latest
ECOWAS Food and Cultural Festival 2024: Nigeria to Host Major Event Promoting Food Security and Economic Growth
ECOWAS Food and Cultural Festival 2024: Nigeria to Host Major Event Promoting Food Security and Economic Growth....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is gearing up to host its highly anticipated Food and Cultural Festival in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria, from October 6 to 11, 2024. The event, which aims to tackle critical issues such as food security, poverty alleviation, and hunger eradication across the 16 ECOWAS member countries, is set to attract global attention and participation.
Promoting Food Security and Economic Benefits
According to Ambassador Felix Ihonre, Director-General of the ECOWAS Food and Cultural Festival, the upcoming event will bring together key stakeholders from various sectors to address the security challenges that have hindered agricultural production in Nigeria and other West African nations. This initiative is vital for ensuring that the region can move towards achieving zero hunger and fostering sustainable economic growth.
Ihonre emphasized the significant economic benefits that Nigeria stands to gain as the host country. “Nigerians will benefit immensely from this festival,” Ihonre said during the Preparatory Inter-Ministerial/Stakeholders Meeting in Abuja. He highlighted that local businesses, including food vendors, hotels, transport services, and other sectors, would see increased activity and revenue during the festival period.
A Historic Opportunity for Nigeria
The timing of this festival is particularly opportune, as Nigeria’s President, Bola Tinubu, also serves as the Chairman of the ECOWAS Commission. This dual role positions Nigeria to maximize the benefits of hosting the event, further solidifying its leadership role within the region. “With President Tinubu at the helm of ECOWAS, this festival offers Nigeria a unique opportunity to showcase its hospitality and economic potential,” Ihonre noted.
A Celebration of African Heritage and Unity
The ECOWAS Food and Cultural Festival will feature a wide range of activities designed to celebrate African culture and heritage while promoting peace and development. These activities include a golf tournament, a vibrant train carnival, a Miss ECOWAS Beauty Pageant, and forums for local government leaders and youth. The festival’s theme, “Celebrating African Cultural Heritage for Peace and Development,” underscores the importance of a stable and peaceful environment for agricultural and economic progress.
Ihonre stressed that development is impossible in a climate of conflict and insecurity. He highlighted the critical role that Nigeria’s security agencies, such as the police and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, will play in ensuring the safety of participants and the success of the event.
Looking Beyond the Festival
The ECOWAS Food and Cultural Festival is not just a one-time event but part of a broader strategy to ignite a food and cultural revolution in West Africa. The festival will be followed by various projects and activities aimed at strengthening food security and cultural ties across the region. These initiatives are expected to have a lasting impact, contributing to the long-term development goals of the ECOWAS member states.
Mr. Oladunjoye Musiliu, Director of International Organizations and Political Economy Affairs at the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, urged all relevant stakeholders to collaborate effectively to ensure the success of the festival. He emphasized that this event could serve as a catalyst for positive change across the region, fostering unity and progress.
-
Grave Allegations: Hon. Dr. Olawumi Fayemi-Obayelu, representing Ilaje Constituency II in the Ondo State House of Assembly, has accused Speaker Olamide Oladiji of threatening her life. This follows her public support for moves to remove the Speaker over allegations of bribery, forgery, and corruption related to the Ondo State Oil-Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC).....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
-
-
Intimidation Tactics: The lawmaker claims she has received numerous threatening phone calls warning her to drop her involvement in the investigation. Furthermore, she alleges she narrowly escaped an attempt on her life, directly accusing Oladiji of trying to silence her as a key figure in the impeachment push.
-
Defiant Stance: Despite the alleged threats, Fayemi-Obayelu has stated she will not back down. She reaffirmed the position of the lawmakers seeking Oladiji’s resignation or impeachment, asserting that “no form of intimidation or threat will stop me.” She also accused the Speaker of mismanaging funds meant for her constituents in Ilaje.
-
Speaker Denies Involvement: Speaker Olamide Oladiji has categorically denied any connection to the threats. He called for an independent investigation by security agencies and challenged the lawmaker to produce evidence supporting her serious allegations.
-
Political Tensions: Oladiji suggested the accusations might be politically motivated, linked to the upcoming election period and the lawmaker’s own political future within the Assembly, stating, “For the fact that she would not return to the House, that was the major problem.“
-
latest
NO CONTEST: Abdullahi Sule Explains Why The Tinubu-Shettima Administration Leaves Opposition in the Dust!
-
No Comparison with Opposition: Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule asserted that the APC Muslim-Muslim ticket far surpasses any opposition pairings—such as Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso, or Atiku Abubakar and Rotimi Amaechi—describing the difference as being “like day and night”.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
-
-
Performance and Record: Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Sule argued that President Bola Tinubu’s courage, foresight, performance, and achievements over the past three years will be the deciding factor in the upcoming election, leaving no valid basis for comparison.
-
Addressing Insecurity: While acknowledging that insecurity is a major issue, Sule maintained that the challenge did not originate within the current administration’s tenure.
-
Infrastructure and Reforms: Despite existing security hurdles, the governor highlighted major infrastructure projects that many thought were impossible, alongside notable developments in the economy and education sectors, as clear evidence of the administration’s success.
-
-
Impeachment Plot Underway: A significant majority of lawmakers in the Ondo State House of Assembly (21 out of 26) have reportedly signed an impeachment notice against Speaker Olamide Oladiji.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
-
-
Allegations of Financial Misconduct: The move stems from allegations that Oladiji and his deputy mishandled ₦44 million related to the reordering of the Ondo State Oil-Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC) budget. Lawmakers claim the budget was reordered without proper consultation.
-
Ultimatum Issued: An anonymous source within the Assembly stated that the lawmakers are demanding Oladiji’s voluntary resignation to avoid the embarrassment of a formal removal during plenary. The source confirmed the impeachment process was initiated three weeks ago but was paused following interventions by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.
-
Speaker Strongly Denies Claims: Speaker Oladiji has categorically denied all allegations, dismissing the impeachment plot and resignation rumours as false, malicious, and politically motivated. In a formal statement, his office described the reports as “a manufactured lie” and “a total figment of the imagination” aimed at destabilizing the legislature.
-
Governor Reportedly Advising Resignation: Despite the Speaker’s denial, the anonymous lawmaker claimed that Governor Aiyedatiwa has now advised Oladiji to resign following a recent meeting, solidifying the legislators’ resolve to proceed with the removal process if he fails to step down honourably.
-
-
latest11 months ago“Social Media Erupts As Jim Iyke Declares Rita Dominic Nollywood’s Most Beautiful”
-
latest2 years agoEdo Political Showdown: Oshiomhole Appears At Presidential Villa As Tinubu Hands APC Gubernatorial Flag To Okpebholo (Photos & Video)
-
entertainment2 years agoLove Knows No Age American Woman Defends Marriage To Young Nigerian Man “I’m Not 70”
-
latest2 years agoOlumide Akpata Strikes Again: Drops Killer Track, Sends Edo State Into Frenzy!(Video)
-
Politics3 years agoNigerians React As Pastor Adeboye Foresees Passing Away On A Sunday After Enjoying A Satisfying Meal Of Pounded Yam
-
latest2 years agoFG Identifies 31 States At Risk Of Heavy Flooding In 2024: See Full List
-
Politics3 years agoBREAKING: Inspector-General Of Police Summons Top Police Commanders For Crucial-Security Challenges
-
latest2 years ago5 NYSC Corpers Perish In Fatal Road Accident Returning From Camp