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ECOWAS Food and Cultural Festival 2024: Nigeria to Host Major Event Promoting Food Security and Economic Growth

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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.

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Makinde Breaks Silence As Tinubu’s Planned APC Rally At Mapo Hall Sparks Reactions.

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Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has declared that his administration will not deny any political party access to public facilities in the state, provided it complies with the established rules and regulations.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

According to reports, the governor stated this in a statement issued on Tuesday by his Special Adviser on Media, Sulaimon Olanrewaju.

Makinde was reacting to concerns over the proposed use of the historic Mapo Hall in Ibadan by the All Progressives Congress (APC) for its presidential campaign rally.

President Bola Tinubu is expected to visit Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, on November 21 for the APC rally scheduled to hold at Mapo Hall.

The planned event comes as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections, with the proposed venue attracting public attention.

Addressing the issue, Makinde maintained that public facilities belong to the people of Oyo State and should be managed transparently and fairly, without political bias.

According to him, “public assets belong to the people of Oyo State and must be administered in a manner that is transparent, equitable, and devoid of partisan considerations.”

The governor stressed that his administration remains committed to ensuring a level playing field for all political stakeholders, irrespective of their party affiliations. He added that democracy thrives when political parties have equal opportunities to engage with voters within the confines of the law.

Makinde further explained that access to government-owned facilities is subject to established procedures and regulations designed to ensure proper use, maintenance and public order.

He stated that any political party or organisation that meets the stipulated requirements should not be subjected to discrimination or unfair restrictions when seeking to use such facilities.

The governor also urged political actors to conduct their activities peacefully and responsibly. He called on relevant authorities to handle requests for public facilities professionally, fairly and without prejudice.

The statement reaffirmed the Oyo State Government’s commitment to promoting political tolerance, safeguarding democratic freedoms and creating an environment where legitimate political activities can take place in accordance with the law.

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‘I Have Never Spoken Against El-Rufai’ – Uba Sani Breaks Silence Amid Political Tensions.

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Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, has dismissed reports of a rift between him and his predecessor, Nasir El-Rufai, insisting that he has no personal issues with the former governor and has never spoken against him.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Sani made this known during an interview with Trust TV, where he described reports of a fallout between the two politicians as exaggerated.

The governor maintained that he has no problem with El-Rufai, despite speculations in the media suggesting that their relationship has deteriorated.

“I have no problem with El-Rufai; I have never spoken against him,” Sani said.

He accused individuals he described as political jobbers of exaggerating reports of a disagreement between them in a bid to create tension and instability in Kaduna State.

According to him, his administration remains focused on governance rather than engaging in political battles or personal disputes.

Sani also expressed respect for El-Rufai, describing him as his predecessor and leader. He said he would continue to accord him that respect despite the speculation surrounding their relationship.

The governor further stressed that his priority is to promote unity among the people of Kaduna State and deliver democratic dividends, rather than engage in a media war.

He urged residents to disregard rumours of a rift between him and the former governor.

Meanwhile, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship candidate in Kaduna State, Isa Mohammed Ashiru, has accused Sani of being responsible for the challenges currently facing El-Rufai.

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FG, NLC Reach Fresh Agreement: Full Details of ₦70,000 Transport Allowance, Minimum Wage, Pension Talks.

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The Federal Government and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) have reached an agreement on several issues concerning workers’ welfare, including transport allowances, pension payments and outstanding benefits for health workers.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Reports indicate that the agreement was reached during a meeting held at the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment on Tuesday, October 27, 2026.

The meeting was convened to address concerns raised by the labour union over the rising cost of living and other challenges affecting Nigerian workers.

As part of the agreement, the Federal Government will pay workers a monthly transport allowance of ₦70,000 for six months, beginning in November 2026. The benefit will cover workers across all levels.

The government has also approved pension allowances effective May 1, 2026. Payments of outstanding arrears are expected to commence in November and will be spread across three equal monthly instalments.

In addition, health workers are expected to receive outstanding allowances covering at least 35 months. The government has committed to clearing the arrears within three months, beginning in December 2026.

On the issue of the national minimum wage, both parties agreed to establish a Minimum Wage Negotiation Committee, which is expected to begin work immediately.

However, the Federal Government and the NLC have yet to reach a consensus on when the new minimum wage arrangement should take effect.

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