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  • Concerted, ambitious action needed to accelerate SDGs — World leaders

    Concerted, ambitious action needed to accelerate SDGs — World leaders

    World leaders on Monday agreed at the 78th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 78) on the need for concerted and ambitious action to accelerate Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 

    The two-day SDG Summit is the centrepiece of the UN General Assembly’s high-level week. 

    President Tinubu arrived in New York on Sunday to participate in the high-level meetings of the 78th session of UNGA.

    The president on his first outing to the Assembly will deliver his inaugural national statement to the world leaders on Tuesday. 

    The UN Secretary-General António Guterres in his remarks said now is the time for a global plan to rescue the SDGs which are woefully off-track halfway towards their 2030 deadline. 

    The Secretary-General warned that currently only 15 per cent are on track, while many are going in reverse.

    World leaders adopted a political declaration to accelerate action to achieve the 17 goals, which aim to drive economic prosperity and well-being for all people while protecting the environment.

    Guterres said: “The SDGs aren’t just a list of goals. They carry the hopes, dreams, rights and expectations of people everywhere”.

    World leaders had adopted the SDGs in 2015, promising to leave no one behind. 

    The goals include ending extreme poverty and hunger, ensuring access to clean water and sanitation, as well as green energy, and providing quality universal education and lifelong learning opportunities.

    UN General Assembly President Dennis Francis noted that despite commitments, 1.2 billion people were still living in poverty as of 2022, and roughly eight per cent of the global population, or 680 million people, will still be facing hunger by the end of the decade. 

    He said: “With concerted, ambitious action, it is still possible that, by 2030, we could lift 124 million additional people out of poverty and ensure that some 113 million fewer people are malnourished. The political declaration can be a game-changer in accelerating SDG progress.”

    The declaration includes a commitment to financing for developing countries and clear support for his proposal for an SDG Stimulus of at least $500 billion annually, as well as an effective debt-relief mechanism.

    It further calls for changing the business model of multilateral development banks to offer private finance at more affordable rates for developing countries, and endorses reform of the international finance architecture.

    Read Also: Firm organises global roundtable to facilitate SDGs in Africa

    The UN chief highlighted the need for action in six critical areas, starting with addressing hunger, which he called “a shocking stain on humanity, and an epic human rights violation.”

    The Secretary-General said the transition to renewable energy isn’t happening fast enough, while the benefits and opportunities of digitalization are not being spread widely enough.

    Guterres highlighted UN response to each area, including initiatives to transform global food systems so everyone can have access to a healthy diet. 

    The President of the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), Paula Narváez, heartened by the adoption of the declaration, called it a testament to leaders’ unwavering commitment towards implementing the SDGs.

    She said the High-level Dialogue on Financing for Development will address the need for an international financial architecture that can respond to current needs and emerging challenges. 

  • World leaders seek more investment in Africa

    The first big international gathering of the year was the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF) which ended in Davos, Switzerland, at the weekend, with promises from global business leaders to invest in Africa. World leaders discussed climate change, global inequality and rising executive pay in the banking sector, writes COLLINS NWEZE.

    The 2019 World Economic Forum (WEF) ended in Davos, Switzerland, at the weekend, but not with some takeaways.

    It was a gathering of top captains of industry, heads of governments, politicians, and key players who shape global economic, political and technological narrative of the world.

    The world leaders and multilateral agencies used the forum to demand inclusive global growth, emphasised the power of private capital, rising executive compensation especially in the banking industry and sought more investments in infrastructure.

    Managing Director of International Monetary Fund (IMF) Christine Lagarde and other world leaders were all united in their commitment to invest  more in Africa.

    The Managing Director of International Monetary Fund (IMF) Christine Lagarde warned against fat-cat pay after noticing an increase in executive rewards across the banking sector.

    She reminded the financial sector against rising executive pay.“Watch out where your compensation systems are, yet again, going,” she said to bankers.

    She also urged the financial sector to aim for a greater purpose than just maximum profit and described the poor representation of women at the top of the banking business as “appalling”.

    Lagarde said she was “a strong believer in incentive schemes, but added: “I think we’re seeing some incentive systems in some corners of the financial sector, yet again, moving in a direction that I find not exactly aligned with a sense of purpose that I hope banks actually have.”

    Lagarde explained that the public now demands that banks have a greater purpose beyond the bottom line.

    “It can’t just be single-mindedly the pursuit of profit, it has to be multifaceted and it has to take into account multiple stakeholders,” she said.

    The Lagos State All Progressives Congress (APC) Governorship  candidate in the next month’s general elections, Babajide Sanwo-Olu was  among the dignitaries the attended the event in Davos, Switzerland  from January 22nd to  25th. Other notable Nigerians at the event include  former Finance Minister, Mrs. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and  Chairman Heirs Holdings, Tony Elumelu.

    Okonjo-Iweala spoke on the need for inclusive growth and the urgency regarding bridging the inequality gap round the world. She emphasized the need for stronger countries to carry the weak one along.

    She said that if nominated by shareholders of the World Bank to vie for the to job of World Bank Presidency, she would contest again for the second time.

    Mrs. Okonjo Iweala contested for the job in 2012 but lost.

    This is coming at the heels of the sudden resignation of the World Bank President earlier this month.

    Chairman Heirs Holdings, Tony Elumelu, said that Africa needs global investments grow its economies and fund infrastructure.

    He said that capital  goes to where it is most welcome and that African leaders should create enabling environment for investors to come in.

    “As you know, capital goes to where it is most welcome, or where the investment destination is more hospitable. For us, we are ready but our political leaders should create enabling environment to attract such investment. We need to ensure that the enabling environment to enable both the small businesses and big businesses do well. We also have to ensure that capital attracted is retained in the continent,” he said.

    He said that leadership is key in empowering the African youths. More importantly, he stressed that entrepreneurship would get youths in the continent busy and keep them out of social vices as well as create employment opportunities in the continent.

    Other delegates warned of a climate change catastrophe unless urgent action is taken to “bend the curve” on rising greenhouse gas emissions.

    They insisted that phasing out burning coal would be a good start, but environmentalists were disappointed when Angela Merkel said Germany would need coal for “a certain time”.

    Sanwo-Olu had ahead of the forum, met with select Swiss investors in Geneva during which he highlighted the enormous investment opportunities in Lagos State.

    The engagement was an extension of the APC gubernatorial candidate’s consultations with critical stakeholders and international organisations that could support the attainment of his vision for a greater Lagos

    The business interaction triggered commitments of $5 billion investment in infrastructure and capital projects in the state and provided an avenue for him to further reinforce the investment opportunities in the state.

    While the array of investors comprising commodity traders, equity managers, investment bankers, Fintech & Information Technology experts, infrastructure builders, international donors, energy and power companies unanimously agreed that Lagos is fertile ground for investments, they cited political risk as a more disturbing consideration over economic risk.

    But Sanwo-Olu told the investors that Nigeria is safe for investment and Lagos State as the economic nerve centre of the country presents the best environment for global investments. “There is progressive leadership and stability in the governance of Lagos State since 1999. The state has been under the administration of a party, my party, which is the All Progressives Party for more than 16 years. The state has remained a reference point for infrastructural development and economic prosperity in Nigeria and West Africa,” he said.

    “On investors’ protection, I think that should be the least of your worries. Lagos has a comprehensive regulation that protects and shields investors. The scope of the regulation covers disputes resolution and commitment to ease of doing business.”

    Sanwo-Olu informed the investors about his determination to transform Lagos into a 21st century economy. He disclosed that Lagos economy is adjudged to be the fifth largest in Africa and is not yet a 24-hour economy. He listed transportation and traffic management, health and environment, education and technology, tourism, entertainment among others as top-line agenda his government will pursue upon election in 2019.

    Country Portfolio Manager, High Impact Africa 1 Grant Management Division of Global Fund, Ibrahim Faria pledged the commitment to support health system in Lagos State if  Sanwo-Olu wins the election.

    Also speaking at the forum, the Executive Secretary of the International Trade Centre (ITC), Arancha González said the agency will support the growth agenda of Lagos State.

    Specifically, Sanwo-Olu who recently launched his policy agenda for Lagos tagged ‘THEME’, hinted that excellent delivery of socio-economic programmes to residents of a cosmopolitan city like Lagos will require more than willingness on the part of the government, but also the support of world-class human-centered organisations in the areas of frameworks, templates, collaborations, trainings and insights to succeed.

    “We have a vision to make Lagos a 21st century economy. This is an exciting aspiration targeted at transforming every aspect of Lagos life. We know that beyond the huge infrastructural requirements and regulatory framework revision, there are also significant human capital development needs that will support the success of this goal. Hence, our call for support by notable global organisations like the International Trade Centre with impressive track-record of helping growing economies”, Sanwo-Olu said.

    González said the ITC’s goal is to help developing and transition countries achieve sustainable human development through exports, adding that it is also a development partner for small business export success.

    “Lagos is an important city in the world, and because of our commitment to economic development and wellbeing of mankind, we are always inclined to support human-centered programmes. It is pleasing that health, environment, education and technology are some of the focal areas of your agenda because these elements are major items of discussion in the modern world,” she said.

    Tagged project THEME, five pillars of development will focus on traffic and transportation, health and the environment, education and technology, making Lagos a 21st century economy, as well as entertainment and tourism, among other issues.

    Speaking on Traffic Management and Transportation, Sanwo-olu said he has identified about 60 traffic gridlocks in the state and that gridlock red spots in some parts of the state such as Third Mainland Bridge and Lekki-Ikoyi/Admiralty Way and Lekki Toll Plaza, among others will be resolved within nine months of his administration, saying “we promised to implement a more effective public transport system, reactivate the rail system, extend water transport services, expand and improve network of roads.

    On health and environment, Sanwo-Olu promised to ensure the presence of minimum of three doctors, three nurses and five community health workers in all 354 Primary Health Centre (PHCs) by 2021 and provide 10 new PHCs for riverine and other underserved areas, adding that his government would optimize waste management, improve drainage and disposal of wastewater across the metropolis.

    Sanwo-Olu noted that as the fifth largest economy in Africa, Lagos needs partnerships with multilateral institutions, global companies and other private investors at home and abroad to expand the current size of the state economy put at $136 billion dollars in Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

    Ambassador Ralph Friedlander said Switzerland is a leading country in promoting small businesses through skill acquisition and vocational trainings and will be ready to work with Lagos State to help develop the right skills for young people to acquire right skills for economic productivity.

    “I have seen your areas of focus in your development agenda. Education, health and economic opportunities to lift the poor out of poverty through skill development are areas where we have expertise. We will work with you. Nigeria and Switzerland have solid relationship and we will continue to strengthen that through our work with the central government and we will work with state Lagos State,” he said.

  • World leaders honour Bush at funeral

    George W. Bush brokes down in tears as he paid farewell to ‘the best father a son or daughter could have’ in a moving eulogy at a state funeral which united presidents, politics and a nation in tribute to United States (U.S.) 41st president yesterday.

    The body of President George H.W. Bush was taken from the Rotunda to the National Cathedral shortly before 11am

    His five children and their spouses escorted his casket to the cathedral after a 21-gun salute at the Capitol

    Around 3,000 people attended the funeral at the National Cathedral and more than 50,000 lined the streets

    Former presidents, including Jimmy Carter, Barack Obama and Bill Clinton attended the service along with their spouses

    President Donald Trump attended with First Lady Melania Trump – they sat in the front row next to Barack and Michelle Obama and the Clintons

    The former president died at 94 at his family’s home in Houston, Texas, last Friday.

    After delivering a moving tribute to his father at his memorial service in Washington, Bush  broke down in tears at the end as he spoke lovingly of the 41st president as a caring father, loyal friend and formidable president.

    He said “through our tears let us know the blessings of knowing and loving you, a great and noble man,” Bush said of his father and namesake, George H.W. Bush, as he spoke at the end of a two-hour long service at the National Cathedral in Washington DC.

    His was the fourth speech and most emotional tribute to the late president.

    For most of his eulogy, the president maintained his composure as he described how much his father was looking forward to reuniting with his late mother Barbara and their toddler daughter Robin, who died in 1953 aged three from leukemia.

    It was at the end of his remarks, as he eulogised him as ‘the best father a son or daughter can have’ that George W. buckled with emotion.

    He said: “We’re going to miss you, your decency, sincerity and your kind soul will stay with us forever.

    “In our grief, I just smile knowing that dad is hugging Robin and holding mom’s hand again,” before stepping down from the pulpit to rapturous applause from the congregation.

    Earlier in his remarks, the 43rd president recalled calling his father during the final minutes of his life.

    ‘I called him. I said dad, I love you you’ve been a wonderful father. And the last words he would ever say on earth were, “I love you too,” he said.

    Bush, the first president since John Quincy Adams to follow his father to the nation’s highest office, also spoke of some of the values his father displayed in office.

    ‘He showed me what it means to be a president who serves with integrity, leads with courage and acts with love in his heart for the citizens of our country,’ he said, adding: ‘They will say that George H.W. Bush was a great president of the United States.

    ‘A diplomat of unmatched skill.

    ‘A commander-in-chief of formidable accomplishment,’ his son said.

    He wove back and forth during his remarks from the personal to the national and political, referencing his father’s war service and service to the nation as well as the family that was central to his life, particularly his wife-of-74 years, Barbara.

    ‘He laughed and cried with her. He was dedicated to her totally,’ he said.

    Late in life, they would watch police show reruns, with ‘the volume on high. All the while holding mom’s hand.’

    After she died in April, ‘all he really wanted to do was hold mom’s hand again,’ George W. said.

    He also told how his father prayed ‘every day’ for his late sister Robin which demonstrated to the rest of the family ‘how setbacks can strengthen.’

    There were some lighter moments which included jokes about his ‘lousy short game’ and notorious dislike of broccoli.

    ‘He wasn’t exactly Fred Astaire on the dance floor….the man couldn’t stomach vegetables, especially broccoli…and by the way, he passed these genetic defects on to us,’ he joked.

    As he made his way back to his seat, he placed a tender hand on his father’s casket then took his seat in his pew where he was comforted by his wife Laura and brother Jeb.

    He sobbed into a tissue then broke out into laughs, clutching his brother’s hand then planting a kiss on his wife’s cheek.

    George W. entered the cathedral last, taking his place with other family members in the front pew across a well-worn aisle from President Donald Trump and every living former president.

    He was seen fighting back tears at the Capitol as his father’s body left the building.

    A 21-gun salute, the week’s fourth, had rung out an hour earlier, booming over a quiet, damp Washington morning at the Capitol as his body was removed from the Rotunda where it had been visited by tens of thousands of mourners over the last two days.

  • Buhari to world leaders: emulate Mandela on human dignity

    PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari has urged world leaders to emulate the values of former South African President Nelson Mandela by placing human dignity at the centre of their action.

    This, he said, would build a just, peaceful, prosperous, inclusive and fair world.

    Buhari spoke during the Nelson Mandela Peace Summit on the sidelines of the 73rd United Nations General Assembly in New York.

    According to him, the Centenary celebration of the anti-apartheid icon was an opportunity for the leaders to rededicate themselves to the service of humanity by championing democracy, conflict resolution, disarmament, mutual respect, reconciliation, gender equality and the fight against poverty.

    Even though the world is facing diverse challenges ranging from conflicts, climate change, terrorism, desertification, poverty, arms trafficking and extremism among others, he said it would bring great hope and renaissance if inspiration is drawn from Mandela, whose lifestyle, he noted, symbolised uncommon humility, compassion, courage and forgiveness.

    Buhari quoted Mandela as saying during his trial and when faced with death penalty: “During my life time, I have dedicated myself to this struggle of African people. I have fought against white domination and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the ideals of a democratic and free society in which all persons live together in harmony with equal opportunity. It is an ideal which I hope to live for and see realised. But if need be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die.”

    The President added: “It is within this ethos of the great Mandela that we place this declaration. We must, therefore, make concerted efforts to build a just, peaceful, prosperous and inclusive and fair world and revert to the values for which Nelson Mandela stood by placing human dignity at the centre of our action.”

    He said the centenary celebration provided an avenue to reflect on the legacies of Mandela and his unwavering advocacy for human rights, social justice and peace.

    Buhari said: “It also affords us a rare privilege to rededicate ourselves to the service of humanity by championing democracy, conflict resolution, disarmament, mutual respect, reconciliation, gender equality and the fight against poverty.

    “There is no doubt that in quest to attain peace and development, the world will draw inspiration from the likes of Nelson Mandela,” he said.

    Nigeria, he said, wants all nations to recognise that the United Nations is built on pillars of peace and security, development and human rights which are the foundations for the world’s collective wellbeing which he said also emphasize that “there can be no peace without sustainable development and no sustainable development without peace and full respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms for all.”

    He also added that by the declaration, the world recognises the contribution of women to advancement of society and their contribution to the prevention and resolution of conflicts.

    Buhari said Nigeria is committed to the promotion and protection of the rights of all women as well as providing an enabling environment for them to realise their full potentials.

    The political declaration that was unanimously adopted on Monday has the nearly 100 Heads of State and Government, Ministers, Member States and representatives of civil society paying tribute to the late South African President’s celebrated qualities and service to humanity, committed to redoubling efforts to build a just, peaceful, prosperous, inclusive, and fair world.

  • World leaders bid farewell to ex-UN chief Annan

    •Day of tribute for Ghananian diplomat in New York

    Ghanaians bid farewell to former United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Kofi Annan yesterday in a state funeral attended by African leaders and international statesmen who hailed his record as an advocate for humanity and world peace.

    Annan, a Ghanaian national and Nobel laureate, died on August 18 in a Swiss hospital at 80.

    Born in Kamasi, Ghana, on April 8, 1938, Annan took the baton as the seventh Secretary-General of the UN from Egyptian diplomat Boutrous Boutrous-Ghali in December 1996. He served for two consecutive five-year terms, from January 1997 to December 2006.

    His body was flown to Accra on Monday for burial in his homeland, where he is seen as a national hero.

    Around 6,000 mourners filled the auditorium for yesterday’s service – the climax of a multi-day funeral ceremony, which has seen his coffin, draped in the Ghanaian national colours, displayed for public viewing.

    UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres was among the dignitaries in attendance. They include former Ghanaian presidents, the leaders of Ivory Coast, Liberia, Namibia and Niger and the Crown Prince of Norway.

    In an address, Guterres hailed Annan, who served between 1997 and 2006 as the seventh UN Secretary-General, as an exceptional global leader with a deep faith in the role of the UN as a force for good.

    Guterres said: “As we face the headwinds of our troubled and turbulent times, let us always be inspired by the legacy of Kofi Annan. Our world needs it now more than ever.”

    The ceremony was projected onto big screens outside the auditorium for the crowds of mourners that could not find space inside the hall.

    Many commuters in the capital wore black as a sign of respect.

    On Wednesday, Annan’s family and Ghanaian dignitaries were among hundreds to file past his casket amid traditional rites by local chiefs and clan leaders.

    Annan, a Ghanaian of Ashanti lineage, was granted a royal title by the Ashanti king in 2002.

    The elders said the rites, including presenting him with clothing and water, were necessary to clear the path for a peaceful “travel” for their royal.

    Some mourners, like New York-based community mayor Delois Blakely, had flown long distances to pay their respects.

    Blakely, who served as an Ambassador of Goodwill to Africa at the UN, told Reuters: “I had known and worked with Kofi for close to 10 years. He spent his life trying hard to fix our broken society.”

    As former UN chief, the late Annan was linked to peace efforts to reunite the divided island of Cyprus, submitting a reunification blueprint which was rejected in a referendum by Greek Cypriots in 2004.

    He staunchly opposed the United States (U.S.)-led invasion of Iraq in 2003 and later served as the first UN envoy at the start of Syria’s war, but quit after world powers failed to fulfill their commitments, saying: “I lost my troops on the way to Damascus.”

    The United States (UN) paid final respects to the former Secretary-General Kofi Annan as the late Ghanaian diplomat was laid to rest yesterday in Ghana.

    The UN General Assembly will tomorrow hold a commemorative meeting to pay tribute to the former Secretary-General.

    Statements, a minute of silence and traditional African cultural performance, are expected to be made in honour of the former UN scribe.

    In his tribute,  Guterres said: “Kofi Annan was both one-of-a-kind and one of us. He was an exceptional global leader.

    “He was also someone virtually anyone in the world could see themselves in: those on the far reaching of poverty or by, conflict and despair who found in him an ally; the junior UN staffers following in his footsteps; the young person to whom he said until his dying breath ‘always remember, you are never too young to lead – and we are never too old to learn.

    “Like few in our time, Kofi Annan would bring people together, put them at ease, and unite them towards a common goal for our common humanity.

    “There is an old joke: The art of diplomacy is to say nothing … especially when you are speaking! Kofi Annan could say everything, sometimes without uttering a word.

    “It came from the dignity and the moral conviction and the humanity that was so deep in him. He had that gentle voice that lilt, that made people smile and think of music. But his words were tough and wise.

    “And sometimes the graver a situation, the lower that voice would get.We would lean in to listen. And the world would lean in. And we were rewarded by his wisdom.”

    The UN chief described the late Annan as courageous, speaking truth to power while subjecting himself to intense self-scrutiny.

    Pointing to his time at the helm of the UN, Guterres said Annan had an almost mystical sense of the role of the UN as a force for good in a world of ills.

    The UN scribe said: “He pioneered new ideas and initiatives, including the Millennium Development Goals and the landmark reforms in his report titled: ‘In Larger Freedom’.

    “He opened the doors of the UN, bringing the Organisation close to the world’s people and engaging new partners in protecting the environment, defending human rights and combating HIV and AIDS and other killer diseases. Kofi Annan was the UN and the UN was him,” he said.

    Guterres said now that he occupied the office the late Annan once held, he is continually inspired by his integrity, dynamism and dedication.

    He said: “To him, indifference was the world’s worst poison. Even after finishing his term as Secretary-General, he never stopped battling on the front-lines of diplomacy.

    “He helped to case post-election tensions in Kenya, gave his all to find a political solution to the brutal war in Syria and set out a path for ensuring justice and rights for the Rohingya people of Myanmar.

    “Kofi straddled many worlds – North and South, East and West. But he found his surest anchor in his African roots and identity.

    “The great Nelson Mandela, accustomed to being called Madiba, had his own nickname for Kofi, and called him ‘my leader’. This was no jest. Kofi was our leader, too,” Guterres stressed.

    The UN chief said Annan is gone now and he would be missed immensely but that his words and wise counsel remain.

    “’Please carry on, I hear him saying. ‘You know what to do: Take care of each other. Take care of our planet. Recognise the humanity in all people.

    “’And support the UN Nations – the place where we can all come together to solve problems and build a better future for all”‘.

    Guterres concluded: “As we face the headwinds of our troubled and turbulent times, let us always be inspired by the legacy of Kofi Annan – and guided by the knowledge that he will continue speaking to us, urging us on towards the goals to which he dedicated his life and truly moved our world”.

     

    Widow joins mourners

    WIFE of former United Nations (UN) chief Kofi Annan, Nane joined dignitaries on Wednesday to file past her husband’s casket amid traditional funeral rites by local chiefs and clan leaders.

    Annan, a Ghanaian national and Nobel peace prize laureate, died in a Swiss hospital on August at 80.

    He was surrounded in his last days by his second wife Nane and children Ama, Kojo and Nina.

    Annan’s body, accompanied by his family, including Nane, was flown to Accra on Monday.

    His coffin, draped in Ghanaian national colours, was laid in state for public viewing ahead of the burial yesterday.

    Wednesday’s session was dominated by customary rites for the late Annan, a dignitary of Ashanti lineage, who was granted a royal title by the Ashanti King in 2002.

    The elders said the rites were necessary to clear the path for a peaceful “travel” for their royal.

    “Custom demands that we see him off with the necessary clothing and water for his journey to the other world,” one of the chiefs from the Akwamu traditional area said.

    Others, who filed past Annan’s body, included senior Ghanaian politicians and foreign dignitaries, among them African Union (AU) and UN officials.

  • ‘World leaders want to do business with Nigeria’

    The Minister of Information and Culture Alhaji Lai Mohammed says Nigeria is getting global attention because of the incorruptible leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari.

    The Minister stated this on Sunday when he appeared as guest on a Nigeria Television Authority programme, “Stepping Up”.

    “What we have witnessed recently have shown beyond doubt that Nigeria is today an investors’ destination.

    “Last week we received British Prime Minister, Theresa May. During the visit,   several bilateral agreements were signed.

    “Friday of same week,  we received German Chancellor, Angela Merkel. Several bilateral agreements were also signed

    “The global leaders are coming to Nigeria because this government is providing good leadership in the areas of security and infrastructure.

    “The perception globally about the government is that it is providing an incorruptible leadership,  a government that you can do business with, without fear.”

    “In one year alone, we climbed 24 steps in the ladder of ease of doing business.

    “These are all the things they have seen that are attracting them to cone to partner and invest”.

    The minister said the three cardinal goals  driving the administration’s success were, “focus, discipline and integrity”

    “We did not invent the Treasury Single Account (TSA), but we are the administration that is disciplined enough to ensure that all proceeds of government go into the TSA.

    “This has helped a lot. Before now, funds belonging to government were in thousands of bank accounts and the result was that we were paying a lot of bank charges on the accounts .

    “Under the old system, the government could not  have wholistic idea of how much fund it had, which hampered planning.

    “Today, every penny of government is being paid into TSA. This has helped a lot,” he said.

    The minister recalled that the administration at inception suffered massively from the drop in oil prices.

    He said with discipline,  focus and integrity,  the administration was able to bring out the nation from recession.

    Mohammed said he subscribed to the directive by the APC national executive committee that the process for selecting the party’s  presidential candidate should be by direct primaries.

    He said the direct primaries would allow all members  of the party in all nooks and crannies of the country the right to choose their leader.

    Mohammed noted that there had been a lot of hype on the gale of defection particularly as it concerned, his home state, Kwara.

    “Yes, we lost some people who left with the Senate President, Bukola Saraki,  like the state governor and 23 of the 24 members of House of Assembly.

    “But the good news is that APC had gained massively. Many PDP members who could not stand in the same party with Saraki are defecting to APC.

    “The most important thing is that the people of Kwara are very much with us and I am confident that come 2019, we will win massively in Kwara state,” he said.

    On fake news phenomenon, the minister said it is a global epidemic that “is not abating at all and our own resolve to confront it is also not abating”

    He reiterated the government resolve not to coerce or censor but to continue with advocacy and depend on the conscience of media practitioners.(NAN)

  • ‘Trump’s comment won’t keep world leaders from Buhari’

    The Presidency yesterday said the recent comment credited to the United States President, Donald Trump won’t keep other world leaders away from President Muhammadu Buhari.

    While the British Prime Minister, Theresa May visited Buhari in Abuja on Wednesday, the German Chancellor, Ms Angela Merkel did the same on Friday.

    Speaking with journalists on arrival in Beijing, China, the Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu said there is a special attraction to Buhari and Nigeria.

    He said: “You know that as a policy, we said that we are not going to answer the American President, however, the fact that the entire world and world leaders are coming to meet President Muhammadu Buhari, is an indication that there is something about President Buhari, there is something about the Nigeria he now leads, that the world likes.

    “I think that Nigerians themselves should better look at this from this positive point of view. It is a major development.

    “We had situations in the country in the past where key world leaders didn’t want to meet our own leaders, all of that has changed in the last three years.”

    On the expectations of Nigeria from President Buhari’s visit to China, he said: “You know from the last summit in South Africa, the Chinese financing of projects in Nigeria has more than doubled under President Muhammadu Buhari and therefore, we expect that if the same momentum is maintained.

    “We hope that going forward, all of the projects that are outstanding like the Kaduna-Kano rail project, the coastal rail scheme, Mambilla power project, the second phase of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport expansion project, Lagos, Port Harcourt, Abuja/ Kano.

    “All of these projects, they will move more steadily and thankfully, we have virtually everyone who matters on our own side.

    “So, we hope that whatever is left, the doted lines will be signed, and we are hoping that we will take back with us, quite a number of schemes that will take Nigeria forward.”

  • UN, Buhari, other world leaders mourn Kofi Annan

    •Ex-UN Secretary General dies at 80
    •Ghana declares a week of mourning

    The UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres,  yesterday opened the floodgates of tribute for one of his predecessors, Kofi Annan who died yesterday  in Geneva, Switzerland.

    Guterres described Annan, who won the Nobel Peace prize in 2001, as a guiding force for good.

    President Muhammadu Buhari telephoned President Nana Akufo-Addo of Ghana, Annan’s home country, to express his condolences.

    Buhari said    all Nigerians and ECOWAS member countries share in the deep loss, considering the strategic influence of the former scribe in global affairs and his vision for the repositioning of the West Coast and Africa.

    He said that the deceased, though the first elected staff of the United Nations to lead the world organisation and the  first African to win the 2001 Nobel Peace Prize jointly with the United Nations, was an epitome of humility.

    He said Annan’s nobility and love for humanity set him apart for global greatness, achieving recognition and commendation for the reform of the United Nations’ bureaucracy and multiple interventions to bring peace to the world.

    In his tribute, Ambassador Dapo Fafowora, described the death as “Very sad news.  I met him several times in Geneva and New York before his election in 1993 as UNSG. He was physically and mentally impressive.  He will go down in history as Africa’s most outstanding public servant.”

    Guterres in his tribute said: “it is with profound sadness that I learned of his passing. In many ways, Kofi Annan was the United Nations. He rose through the ranks to lead the organisation into the new millennium with matchless dignity and determination.

    “Like so many, I was proud to call Kofi Annan a good friend and mentor. I was deeply honoured by his trust in selecting me to serve as UN High Commissioner for Refugees under his leadership.

    “He remained someone I could always turn to for counsel and wisdom — and I know I was not alone. He provided people everywhere with a space for dialogue, a place for problem-solving and a path to a better world.

    “In these turbulent and trying times, he never stopped working to give life to the values of the United Nations Charter. His legacy will remain a true inspiration for all of us.

    “My heartfelt condolences to Nane Annan, their beloved family, and all who mourn the loss of this proud son of Africa who became a global champion for peace and all humanity.”

    Russian President Vladimir Putin said he “sincerely admired his wisdom and courage, his ability to make informed decisions even in the most complex, critical situations. His memory will live forever in the hearts of Russians.”

    Putin said he was “fortunate” to be in personal contact with Annan while he was leading the United Nations between 1997 and 2006.

    “For many years the life of this remarkable man and great politician was devoted to the service of the United Nations,” he said.

    “He led the UN in a difficult period… strengthening its central role in world affairs, building the UN’s peacekeeping capacity and resolving a number of regional conflicts.”

    Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, also expressed shock over the death of Annan and said on twitter that “he was a good friend whom I saw only weeks ago.”

    Moussa Faki Mahamat, Chairman of the African Union (AU) Commission, described him as “a great man, a dear brother.”

    New leader of Amnesty International, Kumi Naidoo, said: “he was warm, compassionate and intelligent, exuding dignity and grace.”

    For Filippo Grandi, UN refugee Chief, Annan was “international leader, wise mentor, valuable adviser, good friend and role model.”

    “We at UNHCR and millions of others around the world will miss him very much.”

    The Elders, an elite group of former leaders founded by Nelson Mandela, said  they are “shocked and deeply saddened” by the death of their colleague and chairman Kofi Annan at age 80 after a short illness.

    In a statement, The Elders called the former UN secretary-general “a voice of great authority and wisdom in public and private.”

    The group said Annan’s most recent work was in visits to South Africa and Zimbabwe, where the country was preparing for a historic presidential election.

    “His quiet advice on how best to defuse impending crises was in constant demand from all corners of the globe, in particular from Africa,” Gro Harlem Brundtland, The Elders Deputy Chairman said.

    Annan’s death was announced yesterday by his Foundation. He died after a brief illness, it said.

    The Ghanaian was the second African to head the UN after Egyptian Boutrous Boutrous Ghali, who was in charge between January 1992 to December 1996.

    His tenure as UN secretary-general coincided with the Iraq War and the HIV/Aids pandemic.

    After serving for 10 years at UN, Annan served as the UN special envoy for Syria, leading efforts to find a peaceful solution to the conflict.

    Kofi Annan described his greatest achievement as the Millennium Development Goals which – for the first time – set global targets on issues such as poverty and child mortality.

    Annan mediated in the dispute between Cameroon and Nigeria over the Bakassi peninsula.

    Annan was born in Kumasi Ghana on April 8, 1938. After studying at Kwame Nkrumah University, he went on to study economics at Macalester College, international relations from the Graduate Institute Geneva and management at MIT.

    He joined the UN in 1962, working for the World Health Organisation’s Geneva office. He went on to work in several capacities at the UN Headquarters including serving as the Under-Secretary-General for peacekeeping between March 1992 and December 1996.

    He was the first UN Secretary General to be appointed from within the organisation’s bureaucracy.

    His first marriage was to Nigerian Titi Alakija, from 1965 to 1983. After the marriage collapsed, he married Nane Maria Lagergren in 1984.

    He is survived by his wife, Nane and three children, Kojo, Ama and Nina.

  • ILO to world leaders: create social justice for peace

    Director General of the International Labour Organisation (ILO), Guy Ryder, has challenged world leaders to work for a better world with decent work.

    He said for the world to enjoy peace, leaders must learn to cultivate social justice among the people.

    Speaking during the opening of the world of work summit at the ongoing 107th session of the International Labour Conference, Ryder said it was unfortunate more and more countries were witnessing incidences of conflicts and violence, which he said poses potential threat to global peace and survival.

    He said leaders and everybody has a stake in securing peace and resilience, which is currently deepened by persistent crisis endangers all.

    He added that there are echoes of these in the ILO constitution which reminds us that poverty anywhere can constitute danger to prosperity everywhere.

    According to him: “Our world is suffering not only heightened tension but also multiple grave and intractable conflicts as well as natural disasters.

    “These are terrible events inflicting very terrible sufferings which destroy lives and communities and have threatened our collective stability.

    “The broadcast images that we all see from battle fields in Syria or natural catastrophe such as the one that struck Guatemala must not immune us to the human cost involved.

    “Rather, they must move us to solidarity and to action. That is why the ILO is and must be present in such situation.

    “We are here today because of the demand of hundreds of men and women living in fragile and affected countries and disaster situations.

    “The plea that we hear time and again is for bread, jobs, freedom and dignity, education for the children and those who are displaced wants to go back home to safety, to jobs and security.

    He added: “We all have a stake in securing peace and resilience.

    “It calls for coherence and integrated strategies to prevent and deal with crisis, to facilitate post conflict recovery and for peace and resilience.

    “I believe that we need to seize the opportunity of the new humanitarian and development architecture for sustaining peace to do more to respond to conflict and more to prevent them from happening in the first place.”

     

  • MOSOP to world leaders: avert genocide in Ogoni

    The Movement for Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP) has called on world leaders and people of conscience to avert an impending genocide in Ogoniland.

    It urged them to pressure Nigeria and Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) to implement recommendations of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) report on  the environmental assessment of Ogoniland, submitted to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan in 2011.

    MOSOP, yesterday, through its Publicity Secretary, Fegalo Nsuke, noted that between March 2 and 17, Bodo-Ogoni in Gokana Local Government Area buried 33 persons; 29 died in K-Dere, also in Gokana council, with similar reports from other Ogoni villages.

    It said: “MOSOP wants to use this opportunity to alert the world of what is clearly a Shell/state-sponsored genocide in Ogoniland. We are concerned that Shell and the Federal Government of Nigeria are doing little or nothing about the restoration of Ogoni environment and the immediate provision of water for the people,  even as communities record increasing death rate.

    “MOSOP flays the inhuman attitude of the Nigerian government and Shell. We urge the world not to allow this happen in the 21st century.

    “We take exception to the fact that just in December 2017, the Nigerian government approved $1 billion to purchase arms to fight insurgents in the Northeast, but the same government has failed to provide an agreed sum of $200 million annually for five years to save the lives of over one million people in Ogoniland.

    “In the midst of these terrible conditions, the Federal Government has remained silent on the threats posed by Belema Oil Producing Limited and Robo-Michael Limited, both Nigerian oil firms, which are currently sponsoring rival groups in the hope to force a resumption of oil production in Ogoniland, despite our repeated notification and firm position expressing our disapproval to oil production, without the implementation of the UNEP report and other conditions.

    “It is disturbing that while Ogoni people and their environment are increasingly threatened by the effects of years of pollution from Shell’s reckless business practices, the Nigerian government is doing nothing as Belema Oil and Robo-Michael continue to sponsor divisions and rivalry, thereby increasing the potential for conflicts that can worsen the condition of people who are already faced with death from environmental pollution.”

    MOSOP admonished the world leaders to stand up for humanity and save the Ogoni from extinction, stressing that the world must not be silent on the danger faced by the Ogoni.

    SPDC was sent packing in 1993 from Ogoniland’s four councils of Khana, Gokana, Tai and Eleme.

    Renowned environmentalist Ken Saro-Wiwa, and eight Ogoni activists were hanged in Port Harcourt on November 10, 1995, by the late Gen. Sani Abacha.