Day: June 11, 2024

The world is at a crucial turning point, requiring decisive leadership and innovative ideas, and BRICS has a unique opportunity to influence a refreshed global order.

This is according to International Relations and Cooperation Minister, Dr Naledi Pandor, who spoke in Russia on Tuesday.

‘The BRICS bloc is a legitimate voice of the global South regarding global governance reform. We also remain a critical player in global agenda setting for economic, political and social cooperation,’ Pandor said.

The Foreign Ministers from the expanded BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) group of nations met for a two-day meeting focused on current international relations, global governance reform and conflict resolution.

The meeting, chaired by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, is the first since the bloc expanded in 2023 to include Egypt, Iran, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Ethiopia.

The Minister believes that the expansion of BRICS is evidence of the bloc’s growing importance and t
he critical role of cooperation in collectively promoting the shared interests and values of emerging and developing countries.

‘It also signals our hunger for a body in the globe that embraces progressive ideals and seeks to alter the current nature of international relations to a more inclusive, equitable and development-oriented world.’

She told her colleagues that the ‘current complex divided global environment’ demands that BRICS continue to advocate for multilateralism to play a critical role in fostering stability and cooperation in times of significant geopolitical uncertainty.

‘Therefore, for our collective, multilateralism remains the only solution to successfully address global challenges such as poverty, inequality, underdevelopment, climate change, migration, disease, human trafficking, terrorism, and hunger, and to ensure an environment of sustainable peace and continuous development.

‘I am convinced that our mutually beneficial cooperation through BRICS uplifts communities instead of increa
sing their vulnerability,’ she added.

The Minister said it is evident that the world is currently falling short of achieving the development goals outlined in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

This, she said, was due to increased economic risk for the most vulnerable and persistent low growth for those with the greatest need.

‘We have to urgently accelerate our collective action to achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.’

South Africa, Pandor stressed, is committed to a successful Summit of the Future.

‘We are convinced that it could support efforts that bridge the development divide and provide new solutions to tomorrow’s challenges.

‘We believe the summit presents an opportunity to revitalise the multilateral system and fulfil our promises to reform the current system of global governance to make it more representative and inclusive for everyone,’ Pandor said.

Source: South African Government News Agency

Border Management Authority (BMA) Commissioner, Dr Michael Masiapato, has refuted claims regarding the functionality and efficiency of the OR Tambo International Airport (ORTIA) passenger movement processing system.

The BMA has noted with concern several erroneous reports suggesting that systemic transitions are taking place at ORTIA in Gauteng. The authority said these false reports have caused unnecessary concern among travellers and stakeholders.

Masiapato denied the allegations and reaffirmed the authority’s commitment to maintaining a robust, secure and efficient border management system.

‘The current processing systems at BMA Immigration services is fully operational and designed to handle the high volume of traffic efficiently.

‘There are no system challenges at ORTIA or any of our ports, contrary to the claims made in the public domain. Our records indicate that average processing times at ORTIA remain within acceptable international standards.

‘We continuously monitor and analyse processing time
s to identify and address any potential bottlenecks,’ Masiapato said.

The BMA said it prioritises law enforcement activities at all ports, as well as the safety and security of all individuals entering and exiting the country.

‘Our systems incorporate advanced security features to detect and prevent unauthorised entry. The BMA also collaborates closely with various stakeholders such as Airports Company South Africa and customs authorities to ensure a seamless border management process.

‘We encourage the public to rely on official communications from the BMA for accurate information,’ the BMA said in a statement.

Source: South African Government News Agency

The Minister of State for Youth Development, Mr Ayodele Olawande, says the ministry is set with a platform where young people can address issues that affect them and excel.

Olawande told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja that the young peoples’ platform would include all youth leaders of ethnic groups.

He said that the platform would be used to ascertain what young people have in their respective areas.

He added that ‘if we can identify products in your areas that can be used to make or create goods for production, it will be welcomed.

‘We can meet with all the Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to channel our complaints, for example, the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) gives education scholarship to young people, the youths need to know about it.’

According to him, efforts will be intensified toward improving the National Directorate of

Employment (NDE) training centres to be visible and viable for young people.

On the issue of lack of start-up grant after training, he ur
ged the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) to play its part toward ensuring grants to small businesses and entrepreneurs.

He said ‘we will let SMEDAN know that some of the youths will need money to start their businesses, while some will need seedlings and fertiliser.’

Olawande explained that in Niger, great farming activities are taking place, noting that the ministry would partner the state government to ensure that young people are engaged.

‘Niger produces what they eat and can also produce for people and the governor is doing fantastically well. I will visit my state and do a survey on products that young people can produce and even export.

‘Everything cannot be from Federal Government, if we also put the governors on their toes and work together, we will achieve a lot.’

On the issue of ‘japa’, where people leave the country for greener pasture, he advised that people should go and learn some skills and come back to the country to implement.

‘My advise is that when
people leave the country, they should acquire knowledge and come back and develop the country.

‘So, if you have the opportunity to travel, why can’t you travel and come back and invest in your country?.’

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The Nigeria Women for Agricultural Progressive and Development Initiative (NWAPDI) has announced its decision to dissociate from the All Farmers’ Association of Nigeria (AFAN) due to the exclusion of its members.

Ms. Omolara Svensson, the National Coordinator and President of NWAPDI, in a press conference on Tuesday, said this move was necessary following the ongoing leadership tussles within the organisation.

She stated that during her tenure as Head of Women in Agriculture for the Oyo State AFAN chapter, she made several efforts to address these issues.

‘After careful consideration and deliberation, we have decided to part ways with AFAN.

‘However, despite my initiatives, the persistent lack of meaningful inclusion and recognition of women within AFAN undermined NWAPDI’s core objectives.’

According to her, the continuous leadership disputes within AFAN created an unstable and counterproductive environment, making effective collaboration increasingly challenging.

She noted that NWAPDI, established as N
igeria’s foremost organisation exclusively for women in the agricultural sector, aims to empower and support women across production, processing, trade, and commerce.

She also emphasised that the organisation focuses on ensuring that women have a significant and influential role in shaping Nigeria’s agricultural landscape.

‘By standing independently, we believe we can more effectively advocate for the interests of women farmers and drive meaningful change within the agricultural sector,’ she said.

‘NWAPDI will continue its efforts to support and uplift women in agriculture through various programs, initiatives, and advocacy efforts, aiming to contribute to the sustainable development of Nigeria’s agricultural industry.’

Svensson stated that NWAPDI remains committed to its mission of fostering a robust and inclusive agricultural sector where women play a leading and decisive role.

On improving the lives of rural women farmers, the national coordinator mentioned significant strides made in empowering women
in Katsina and other geopolitical zones by providing essential resources.

‘In Lagos, where aqua farming is prevalent, the organisation supplied women with vegetable seedlings, fish feed, and chicken feed.

‘Similar initiatives have been carried out in Kwara State, and plans are underway to reach Ekiti and Osun States soon.

‘Additionally, empowering women farmers have been active in Imo State and are preparing to launch programs in Kogi State.

‘A key initiative includes a safety training program scheduled for tomorrow, in collaboration with other associations.

‘This training aims to address the financial losses women face due to inadequate safety measures on farms and in processing plants.’

She commended the First Lady’s efforts in promoting small home gardens, saying this had encouraged both youths and mothers to engage in home gardening, regardless of their professional backgrounds.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that AFAN has seen series of crises in the past due to leadership tussle involving som
e members of the board of trustees, leading to the emergence of factions.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

Master Oma-Benedi Excel of the Government Science Secondary School, Piakasa in Maitama has emerged the overall winner of the Abuja ‘I Beg to Differ’ student debate tournament.

While Excel clinched the prize of N1 million and a phone tablet, the runner-up, Miss Cindy Paul, an SSII student of Roberto Schools in Wuse II, Abuja got the prize of N500,000 and a phone tablet respectively.

The debate tournament was organised by the Nigeria Info and supported by 3Js Hotel and Apartment, PressPay Ng and Call to fly.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Excel and Paul would represent Abuja in Lagos where they would slog it out with other winners from Port Harcourt and Lagos in the ‘I beg to differ’ debate soon.

Meanwhile, the 13 year-old Excel described the victory as ‘ecstatic. It is a brilliant feeling. I had a great time competing with the best in Abuja.

‘However, to get here was not easy, it took a lot of effort, sleepless nights and support from those around me. I hope to positively represent Abuja in
Lagos.

‘For what I will do with the prize money, I prefer to keep it confidential. However, the experience of meeting Cindy, Mazida, Tommy amd others that participated in the debate was great,’ Excel said.

He appreciated the organiser, sponsors, his parents, teachers, fellow students for the support and encouragement that propelled him to victory.

Similarly the runner up, Paul said, coming second felt like a dream, adding that she had never experienced such before.

‘Half of the prize money will be going for savings and the other half for investment.

‘In Lagos, expect more better performance. I will do much research and preparation to ensure that the Abuja team bring back the trophy,’ Paul said.

Meanwhile, the Group Programme Director of CoolWabiaInfo , Mr Prince Daniel also known as ‘Aboki’ said the debate was one of Nigeria Info’s platforms.

‘Having done ‘I Beg to Differ’ in Lagos and Port Harcourt twice and for the first edition in Abuja, is beyond our expectation. It was greater than we expected.

‘
This is something we will like to continue , because our mission is to advance the cause of education in Nigeria. So using this platform gives us the opportunity to do that.

‘All the four people that made it to the semi-finals and finals will be meeting other contestants from Port Harcourt and those that won in Lagos. All will meet in Lagos to debate.

‘We actually want to power debating clubs in school and as well as begin to organise Abuja City Debate.

‘We are also construction Kids FM in Port Harcourt. We have launched one in Lagos already and soon, we will start that of Abuja,’ Daniel said.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

TEXEM UK, the United Kingdom based leadership development organisation, recently concluded its customised executive development programme titled ‘Strategic Leadership Unleashed: Thriving in an Uncertain GLOCAL World’.

The programme held from May 27 to May 30 at the Hilton Deansgate, Manchester.

The event was an outstanding success, bringing together senior leaders and executives from various sectors to hone their strategic leadership skills in today’s complex and rapidly changing global-local (glocal) environment.

The programme which also brought together Nigerian participants, began with a compelling session on ‘Leveraging Cultural Diversity for Success,’ facilitated by Dr Alim Abubakre, British Nigerian founder of TEXEM.

Abubakre highlighted the importance of cultural diversity as a strategic asset, demonstrating how cultural intelligence can drive innovation and provide a competitive edge.

Participants engaged in interactive discussions and activities, setting a vibrant tone for the days ahead.

The f
irst day concluded with a picturesque boat ride along the River Thames, offering a unique opportunity for networking in a relaxed setting.

This serene experience allowed participants to forge connections and reflect on the day’s insights amidst Manchester’s scenic beauty.

Day Two commenced with an insightful session by Prof. Rodria Laline, Visiting Professor at Harvard, INSEAD, and IESE.

Focusing on ‘Global Trade Dynamics and Strategic Leadership,’ Professor Laline guided attendees through strategies for navigating international trade regulations and customs processes.

The session was followed by an enriching tour of the Manchester Chamber of Commerce, where discussions revolved around, Leading businesses through post-Brexit regulatory changes, and

Developing strategies for successful international trade operations.

Building and managing networks with overseas partners was also among important topics discussed.

The programme’s content was comprehensive, covering critical topics such as market expansion
, innovation in international business, and economic integration.

Participants explored, Effective communication strategies in multicultural environments, Techniques for managing market research to inform expansion, and Innovative solutions for complex trade processes.

Another area of focus was, Supporting local businesses in the global economy and fostering sustainable trade practices.

Utilizing a blend of interactive tools such as games, group discussions, assessments, peer-to-peer learning, self-reflection, observation practice, and visits to tourist destinations and companies, the programme provided an immersive learning experience.

Participants benefited from the expertise of renowned thought leaders.

These are, Prof. Rodria Laline, Chair of Intrabond Capital, Prof. Paul Griffith, the world’s first Professor of Management to lead a team to launch a rocket into space, and Prof. John Peters, former Prisoner of War and Chair of the Association of MBAs.

Key sessions and highlights included that of Day
Three when Peters led discussions on ‘Leading Resilience: Thriving Amid Uncertainty,’ focusing on building personal and organizational resilience and developing impactful GLOCAL leadership strategies.

On Day Four which was the grand finale, Griffith led discussion which covered ‘The Role of Innovation in Navigating Change,’ emphasizing pragmatic leadership approaches and developing actionable leadership plans in uncertain times.

Participants lauded the programme’s impact and structure.

One Nigerian executive Ibrahim Ahmed, Chief Operating Officer, Tawada Nigeria Ltd commended the programme.

‘I’ve been to so many leadership courses, but honestly, I found this one to be excellent and one of the best, the instructors, the content of the course is excellent.

‘And I have learned a lot… this course has really changed the way I view things a lot… I will go review and also try to apply all the things I’ve learned here,’ Ahmed said.

Also, Femi Asenuga, Managing Director, Mutual Benefits Assurance Plc. another p
articipant in the programme, was full of praises.

‘I got a lot of validation of knowledge and also, some more insights into how to navigate the leadership journey.

‘And for me, I’m going away with some profound life changing practice, tips that will enable me to, you know, continue to pilot the affairs of my business…we got some exposition as to how to be creative.

‘The program has been an exceptional one, very practical program. We had a very good mix of, you know, theory with practical … illustrations and examples,’ Asenuga said.

Another attendee praised the networking opportunities, saying, ‘The diverse group of leaders and unique settings, like the boat ride, facilitated deep connections and valuable exchanges of ideas.’

Abubakre, TEXEM founder asserted that

the programme successfully met its objectives which is equipping leaders with strategies to navigate macroeconomic turbulence and enhancing organisational agility.

He said other objectives are, fostering resilience, cultivating impactful leader
ship skills, encouraging innovation, and developing pragmatic leadership strategies for sustainable growth and success.

According to Abubakre, ‘Strategic leadership is crucial for nation-building, especially in uncertain times. This TEXEM programme empowers Nigerian executives to navigate challenges, drive innovation, and foster sustainable growth’.

He said that by developing visionary leaders, ‘we can build resilient organisations that contribute significantly to Nigeria’s economic and social progress’.

To many observers, TEXEM UK’s ‘Strategic Leadership Unleashed: Thriving in an Uncertain GLOCAL World’ has set a new standard for executive development programmes.

It has empowered leaders to thrive amidst global uncertainties and local challenges, fostering a new generation of agile, innovative, and impactful leaders ready to guide their organisations towards sustainable success.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria