Kaduna, Aba, Onitsha, Umuahia Among 20 Worst Cities Worldwide For Air Pollution

The Infographic below shows the graphic visual representation of a report from World Economic Forum as posted by their Twitter handle @wef.

#Nigeria has four cities with Worst Air Pollution.

What is the danger of this?

Anglican Church In Rome & Bible And Beer Fellowship Shocks Nigerian Lawyer

A Nigerian lawyer and songwriter, Maka Sam-Ejehu, has revealed her shock after attending a church service in Rome, Italy -where she was told Bible and beer go hand-in-hand. According to her, the Christians over gather sometimes for 'beer fellowship' unlike their counterparts in Nigeria.

Read what she shared below;

I went to an Anglican Church in Rome yesterday and the Reverend as he was rounding up the service said, "please don't forget the Bible and Beer fellowship happening this Tuesday..." Immediately, I looked up from my phone in utter surprise!!! Bible and Beer!!! Could it be possible that my two favorite words were used in the same sentence and not in a negative way? Wow!!! After church, I had to meet one of the members to clarify. He laughed and said, "oh yeah, its just something we like to do. We fellowship together and have some beer while at it!" I told him back home in Nigeria, I doubt that could ever happen. In fact, as a Christian, it was "frowned upon" to be seen drinking alcohol let alone drinking it while "fellowshipping in God's presence. Anyways, I have a lot more to say but I'll just let you guys draw your conclusions. Ciao

Source; http://www.nationalhelm.net/2016/12/nigerian-lawyer-reveals-her-shock-after.html

1 Like

FG Deports 3 Koreans, Bans Them From Nigeria For 10 Years

The Nigerian government has announced the deportation of three South Koreans from the country over alleged immigration offences.
The three persons, according to a statement by the spokesperson for the Nigeria Immigration Service, Ekpedeme King, were removed from Africa’s most populous country on July 20.
They remained ineligible to enter the country for 10 years.

Read full press release announcing the deportation below.

FEDERAL GOVT DEPORTS 3 KOREANS

The Federal Government of Nigeria had on the 20th of July, 2016 deported three (3) South Koreans namely Lee Yoo Song, Lee Byeung Woo and Moon Een Soo for Immigration related offences. The Hon. Minister of Interior, Lt. Gen. Abdulrahaman Dambazau (Rtd) in the exercise of the powers conferred on him by sections 45(2) and (3) and 44( 1e) of the Immigration Act 2015 signed the Deportation Order.
With the deportation order in force, the three (3) Koreans will not be eligible to enter Nigeria again through any port in the next ten years.
Without prejudice to the Foreign Investment Drive of Government, the Comptroller – General of Immigration, Muhammad Babandede, wishes to use this opportunity to caution all expatriates and their employers in Nigeria to respect the laws of the country as the Nigeria Immigration Service is determined to implement all aspect of immigration laws in the public interest.
However expatriates resident in Nigeria with correct documentation are assured of the protection of their rights and dignity.
Ekpedeme King
(Deputy Comptroller of Immigration)
Service Public Relations Officer26th July, 2016. 


www.premiumtimesng.com/news/more-news/207665-nigeria-deports-three-south-koreans.html

Donald Trump Hires Nigerian-American As Director Of African-American Outreach

Donald Trump said 'you're hired' to Apprentice alumna Omarosa, recruiting her as his director of African-American outreach, she revealed during an interview on MSNBC today.

'It happened this week,' she said. 'It's really an extension of the work that the [National Diversity Coalition for Trump] has already been doing and so I'm very happy to take up that cause for Donald Trump.'

The reality TV personality had previously been active in the campaign and is easily the most identifiable supporter from Trump's hit television show.

Sulaiman Abdulkarim Wins N19m At Dubai International Qur'anic Competition

A Nigerian from Kano,Sulaiman Abdulkarim Isa won a whopping sum N19m at the just concluded Dubai International Qur'anic Competition .

US Based Nigerian Shoe Designer Shola Talks Expansion Into The African Market.

Nigerian born shoe designer, Shola Yusuf arrived in the U.S. in 1989 with only $100 in her pocket. She worked her way through pharmacy school and continued to work at a breakneck pace to support herself and her daughter and to one day realize a dream of owning her own business.
Shola’s designs are beautifully shaped, elegant and quite well-made in vivid hues and luxury materials (some with patterns) adding to their appeal.
Take a bold step with Shola Designs and you’ll find the latest, newest, freshest styles of their shoes in a wide variety of heels, pumps, flats, wedges and accessories. Get to know more about the designer in the interview below.
So what is your name? and your design/line name?
Shola: My name is Shola Yusuf and my line is SHOLA DESIGNS
Give us a little background, how did you get into starting a shoe line?
Shola: In 2009, I was in a near fatal accident in New York City on my way to a party in which I broke my femur (the longest bone in the body). I was wearing my first pair of Christian Louboutin shoes and the first thing I asked the emergency medical personnel was the whereabouts of my favorite pair of shoes because after the accident, the shoes came off my feet. I was more worried about my shoes than my broken leg! I was in therapy for 6 months after the accident.
The shoes are what motivated me to actually walk again because I couldn’t imagine never being able to wear my high heels! At this moment, my life calling and passion became clear to me. I would build my pharmacies and also design objects I wanted for myself…starting with shoes!
What lead you to beginning to work with shoes?
Shola: Art and Fashion have always been a driving force in my life. I grew up with a mother who sold luxurious fabrics and was also a fashionista! She would take yearly vacations to Italy and Paris to buy enough shoes, clothes and bags to last her till the next vacation. She never wore the same outfit including shoes and bags twice. It follows that from a young age, I was always interested in dressing well.
Where do you draw your inspiration from when creating designs?
Shola: I have always been inspired by colors. Travelling the world also provides some exposure and awareness of one’s environment. Sometimes inspiration could come from friends, family, culture, magazines or walking down the street. Wherever it comes from, it takes you to where you need to go or places you didn’t even know you needed to go.
What is the process in creating these shoes?
Shola: First you have to be inspired by something, and then you communicate your vision to your team who will create the design. Simply put;
Take your design / drawing to a shoe factory to create a prototype of each style.
Handpick/select your materials for your prototype based on the style of the shoe.
Once you approved the prototype then you can go into full production. This process can take anywhere from 3- 6 months with multiple trips to the factory.
Who do you envision wearing your shoes? Do you think about this when you work on designs?
Shola: A smart and sophisticated shopper who wants to feel as good as she looks.
What are some new shoe designs you are working on, what are your plans for the coming future?
Shola: I am currently working on a Men’s collection.
Tell us specifically about the designs featured in this photo shoot?
Shola: The designs featured in this photo-shoot are from my “SAN MARINO COLLECTION”. They are stylish, elegant and comfortable. They are all handcrafted and made mostly with vibrant metallic Italian leather. Every single one of the designs is inspired by friends and fashion associates. I have named each style after them. For example, a shoe is named after a friend “Sandra” who described her personality to be confident, driven and supportive.
You’ve lived in United States for most of your life, why are you now considering the African Market?
Shola: Although SHOLA designs is thriving in the US, I strongly feel its time to get back to my roots. Africans – especially Nigerians have always been a fashion conscious and savvy nation. How better to join in promoting the African fashion revolution than to be at the heart of it?
Do you have a retail location/online store? if not how can we access the line?
Shola: We are currently looking for retailers all over Africa. If you are interested, you can call this number +2348023659126 or send an email to
Bisola@sholadesigns.com
Website: http://www.sholadesigns.com/
Instagram: @sholadesigns_africa
Twitter: @sholadesigns

President Buhari Arrives Nigeria From China (photos)

President Buhari meets with Governor of Guangzhou, visits Guangzhou Economic and Technological Development Zone, departs China and Arrives in Abuja on 15th/16th April 2016.

1: President Buhari arrives Guanghzou ahead of his meeting with Governor of Guangzhou Province H.E. Zhu Xiaodan on 15th April 2016
2: President Buhari meets with Governor of Guangzhou Province H.E. Zhu Xiaodan at Ritz Carlton Hotel in Guangzhou China during his state visit to China on 15th April 2016
3,4: President Buhari alongside Minister of Science and Technology Ogbonnaya Onu, Minister of Trade and Investment Okechukwu Enelemah and Minister of Foreign Affairs Geoffrey Onyeama aand some state Governors visits Guangzhou Economic and Technological Development Zone in Guangzhou Province on 15th April 2016
6: President Buhari watches as Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State signs the guest register alongside other Governors shortly after the President's visit to Guangzhou Economic and Technological Development Zone in Guangzhou Province on 15th April 2016 with them are Governor Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna State, Governor Badaru Abubakar of Jigawa State, Governor of Benue State Dr. Samuel Ortom, Governor of Yobe State Alhaji Ibrahim Geidam and Minister of Science and Tecnology Ogbonnaya Onu
7: President Buhari with Ambassador of China to Nigeria Amb. Gu Xiaojie as he departs Guanghzou province for Nigeria on 15th April 20168: President Buhari arrives Nigeria and his received by Chief of Staff ,Abba Kyari and Inspector General of Police Solomon Arese on 16th April,2016. 


https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=997842480308092&id=100002470489894&refid=17&_ft_=top_level_post_id.997842480308092%3Atl_objid.997842480308092%3Athid.100002470489894%3A306061129499414%3A2%3A0%3A1462085999%3A7655484921633435259&__tn__=%2As

IMF Wants Buhari To Change His Forex Policy

Christine Lagarde, managing director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), says Nigeria’s economic situation is alarming, calling for a flexible exchange rate regime.

Speaking on the World Bank/IMF special edition of BBC’s HardTalk anchored by Stephen Sackur, Lagarde said Nigeria has huge potential, especially in her youth.

Largade maintained that IMF was ready to help Nigeria, appealing to President Muhammadu Buhari to take steps to move in the direction of “flexible exchange rate”.

“We are not suggesting that flexible exchange rate is the panacea in all cases, but in this particular instance, we believe that it would help,” she said.

“I know it is going to be difficult, and we very much hope that the Nigerian government under the leadership of President Buhari will be able to distinguish the value of moving in that direction, rather than causing the circumstances that can precipitate, a much more difficult decision making process at some stage.

“We remain completely available to help, we believe that it is doable, it can be address.”Lagarde Sackur

Lagarde and Sackur at GWU, Washington

She described Nigeria as a great country with huge potential, but decried the current economic situation.

“Nigeriai has very strong resourceful and great people. The right policy mix is needed, which include, in our view, flexible exchange rate,” she said.

“Nigeria is one of those countries where there’s huge potential, fantastic youth but also a very alarming economic situation. It is heavily dependent on the oil resources.

“Both in terms of fiscal revenue and exports. As a result of that, we have gone public and actually gone to the senate of Nigeria to explain our views, we believe that a more flexible exchange rate is in the interest of the Nigerian population.

“If that doesn’t happen, we would continue to see the dual exchange rate, and putting in place a list of those product and services that are forbidden in Nigeria for import purposes, cannot be a substitute to a more flexible exchange rate.”



https://www.thecable.ng/imf-asks-buhari-change-forex-policy

Governor Fayose's Letter To China: Should He Be Charged For Treason?

When I heard about Fayose's purpoted letter to the Chinese government, I dismissed it as a Rumour. But today, pictures have been going round social media of a copy of the letter telling the Chinese government not to loan us the money we are asking for... This clearly shows that Fayose is working against the interest of Nigeria.

In Law, Treason is the crime that covers some of the EXTREME acts against ones Nation or Sovereign. In my opinion Fayose's letter is treasonable and to be fair he must be given the "Nnamdi Kanu treatment" (Immunity or no Immunity).

US Releases Gory Report On Nigeria

Accuses police, army of unbriddled bribery, brutality, extra judicial killing

Says 69 percent of inmates await trial

‘Boko Haram committed pogrom’

In Zacheaus Somorin

The United States has released yet another gory and nauseating detailed report on Nigeria, accusing the government at all levels of injustice, brutality and inflicting pain on poor Nigerians.

The report, which was released by the United States Department of States, accused the Nigerian police, DSS and the military of gross abuse of power which include citizens brutality, arbitrary detention,bribery among other scandals.

It also revealed that 69 percent of persons in prison across the country are awaiting trial – blaming the situation on lack of judicial capacity and corruption.

While explaining that the insurgency in the Northeast has rendered many hopeless, US accused the Boko haram militants of committing pogrom in which more than 20,000 people have been killed and maimed with permanent injury.

“The most serious human rights abuses included those committed by Boko Haram, which conducted numerous attacks on government and civilian targets that resulted in thousands of deaths and injuries, widespread destruction, the internal displacement of an estimated 1.8 million persons, and the external displacement of 220,000 Nigerian refugees to neighboring countries”, the report said.

It pointed out that in response to Boko Haram violent attacks, and at times to crime and insecurity in general, “security services perpetrated extrajudicial killings, and engaged in torture, rape, arbitrary detention, mistreatment of detainees, and destruction of property”.

“The country also suffered from widespread societal unrest, including ethnic, regional, and religious violence. Other serious human rights problems included vigilante killings; prolonged pretrial detention, often in facilities with poor conditions; denial of fair public trial; executive influence on the judiciary; infringement on citizens’ privacy rights; and restrictions on freedoms of speech, press, assembly, and movement.

There were reports during the year of official corruption; violence against women and children, including female genital mutilation/cutting; infanticide; sexual exploitation of children; trafficking in persons; early and forced marriages; discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity; discrimination based on ethnicity, regional origin, religion, and disability; forced and bonded labor; and child labour”.

The report pointed out that impunity remained widespread at all levels of government; saying “although President Buhari’s administration began initial steps to curb corruption, authorities did not investigate or punish the majority of cases of police or military abuse”.

“Boko Haram perpetrated numerous attacks, often directly targeting civilians. The group, which recruited and forcefully conscripted child soldiers, carried out bombings–including suicide bombings–and attacks on population centers in Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Kano, Plateau, and Yobe States. In some cases, the group employed women and children as suicide bombers. The government investigated these attacks but prosecuted only a few members of Boko Haram”.

http://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2016/04/14/us-releases-gory-report-on-nigeria/?

China Plans To Scam Nigeria

China plans to scam Nigeria 

I'm not a finance expert. Just got this. How true is it?

Some Nigerians are jubilating over $2b loan from China and the so called Yuan trading deal. - Akani Balogun

China wants to lend us 2 billion dollars, but they want to give us in Yuan and not the dollar itself. 

They are not handling us cash, but service exchange; meaning if we want to buy iron rod, we buy it from Chinese company and they pay the company on our behalf. If we want to construct railway, they will construct it for us and take the money out of the loan. In the end, we are bound to award contracts to them, cutting out competition from others and fairplay to others(non Chinese company can't bid or compete to reduce the cost.) They get to value the contract and determine the price, meaning they can sell something worth 200 Naira for N2000 and we don't have a choice 'cos it is on credit. 

The worst of it is that China want us to pay back in dollars, that is not all, we are moving our foreign reserve to fake currency(Yuan) a currency that is manipulated openly by the Chinese government. Did anyone ask Lamido Sanusi what happened to some of our reserve he moved to Yuan few years ago? They sold us Yuan at 4 to a dollar, only to devalue their currency few weeks latter to 9 Yuan per $. 

Many Nigerians don't know that even Chinese company don't want yuan, nobody want it, Chinese foreign reserve is in dollars, China is the largest holder of US bond, they want dollars by all means.

Also, China have more lobbyists in Washington DC than any other nations on earth, begging Washington politicians to always make policy in their favour, how can such country save us from USD?

Has anyone asked why China hasn't built any refinery in Nigeria?? They have the money, they want the profit, but never did it.

If China does anything against Washington interest in Nigeria, USA have too much political power over China, they will just tell them not to do it. China will continue to inflate the contract price, refuse to complete the project and deceive us further. 

I don't blame Chinese leaders for trying to scam us, I blame our leaders for not being smart enough. What do you expect when you have political hacks negotiating on behalf of Nigeria against smart professionals from China. I was thinking Nigeria political leaders will do research about Chinese lobbyists in Washington and understand the interest they are protecting before believing in Chinese version of Trojan horse.

We are the only one that can help ourselves, let's implement true federalism system and free market. Development is a culture and not a product, we can't buy it no matter how much money we have or borrow.

https://mobile.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=1052689368126246&substory_index=0&id=378378918890631&refid=7&_ft_=qid.6273342050025209960%3Amf_story_key.9015994599598537311&__tn__=%2As

Buhari And Fashola At China Aerospace Science Technology Corporation Centre

President Buhari today visited the China Aerospace Science Technology Corporation Centre in Beijing China. He was accompanied by the Minister of Science and Technology, Ogbonnaya Onu, Minister of Transport Rotimi Chibuike and others. More photos after the cut.

Check out our president putting on his lab coat......


http://www.newshelm.com/2016/04/photo-buhari-and-fashola-at-china.html

Police Trained On Counter I.E.D Measures Abroad

Pictured are Nigeria Police Force (NPF) personnel being trained abroad on counter I.E.D (Improvised Explosive Device) measures -in a bid to combat the spate of insurgency in the country...

Source; http://www.nationalhelm.net/2016/04/see-photos-of-npf-personnel-being.html

Nigeria Using UK Aid To Persecute PMB's Political Foes Rather To Fight Boko Haram

Hundreds of millions of pounds of British foreign aid given to Nigeria to help combat Boko Haram terrorists is instead being used to fund a witch-hunt against opposition politicians, it is being claimed.

Britain has committed to spending £860 million in foreign aid to Nigeria, which now boasts Africa’s largest economy, to help support the country’s efforts to crush Boko Haram terror group, which has been responsible for a spate of outrages, including the kidnapping of hundreds of Nigerian schoolgirls.

But Western officials are now raising concerns that the government of the country’s recently elected leader, President Muhammadu Buhari, is misusing the funds to persecute political opponents.

Since Mr Buhari came to power last July, a number of prominent members of the former ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP) have been arrested and imprisoned without charge. Among those detained was the party’s official spokesperson.

• Nigeria: a nation in fear of becoming the next Rwanda

Most of the arrests have been sanctioned by the government-controlled Economic and Financial Crime Commission, which was set up to tackle corruption and receives funding from the Department for International Development.

But while Mr Buhari’s government continues to use British aid money to target his political opponents, it is proving less effective at tackling the Islamist-run Boko Haram terrorist group.

Much of the aid Britain provides to Nigeria is aimed at helping the country’s security forces to become more effective at tackling Boko Haram, which boasts of its links with Islamic State (Isil) and achieved international notoriety two years ago after kidnapping 276 schoolgirls in northern Nigeria two years ago.

• Boko Haram demands '$50m ransom' for release of kidnapped Chibok schoolgirls 

Scores of British military personnel – including members of the Special Forces – are based in Nigeria helping to train the military to tackle Boko Haram. But despite Mr Buhari’s pledge during last year’s general election campaign that he would make tackling Boko Haram one of his top priorities, there is growing concern among Western officials that the Nigerian military is failing to take effective action against the terrorists.

This has resulted in Boko Haram now being regarded as the world’s deadliest terrorist organisation, responsible for more deaths than Isil. There are now reports that the group is trying to train kidnapped children to act as suicide bombers.

President Muhammadu Buhari is currently on a visit to China CREDIT: WANG ZHAO/AFP

“This is a scandal in the making," explained a senior U.S. official. "There is no doubt the growing strength of Boko Haram is because President Buhari is far more interested in settling scores with his political opponents that concentrating his energy on defeating terrorists,” “The result is that Nigeria is starting to look more and more like a police state while Boko Haram just goes from strength to strength.”

• The Boko Haram suicide bomber who survived her deadly mission

Another Western diplomat added: “If Buhari was serious about fighting corruption he would be focusing all of his efforts on targeting corruption that is impeding Nigeria’s ability to focus its efforts on tackling Boko Haram.”

Accusations that Nigeria is abusing British aid will add to the growing controversy over Downing Street’s commitment to spend 0.7 percent of GDP on the foreign aid budget. Last week the Telegraph reported that DFID was under pressure to cancel £200 million of foreign aid to Tanzania following concerns over a widely condemned election.

This resulted in Dr Liam Fox, the former Defence Secretary, accusing the government of “spraying money around” simply to achieve the 0.7 per cent target.

Western officials have expressed concern about Mr Buhari’s increasingly autocratic style of government since he came to power last year. A retired major-general, Mr Buhari, 73, previously headed a brutal military dictatorship following a coup in December 1983, which lasted until he was overthrown by another coup in 1985.

Now political opponents claim he is returning to his old dictatorial ways, abusing British aid meant to improve Nigeria’s ability to tackle Boko Haram to consolidate his hold on power.

Apart from the concerns over British aid, American officials are also angry that $2.1 billion of aid given to the Nigerian military to tackle Boko Haram has not been properly accounted for. 

Mr Buhari’s claim that he is winning the war against Boko Haram - recently claimed the group no longer poses a serious threat - has been undermined by recent revelations the Nigerian authorities have tried to cover up the fact that hundreds more schoolchildren have been abducted by Boko Haram.

Human rights activists have no confirmed that around 400 women and children were abducted last year by militants from the Nigerian town of Damasak.

It is now believed that some of these children may have been trained as suicide bombers. U.S. counter-terrorism experts say at least 105 women and girls trained by Boko Haram have taken part in suicide attacks since June 2014.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/04/12/nigeria-using-uk-aid-to-persecute-presidents-political-foes-rath/?%20

Nigeria, China Bank Agree On Yuan

The Industrial and Commercial Bank of China Limited, the world’s biggest lender and Nigeria’s Central Bank on Tuesday signed an agreement on yuan transactions.

“It means that the renminbi (yuan) is free to flow among different banks in Nigeria and the renminbi has been included in the foreign exchange reserves of Nigeria,”

Implications:

CBN has signed 'Foreign Exchange Deal' With Chinese Commercial Banks.

Nigerian businessmen that want to do businesses with Chinese firms can change Naira to Yuan from Nigeria Bank without having to change Naira to US$ (in Nigeria) for US$ to Yuan (in China)...copied

http://www.channelstv.com/2016/04/12/nigeria-china-bank-reach-agreement-yuan/

China Lends Dangote $2bn: Is Yuan The New "Dollar" for Nigeria?

 Dangote Group, the company owned by Africa’s richest man Aliko Dangote, signed a deal on Tuesday for a $2 billion loan from the Industrial Commercial Bank of China Ltd for two cement plants, he told Reuters.

“The interest rate is okay, quite favorable with me,” Dangote said, without elaborating. “It’s for my two cement companies that we are establishing in Nigeria.”

The deal included China Export & Credit Insurance Corporation

Meanwhile the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China Ltd (ICBC) , the world’s biggest lender, and Nigeria’s Central bank on Tuesday also signed an agreement on yuan transactions, a Chinese Foreign Ministry official said.

“It means that the renminbi (yuan) is free to flow among different banks in Nigeria and the renminbi has been included in the foreign exchange reserves of Nigeria,” Lin Songtian, director general of the Foreign Ministry’s African Affairs Department, told reporters.

The agreement was reached following a meeting between Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari and Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Nigeria has already converted up to a tenth of its reserves into yuan five years ago.

Songtian said a framework on currency swaps has been agreed with Nigeria making it easier to settle trade deals in yuan.

China has currency swap deals with countries ranging from Kazakhstan to Argentina and New Zealand.
Source: http://nairametrics.com/china-lends-dangote-2bn-reach-agreement-with-nigeria-on-yuan/

"Cameron Flew Commercial To China For £40B, 2016 PMB Flies Private Jet For $2b"

"Cameron Flew Commercial To China For £40B, 2016 PMB Flies Private Jet For $2b" - RENO OMOKRI


Reno Omokri ‏@renoomokri 8h8 hours ago
2013, David Cameron flew commercial to China for £40 B trade deal. 2016 PMB flies private jet to China for $2 B loan


Tweets
Ben Murray-Bruce Retweeted
Reno Omokri ‏@renoomokri 8h8 hours ago
2013, David Cameron flew commercial to China for £40 B trade deal. 2016 PMB flies private jet to China for $2 B loan



https://mobile.twitter.com/renoomokri/status/719615266338963457

Queen Elizabeth Hosts Obasanjo,Kofi Anan At Commonwealth Day Service 2016

Nigeria’s Former President and Co-Chair of the Commonwealth Africa Initiative (CAFI) Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, former UN Scribe Dr. Kofi Anan, and Africa Regional Director for GLEEHD Foundation/Commonwealth Africa Initiative Africa Engagement Director Ambassador Dayo Israel, were among the Key Guests at the recently concluded Commonwealth Day Service & Commonwealth Africa Summit activities in London in the presence of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

The Commonwealth Africa Summit is an annual event hosted as part of the activities to celebrate the Commonwealth Week in London and organised by the Commonwealth Africa Initiative and GLEEHD Foundation. This year’s Summit was supported by New Commonwealth Initiative, Heritage Bank Nigeria, Pan African Minerals Sierra Leone, Memorial Gate Trust, Royal Commonwealth Society, BEN television, Phoenix Newspaper, TVC News Africa, Joseftree Consult, Amandla Consulting, Stones and Stellars, The Times of Africa, CNBC Africa, Association of African Owned Enterprise in the UK, Business Council on Africa, PK Media UK, The Dream Center Nigeria and others.

Other special guests at the week-long activity included Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and HRH Prince Phillip the Duke of Edinburgh; HRH Prince Andrew The Duke of York; HRH Prince Williams and HRH Kate Middleton; HRH Prince Harry; Co-Chair of the Commonwealth Africa Initiative Baroness Shreela Flather; Lisa Cameron MP; Speaker of the Parliament of Bangladesh Dr. Shirin Chaudhary; Prime Minister David Cameron; Baroness Scotland (New Commonwealth Secretary General); H.E Kamalesh Sharma (Outgoing Commonwealth Secretary General); Prime Minister of Malta Joseph Muscat; Executive Director of the Commonwealth Africa Initiative and Regional Director (Africa) for GLEEHD Foundation Mr Dayo Israel; CEO of Heritage Bank Mr Ifie Sekibo; CEO Pan African Minerals Mr Moseray Fadika; Nigeria’s Minister of Sport Mr Solomon Dalong; Former Governor of Ebonyi State Nigeria and Chairman Nigeria’s Senate Committee on Industry Senator Sam Egwu; Permanent Secretary Lagos State Ministry of Women Affairs Mrs Oduwole; CEO DSTV Sierra Leone Mr Adonis Abboud; CEO Sightsavers Dr. Caroline Harper; Chairman Danish UK Chambers of Commerce Mr Wheeler; CEO Challenges Worldwide Eoghan Mackie; Bishop John Francis; Pastor Andrew Adeleke, CEO BEN Television Mr Alistair Soyode and many more.

The Commonwealth Africa Summit with the theme “Shared Prosperity. Mutual Security” was also attended by Mayors from across London; High Commissioners, Members of Parliament and a huge number of the African Diaspora Community leaders and citizens from across the Commonwealth.1

In His Keynote Speech during the opening plenary with the theme: “Leveraging our shared Heritage – What Africans can learn from their developed Commonwealth counterpart”, President Obasanjo said “I want to correct the impression that it’s only we (Africans) that can learn from other people and others don’t have anything to learn from us. I believe that any good person can learn from any other person, from situations and all the things around you. There is a lot the west can learn from Africa”.

Highlighting some of the lessons from Africa, Obasanjo said “In the Commonwealth, if the Africans had not put their act together and work as hard as they have done within the commonwealth, South African Apartheid regime might still be ongoing. How we did it, what did we do, others can learn from us”.

The Former President said “Lets focus this conversation with what is right with Africa and What can we do with Africa”. Africa is not an unmitigated failure, there are good things in Africa. Africa is the cradle of humanity. However, let nobody confuse you with this word globalisation, for me I don’t take it, if Globalisation means you ask me to open my door and you close your door against me and you want to take everything in my own house to yourself then to hell with globalisation.”

“We as Africans should remember that nobody will do anything for you unless you do it for yourself. In my part of the world, when you want to carry a load, you put a pad on your head and stand by your load, then they will see you need help and come to help you. We need to put our pad on our head as Africans and stand by our lead ready to carry, then they will help us. Our greatest asset is our people. Let us train and educate. I was talking to Kagame once and he said when “I started school, I had no slate so I was writing on my thigh”. Let us educate our people”, Obasanjo added.

In his remark, the Commonwealth Africs Initiative - Africa Engagement Director, Mr Dayo Israel said “Africa has come of age and its not enough to belong to the Commonwealth, we must benefit from the Common wealth. There is a reward for being a Member of the EU – Free trade agreement and what have you, we need to begin to push for better rewards for our Commonwealth Membership. We must be able to leverage on our shared heritage when it comes to Immigration, Trade, Youth Development and Security. We must make the commonwealth more relevant to the ordinary African people”.

On the other hand, Former UN Scribe Kofi Annan, not only praised the Queen for her "steadfast devotion" to the Commonwealth but also praised the organisation for its commitment to human development. According to him “Commonwealth not only strengthened links between member countries, it offered practical support from election monitoring to promoting security co-operation”.

Speaking at the Commonwealth Day service held at Westminster Abbey he paid tribute to the monarch who, in her annual address to the family of nations, called on the Commonwealth's citizens to support those in need.

Speaking about the family of nations' 2016 theme - An Inclusive Commonwealth - Mr Annan told the congregation: "This puts the people at its heart, at its centre and declares that plurality and diversity are the greatest strengths. It also means that we must constantly strive to ensure that no child, woman or a man is excluded or left behind. These are enduring principles which not only bind us together as citizens of the Commonwealth but are absolutely critical for our collective ambitions for our world. It has never been more important for the Commonwealth to stress the bonds of human compassion and solidarity that unite us across the divides of race and religion, gender and geography."

Ellie Goulding, who sang at William and Kate's wedding reception, gave a pared down performance of the Sting hit Fields Of Gold at the Event.

The Summit began with a Wreath laying ceremony at the Memorial gate where member states laid wreath in honour of the dead of the 2 World Wars. Commonwealth Africa Initiative Co-Chair Baroness Flather while speaking to the audience at the event which had in attendance the new Commonwealth Secretary General Baroness Scotland said “through this activity, we are able to honour the Africans who fought in the 2 world wars, like the Nigerians who fought alongside the British in Burma”.

Dr. Caroline Harper while speaking at the Summit at the prestigious Tag Hotel in Victoria said “We must leave no one behind in the Commonwealth and as the SDG says, we must reach the farthest behind first”.

The Queen’s annual Commonwealth Day message formed part of the event’s programme at Westminster Abbey and in it she wrote: “Today, and in the year ahead, the theme An Inclusive Commonwealth is an inspiration for us all. Let us give it practical effect by supporting those in need and those who feel excluded in all walks of life. By doing so, we will continue to build a truly representative Commonwealth community.”

The weeklong activity also featured a one to one meeting with HRH Prince Andrew the Duke of York which was attended by CAFI Co-Chair Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, CAFI Africa Director Mr Dayo Israel and others.

Delegates also joined the outgoing Commonwealth Secretary General H.E Kamalesh Sharma at the Commonwealth Young Leaders Award Ceremony at Marlborough House, the Secretariat of the Commonwealth.

The London Summit is being followed by a series of activities in South Africa, Guyana, Namibia, Nigeria and the UK Houses of Parliament ahead of the 2017 Summit slated for 13th – 15th March 2017 in London.

More photos...

Source: http://www.trezzyblog.com/2016/04/obasanjo-kofi-anan-others-hosted-by.html