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Nigeria, Other Countries to leverage on Vast Natural Resources For Sustainable Development

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Joel Ajayi


The Federal Government has reiterated  its commitment to collaborate with other African countries with a view to  continue the sustainable development of Africa’s   natural resources.


The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Mines and Steel Development, Dr. Mary Ogbe stated this during the briefing of the Diplomatic Community on the up coming Africa Natural Resource and Energy Investment Summit (AFNIS-2023), scheduled to hold  between 31st October to 2nd November, 2023. The event  held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Headquarters  in Abuja. 


During the interactive / briefing session with the Diplomatic Corps,  the Permanent Secretary explained  that through the AFNIS Summit, which is an African knowledge sharing platform initiated by the Nigerian Government,  Nigeria will  work with fellow African Nations to continue the sustainable development of Africa’s natural resources through knowledge sharing, investment and trade. 


She said further  ” this forum  was initiated to strategize on how Africa can continue to receive investment from its vast mineral resource deposits while also protecting its environment. The Summit thus provides a global platform for Africa to encourage investment in its Power, Energy (Oil and Gas) and Mining sectors.”


With preparations for the  upcoming 2023 Edition of the African Natural Resource and Energy Investment Summit ( AFNIS) in top gear;  Dr Ogbe urged African Countries and its Allies to participate in building on the successes recorded during the maiden edition of AFNIS held last year 2022.


In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Adamu Ibrahim Lamuwa, posited that it was high time Africa gave adequate attention to develop its huge natural and energy resources for the benefit of the African continent, adding that “a better Africa can be achieved” with AFNIS.


Speaking, the Consultant to the Ministry of Mines and Steel Devlpt. Dr. Abubakar Lawal  stated that the theme of the summit – ”Towards a Just Transition” – is apt as it “will explore strategies to address challenges linked to the shift from fossil fuels, with a focus on minimizing adverse impacts on economies rooted in these sectors”. 


To further butress his position: he said ” AFNIS 2023 central objective is  to strike a delicate balance that supports Africa’s mining and energy sector growth, harnessing fossil fuels for industrialization, while concurrently aligning with global climate change mitigation efforts”.


The three-day Summit will be attended  by government officials from African countries, industry experts, academics and business leaders;  with an  agenda to deliberate on the intricacies of achieving a just transition within the mining and energy domains amongst others.

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Tinubu, PDP Hail Gov Okpebholo’s Road Infrastructural Revolution in Edo

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Joel Ajayi

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has lauded the infrastructural strides of Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, particularly the ongoing construction of the state’s first-ever flyover bridge, describing it as a landmark intervention in easing urban traffic and modernizing Edo’s transport system.

The President extolled the governor’s foresight in embarking on the one-kilometre flyover project at Ikpoba Hill in Ikpoba Okha Local Government Area, noting that its completion would transform vehicular movement and strengthen the urban fabric of Benin City.

Tinubu praised Okpebholo’s early performance in office, affirming that the governor had set a new standard of governance in Edo.

The president represented by the Minister of Works, Engr. Dave Umahi, emphasized that the governor’s bold approach to road and bridge construction in the State underscores the All Progressives Congress’ (APC) progressive agenda.

“This is a 24-span structure, each span measuring 20 meters, amounting to a one-kilometre bridge. The quality and pace of work are impressive. Edo is witnessing a first, and I believe more such projects should follow in Benin City to address the heavy traffic,” Umahi conveyed on behalf of the President.

The Minister contrasted the efficiency of state-driven projects with some federal contracts, lamenting that contractors often display greater discipline when working under governors than when handling federal assignments.

He pledged to enforce stricter accountability standards at the federal level to ensure value for money and timely delivery.

“I commend Governor Okpebholo for insisting on concrete technology. Roads built with reinforced concrete last 50 to 100 years, saving scarce resources. Nigeria cannot continue to spend on recurring reconstruction. We must invest in durability,” Umahi stressed.

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