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Paris Summit: Tinubu, World Leaders Plan Onslaught Against Poverty, Debt
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu yesterday in Paris, France, joined world leaders in reaching a consensus to redesign the global financial architecture in a way that will favour poverty reduction, debt restructuring or cancellation, and more consideration for vulnerable countries affected by climate change and Covid-19.
The president arrived at the venue of the event, Palais Brongniart, at 8.59am (local time), for the opening ceremony of the High Level Summit for New Global Financing Pact, and he was received by the French Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs, Catherine Colonna.
According to a statement by presidential spokesman, Dele Alake, while welcoming the world leaders to Paris, French President Emmanuel Macron, said the Summit would focus on drawing up a new financial order that will scale up finances, and support developing countries in energy transition and poverty reduction, while respecting the sovereignty of each nation.
The French president noted that African countries had been at the receiving end of the major global challenges, with debt hangovers that hamper growth and development.
“COVID-19 pandemic brought lots of difficulties and now we are faced with the war in Ukraine that has been draining resources that should be channeled into human development,” he said.
Macron told the leaders from 50 countries, multilateral institutions and the private sector that justice and fairness must be imperative in redesigning the new world financial architecture, with more focus on the most vulnerable.
The French President listed four elements for consideration by the leaders, starting with an acknowledgement that reducing poverty would require collective efforts, with a more diverse and comprehensive framework.
“We must admit that no country can succeed alone in reducing poverty and protecting the planet,” he added.
Macron said the framework should be relevant to each country, and subregional roles included, with clear responsibilities and benefits, while multilateral institutions like the International Monetary Fund and World Bank must be re-engineered to be more people and solutions driven.
The French President noted that the private sector must be carried along in the new pact that seeks to harmonise growth, as they control most of the financial instruments that need to be liquefied for more even development, especially on health, education and food security.
On behalf of the African countries, the president of Niger Republic, Mohammed Bazoum, said the new pact must be “urgent” and “essential” to Africa, and the framework should be “just” and “robust” in reflecting the reality of developing countries as partners.
Bazoum said the challenges of impoverishment and desertification had stimulated unrest in most countries, affecting peace and stability in sub-regions and the continent.
“In Africa, we need support for infrastructure, health, food security and education,” he stated.
UN Secretary General, Antonio Guterres, told the gathering of leaders that the high level summit would need more mobilisation and political will for redesign and implementation.
Later yesterday, he said ongoing reforms, starting with removal of fuel subsidy and streamlining of exchange rate, will be sustained for a more competitive economy that attracts Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), urging investors to take advantage of opportunities in Nigeria.
“We are ready for business, prepared to welcome investments,’’ he said, while receiving president and chairman of the Board of Directors of African Export-Import Bank (Afrexim), Prof. Benedict Oramah, and president of European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), Odile Renaud–Basso, in separate meetings, on the sidelines of the summit.
In a statement by presidential spokesman, Dele Alake, the president assured the delegation of AfreximBank executives led by Dr Oramah that the federal government will continue to stimulate the economy with policies that support investments in areas of Nigeria’s competitive advantage, particularly agriculture.
“We need reforms for national survival,’’ he said. “We must stimulate recovery for the growth and prosperity of our people, which will not be far away. Nigeria is ready for global business and our reform is total. Nigeria is blessed with human and material resources,’’ President Tinubu told the delegation.
The president of AfreximBank commended President Tinubu for the bold steps in removing the fuel subsidy and unification of the exchange rate, assuring the Nigerian leader of the full support of the financial and development institution on the ongoing reforms.
Dr Oramah said the bank was already building the first African Specialist Hospital in Abuja, and an Energy Bank, even as he pledged to inject more money into the economy to further build confidence of investors.
In the meeting with the EBRD, President Tinubu said, “We are challenged in terms of reforms, and we have taken the largest elephant out of the room with the removal of fuel subsidy, and multiple exchange rates are equally gone. We are determined to open up the economy for business. Consider us a stakeholder in the Bank.’’
He told the EBRD president that Nigeria’s economy was too large and potent to be ignored, adding, “Ignoring Nigeria will be a peril to the universe.’’
Renaud-Basso said it would be a mistake for the development bank not to invest in Nigeria, after considering six potential economies for investment.
She explained that focus would be on the private sector, especially Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs).
Credit to: leadership.ng
MAADA BIO’S AGENDA: NO SIERRA LEONIAN LEFT BEHIND
MAADA BIO’S AGENDA: NO SIERRA LEONIAN LEFT BEHIND
By
Chris Paul Otaigbe
Krisval126@gmail.com. 08185591375
June 22, 2023. 9.53-10.58am
This Saturday is not just about voting for President Julius Maada Bio to remain in office.
Rather, it is about every Sierra Leonean understanding that Bio’s reelection is about them; PERSONALLY!
It is about knowing that Bio’s agenda is PREMISED solely on his CONVICTION and DRIVE to carry the citizens along; to guarantee even and equitable development across the length and breath of the country.
He doesn’t want any Sierra Leonean to be left behind.
Check out what he did in his first 365 days in office, in his first tenure.
In one year (April 2018 to April 2019) alone, President Maada Bio…
Paid workers without using bank overdraft
Paid $1.2 billion domestic debt left by ex-president Koroma of the APC.
Gave Sierra Leoneans reliable and sustainable electricity.
Recruited 300 females in the army ,first ever in history of this country.
Launched the free quality education that is now in force.
Supplied 26 million text books and other school materials to school pupils
Commissioned 48 hospitals across the country.
Introduced free 24 hours ambulance services across the country.
Solar electrification of almost all district headquarter towns, cities and some rural communities
Approved over 100 schools across the country along with a huge number of teachers who were not on payroll.
Gave risk and other allowances to serving health workers and gave over 3,000 pin codes to nurses and other health workers.
Supplied 506 ambulances across the country during his thank you tour.
Commissioned two universities, one in Bonthe district and another in Kono district with the Eastern Polytechnic including the Bunumbu Teachers’ College in the pipeline for transformation to university status.
Increased public workers’ salaries by15%.
Gave Le18.3 billion to Freetown city council, even though an APC led council, to transform Freetown into a 21st century city.
Renovated and changed the Sierra Leone Parliament into a modern 21st century Parliament.
Paid for all university application forms for students who entered university that year.
Paid fees subsidies for all students across the country to schools
Gave scholarships to all students studying, mathematics, geography, agriculture, biology, and engineering in the public universities across the country.
Introduced Saturday cleaning on every first Saturday of every month.
Set up commissions of inquiry.
In addition to the solar light poles project across the country, he has approved a solar grid to be installed in Moyamba to provide solar electricity in some parts of the south of the country.
Reduced fuel prices
Commissioned the Lumley market and Juba to Atlantic bridge
Commissioned the Bo Mattru-Jong road
Commissioned 68 km streets in Kenema City.
Commissioned the Kenema mini stadium
To rehabilitate the Bo City stadium.
Rehabilitated the Magburaka Boys Secondary school and commissioned the Magburaka road network and the Clock Tower.
Commissioned the Rogbere bridge on the Makeni highway.
Donated 75% of his salary to boost the free quality education project.
The first ever Sierra Leonean President to rule for nine months without international funding, using domestic revenue to run his government.
The first ever Sierra Leonean President to raise LE 8.7 billion from corrupt politicians in six months
Now the Lungi bridge project will pretty soon be a reality.
The Manowa bridge to be constructed very soon.
The Kailahun-Koindu road and the Koindu International market to be constructed.
The Kenema-Zimmi to Liberia highway project has been launched and is now under construction
School feeding has started in the rural schools.
Fees subsidies have been promptly paid to universities.
The Pujehun and Moyamba roads are also under construction.
The Kono, Falaba, Karene, Koinadugu, Port Loko and Kambia districts all have projects either ongoing, just launched or commissioned.
These accomplishments became the foundation on which the success of governance and the guarantee of the dividend of democracy had been built in Maada Bio’s first term.
You will agree, that it only makes common sense for him to resume office after you must have VOTED him back in office come this Saturday, June 24, 2023.
Surely, if he can achieve all these in his first tenure, he will CONSOLIDATE on the gains he has made and expand the scope and reach of his agenda; for the sole purpose of ENSURING that NO SIERRA LEONIAN is LEFT BEHIND!
He will turn the country into the NEXT BIG THING on the planet.
It is his PASSION and OBSESSION; to BUILD Sierra Leone into Africa’s Super Economy.
All he needs you to do is to VOTE for him this Saturday.
THIS WEEK’s AFRICAN TOP 10 COUNT DOWN.
It’s another Wednesday, today 21st June 2023, Student Affairs Live on MIJ FM in Malawi.
THIS WEEK’s AFRICAN TOP 10 COUNT DOWN.
10. Mbosso – Sitaki (New Entry)
Mbwana Yusuf Kilungi (born 3 October 1991), better known by his stage name Mbosso Khan is a Tanzanian singer and songwriter born in Kibiti, Pwani Region, he is currently based in Dar es Salaam and signed under WCB Wasafi record label. Mbosso is known for his songs “Nadekezwa” and “Hodari” which won Video of the Year at HiPipo Awards 2019. Mbosso released his debut studio album, Definition of Love, in March 2021
09. Kizz Daniel – shuperu
Oluwatobiloba Daniel Anidugbe (born 1 May 1994), better known by his stage name Kizz Daniel, is a Nigerian singer and songwriter. He rose to fame in 2014 with his debut single, “Woju”.He went by the stage name Kiss Daniel prior to changing it in May 2018
08. Jose Chameleon – Kirabo ft Melody Uganda
Joseph Mayanja (born 30 April 1979), better known by the stage name Jose Chameleone, is a Ugandan AfroBeat artist and musician. Chameleone sings in Luganda, English, and Swahili.
Chameleone’s music style is a mixture of Ugandan folk, central African rumba, zouk, and reggae.
Chameleone’s career began in 1996 as a DJ at the Missouri night club in Kampala. He became active as a musician in 1998 in Kenya with the Ogopa Deejays, then a Kenyan record label, which released his first single, “Bageya”, featuring Kenyan artist Redsan
07. Tay Grin – Tcha Tcha (New Entry)
Limbani Kalilani (born 15 June 1984) is a Malawian hip hop artist better known by his stage name Tay Grin. In 2009 Tay Grin founded an Entertainment & Event Promotion company, which helps to promote events across Malawi. The company is known as Black Rhyno Entertainment.
06. Yo maps feat abel chungu – Try again
Elton Mulenga who is popularly known as Yo Maps is a music producer, singer and a songwriter. He’s had numerous hits that have received much airplay. be there listen to one of the best from Yo Maps
05. Zeze Kingston x Afana Ceez feat Tuno-Mw, Leumas, Vj-Ice – Chule
Zeze’s music speak for itself, backed up by the Dare devils, its obvious this artist has got alot of skill under his sleeve, we look forward to hearing more material from Zeze in the near future.
04. Davido feat musa keys – unavailable
David Adedeji Adeleke (born November 21, 1992), known professionally as Davido, is an American-born Nigerian singer, songwriter and record producer.Born in Atlanta, US, and raised in Lagos, he made his music debut as a member of the music group KB International. He rose to fame after releasing “Dami Duro”, the second single from his debut studio album Omo Baba Olowo (2012)
03. Janta – Yomweyo ft Henwood, Big Xhosa and Zeze Kingston
Sukulani Mwachumu AKA Janta Jacxy on the beat who is also the producer focuses in uplifting Malawian urban music.
Founded in 2006 with an aim of helping upcoming artists, SU Records derives from Sungununu, a crew that works with Janta in music production.
In the meantime, a few other studios including the renowned SU Records encompass various kinds of music genres. But as the age of specialization dawned, many studios limited their scope. SU Records, on the other hand, still provides music in dancehall, Hip-Hop, R&B and any type of music genre.
02. Black sheriff oil in my head (New Entry)
Mohammed Ismail Sharrif (born 9 January 2002), professionally known as Black Sherif, formerly Blacko,[1] is a Ghanaian singer and rapper. He initially gained popularity in 2021 with his song “First Sermon,” which he released that May. This was followed up with the “Second Sermon” in July.
01. Johnny Drill – believe me (New Entry?)
John Ighodaro (born July 5, 1990), professionally known as Johnny Drille, is a Nigerian singer and songwriter. His career came into the spotlight when he released a cover of “Awww” by Di’Ja. He is currently signed to Mavin Records
Seedy Ceesay appointed new NPP admin secretary
Seedy Sheriff Ceesay has been appointed as the new administrative secretary of the National People’s Party (NPP), according to the party.
Ceesay, who was the National People’s Party (NPP) candidate for Brikama Area Council chairperson in the recently concluded Mayoral/Chairpersons Local Government Elections replaces Mam Mbanyik Njie as the new admin secretary of the party.
Ceesay finished second in the race for the Mayoral/Chairpersons elections behind eventual winner, Yankuba Darboe of the United Decocratic Party.
Contacted by our reporter, Ceesay thanked President Adama Barrow and the National Executive Committee for the confidence and trust. He promised to make the National People’s Party a “catch-all” party.
He described NPP as a party that aims to attract people with diverse political viewpoints, appealing to a large number of the electorate.
“We are a party of thinkers and are ready to challenge ideas in order to eradicate poverty,” he also said while assuring the party members and supporters of his readiness to work with everyone. “I have an open door policy and ready to serve all.”
Credit to: Thepoint.gm
NIGERIA NEWS‘Let’s Get On With Business’ – Tinubu Reacts To 10th NASS Leadership Election
President Bola Tinubu has congratulated the new Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, on their election as presiding officers of the 10th National Assembly.
Recall that Akpabio defeated former Governor of Zamfara State, Senator-elect Abdulaziz Yari, by 63 votes to 46 to emerge Senate President.
While in the House of Representatives, Abbas, who was the preferred candidate of the All Progressives Congress, polled 353 votes, beating his rivals, former Deputy Speaker, Ahmed Wase, and Aminu Jaji, who both secured three votes each.
In a statement he personally signed on Tuesday title ‘Now, Let’s Get On With Business Of The People,’ Tinubu congratulated the four lawmakers over their election, saying it is well deserved.
Tinubu said, “Being elected by peers as presiding officers and assuming the leadership of the National Assembly is a great honour that comes with huge responsibility.
“I trust that you will justify the confidence reposed in you by your members and many Nigerians.
“As your president, I am prepared to transparently work with the National Assembly. Nigerians expect distinguished senators and honourable members to make laws and carry out oversight duties that will enhance the performance of government to achieve successful outcomes, including improving their quality of life.”
Credit to: Naijanews.com
Sierra Leone vs Nigeria tips: predictions and odds for AFCON qualifiers match
Our football betting expert offers up his three best Sierra Leone vs Nigeria betting tips and predictions ahead of the penultimate AFCON qualifying match. Nigeria have the quality to lock in qualification to the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations, equipped with a star-studded selection at the top end of the pitch.
Nigeria find themselves in pole position in the qualifying standings and needing to avoid defeat to guarantee a top-two finish. For this match predictions, it’s difficult to foresee anything but Nigeria dominating the share of high-quality chances in the game.
Just look at their recent line-up versus Guinea-Bissau in March. This is a squad stacked with superior quality in every position.
From Victor Osimhen and Terem Moffi in forward areas, to Premier League talent in Alex Iwobi, Wilfried Ndidi, Joe Aribo, and Kelechi Iheanaho on the bench. Not to mention Villarreal’s Samuel Chukwueze out wide.
The individual components are impressive. It’s no surprise they’re the favourites in the latest Sierra Leone vs Nigeria odds.
If head coach Jose Peseiro can unlock their full potential, there’s no doubt that Nigeria will be amongst the favourites for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations.
Sierra Leone vs Nigeria Bet 1: Nigeria to win @ 2/5
Unwise To Overlook Victor Osimhen?
The Napoli goal-getter stands level with Sadio Mane on AFCON qualifying goals (5) this campaign. And it’s no surprise. Victor Osimhen has been in red hot form all season long.
With Napoli able to approach Serie A games in a less competitive manner than usual given they won Serie A with games to spare, Nigeria will be receiving an Osimhen with an additional spring in his step for the June internationals.
That will give the Nigeria squad a boost as they ready themselves to face Sierra Leone.
Alongside his five strikes in qualifying, Osimhen scored 26 goals in Serie A, and five in six Champions League outings. In terms of AFCON qualifiers tips, he’s certainly someone to consider finding the net on Friday.
Sierra Leone vs Nigeria Bet 2: Victor Osimhen to Score Anytime
Back Goals in Nigerian Green
We’ve touched on it previously in our Sierra Leone vs Nigeria tips, but Nigeria’s squad, if they turn up how we know they can, should make light work of Sierra Leone. However, this is a Sierra Leone outfit that needs a points return to give their hopes of qualification a boost.
If Nigeria can find the first goal, which is likely, the dynamic of the game will shift. Sierra Leone will need to get bodies forward and take risks in midfield and at the back.
There will be counter-attacking opportunities to exploit for Nigeria, as well as avenues to overcome their opponents in transition.
With the quality at Nigeria’s disposal, including Victor Osimhen upfront, don’t be too surprised if Nigeria work a hatful of goalscoring opportunities on Friday.
Credit to: punchng.com
HAPPY FATHER’S DAY TO ALL THE DAD IN THE WORLD
🎉 Happy Father’s Day! 🎉
Today, we pay tribute to the superheroes without capes – our amazing fathers! 🦸♂️💙 From their unwavering support to the lessons they’ve taught us, fathers have shaped us into the individuals we are today. Let’s take a moment to appreciate their love, sacrifices, and the priceless memories they’ve given us. 💪
To all the incredible dads out there, thank you for your strength, guidance, and the countless ways you make our lives better. Your love is the anchor that keeps us grounded and the light that guides our paths. Enjoy this special day dedicated to you! 😊
#FathersDay #DadsAreSuperheroes #ThankYouDad
2ND EDITION NIGERIAN FESTIVAL UK LIVE UPDATE
Visits to Gambia are trouble-free – UK indorses
Similar reports circulating also triggered nervous and anxious political and financial debates by both Gambians at home and in the diaspora as the country struggled to free itself from the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic as well as other negative economic factors such as the war in Ukraine.
Consequently, an aggressive campaign by Banjul to not only woo but to positively convince investors, tourists and other visitors to consider coming to the country became part of the debate.
Concerned visitors mostly from the UK, one of the country’s most outstanding and notable ally asked questions such as: “Is The Gambia truly inside Senegal? How can I freely navigate across The Gambia without any difficulty?”
Responding to the Point, a Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) spokesperson said: “We maintained that most visits to The Gambia are trouble-free. We also noted that people travelling independently should make sure next of kin in the UK have details of itinerary and keep in regular touch. It is also important to take out travel and medical insurance…”
This correspondent also heard concerns such as “gatherings and protest; beaches and zoos; roads and electricity”.
David Haugen, an entrepreneur replying said: “We consider The Gambia as our second home. Most importantly, we truly feel at home across the whole country…”
Nonetheless, the FCDO also noted that “large gatherings and protests in public areas must be avoided and reminded visitors to monitor local media for up-to-date information and follow the advice of local authorities”.
Separately, as far as the current situation in Senegal is concerned, “demonstrations about political issues” are mentioned. It added that such events “occur frequently and are likely to increase in the build-up to presidential elections in February 2024…they can be violent”.
Credit: the Point News
NEWSBREAKING: Tinubu, Asari Dokubo meeting in Aso RockPublished
President Bola Tinubu is currently having a meeting with a former leading agitator in the oil-rich region, Alhaji Asari Dokubo, at the State House.
According to Channels Television, Dokubo is likely to be part of the President’s ongoing consultations with opinion leaders from the Niger Delta region.
The president had last week reiterated his commitment to halting crude oil theft in the country.
Tinubu had also met with other key figures from the region, including the former Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Chief Timi Alaibe, as well as the former Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr Dakuku Peterside.
Credit: Daily Post Ng