, U.S, Europe

The Akwa Ibom State government has set machinery in motion to fine-tune partnerships with the Chinese, American, European and South Korean companies among others, The Nation has learnt.

The government has also began moves to explore the viability of reported gold and coal deposits in some parts of the state in a renewed bid to expand the economic base of the state.

It has also explained its growing partnership with China for the industrial and business development of the state.

Chairman of the State Investment Corporation, AKICORP Dr Elijah Akpan told newsmen in Uyo that geologists would soon be contracted to determine the exact location and viability of the two minerals in the area.

“The Chinese and Canadians are coming with their superior technology that will be based on using satellite technology to locate the exact locations of these minerals and how viable they will be,” Akpan said.

The chairman said that the move was part of plans to also generate employment and discourage over reliance on crude oil proceeds which has continued to dwindle in recent times at the international market.

He described last month’s Chinese investment delegation visit to the state as fruitful adding that the Chinese were satisfied with what was on ground and has expressed interest in investing in manufacturing, agriculture, transportation, oil and gas, automobile, mining, tourism, energy and railway.

He explained that the growing partnership with China was due to their renewed and favourable interest demonstrated in recent times in Africa but said that government would also open its investment doors to businesses from Europe and other parts of the world.

“Our interest in China is because if you look at the most of the economies of the Western nations today they are all slowing down and are now turning their eyes to Africa because they know that Africa is the next hub for development.

“And so China’s leading interest in Africa is just because of that and so the next move of development is Africa and they showed no hesitation and more interest to come into Akwa Ibom but we are also working with companies in America and Europe to bring investment to Akwa Ibom,” Akpan explained.

On efforts to address the funding gap for Small and Medium Enterprises, SMEs, in the area, Akpan explained that government has entered into a fresh negotiation with the Bank of Industry, BOI.

November 22, 2015
U.S govt backs CBO investment management fund with $18.75m

The Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC), the U.S. Government’s development finance institution, has approved an $18.75 million commitment in CBO Investment Management (CBOIM’s) fund, CBO Growth Private Equity Investment Limited Fund. The Fund is seeking to raise $150 million from international and local institutional investors to invest in Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in West Africa.

CBOIM is one of the first private equity fund managers to target African institutional capital through a Nigeria onshore fund in parallel with a fund backed by international investors. The fund will specifically invest in SMEs with scalable growth patterns and credible management teams across six core sectors including agri-business/food processing, energy services, manufacturing and import substitution, education and healthcare services, technology, media and real estate services.

CBOIM and OPIC have a mutual commitment to make investments that not only generate commercial private equity returns but also have a positive developmental impact. “CBOIM presents an opportunity for OPIC to support an institutional-quality investment manager that will provide critical capital to SMEs in a variety of sectors in Nigeria and the rest of West Africa where access to finance for SMEs remains a challenge, but has a strong potential for development impact.

“I’m especially proud that this is the first Africa-focused approval to result from OPIC’s Innovative Financial Intermediaries Program (IFIP), an OPIC initiative to facilitate capital flow to developing economies,” OPIC’s President/CEO Elizabeth Littlefield, said.

Managing Partner of CBOIM, Bex Nwawudu, commented: “Securing investment from OPIC is a powerful endorsement of the opportunity and our strategy to support the best caliber SMEs in West Africa, and our governance structures. We have a long term vision for CBO and a clear plan for delivering superior returns. We are now making excellent progress to ensure we are attracting both international and African institutional investors as well as the partnerships required to fulfill them.”

CBO Investment Management is a West Africa investment firm based in Lagos, Nigeria and founded in 2008. The firm is managed by Managing Partners Bex Nwawudu & Chuka Mordi, along with Managing Director Joanne Yoo. The firm has 17 professionals on the ground.

CBOIM recently appointed Gary Steinberg (the former Chief of the Investment Unit at the International Monetary Fund) as Chair of the Advisory Board and to the Investment Committee.

November 20, 2015
Nigerian installed President of U.S. College

Change was in the air as 1,000 students, faculty, staff, family and friends from Nigeria cheered the installation of Dr. Benjamin Ola Akande as the 21st President of Westminster College, which was founded 165 years ago.

Akande is the college’s first black president and the first Nigerian-born president of a liberal arts college in America. He succeeded Dr. George Forsythe, who recently retired after serving for 10 years.

In his inaugural remarks, Akande, who formerly served as the dean of the George Herbert Walker School of Business and Technology at Webster University in St. Louis, said change will be coming to Westminster College.

“Westminster College will achieve greater significance by empowering learning communities, creating landmark academic programmes, and embracing global opportunities, thereby truly demonstrating the courage of our convictions,” he said.

Akande encouraged students, faculty, staff, and the Board of Trustees to be open to new ideas that are “bold and forward-looking”.

During the programme, a new academic partnership between the college and the Oyo State government was announced by Governor Abiola Ajimobi.

He said the pact is expected to opens doors for students and faculty from Westminster and colleges and universities in Oyo State.

Ajimobi named Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso as one of the tertiary institutions in Oyo State to benefit from the pact.

“This agreement will give Nigeria’s finest and most talented college students the opportunity to study at Westminster, and in turn, Westminster students and faculty will have the opportunity to study and teach at Samuel Ladoke Akintola University of Technology and potentially, other local universities. This partnership will help our students become globally competitive, and enable them to improve their communities in Nigeria. Such partnerships are vital for academic institutions and for governments in this increasingly globalised era,” he said.

Ajimobi also praised Akande, saying his inauguration as Westminster College’s new president “is a proud moment for those of us from Oyo State, from Awe, Dr. Akande’s ancestral hometown, and, it is a proud moment for all Nigerians.

“Throughout Nigeria, Dr. Benjamin Olayinka Akande is becoming a household name, a symbol of excellence, an emblem of the endurance of the American Dream, and its willingness to embrace and reward anyone who is willing to work hard and excel,” he said.

Akande’s parents, the Rev. Dr. and Mrs. S.T. Ola Akande, also witnessed the installation.

November 5, 2015