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AUDA-NEPAD Boss lauds PMB’s assent to AfCFTA

Published

6 years ago

July 8, 2019

National Coordinator/ Chief Executive Officer, African Union Development Agency- New Partnership for Africa’s Development ( AUDA-NEPAD) Princess Gloria Akobundu, has commended President Muhammadu Buhari for signing African Continental Free Trade Areas (AfCFTA) agreement.

In a statement signed by Abolade Ogundimu, Media Assistant to AUDA-NEPAD C.E.O on Monday, Akobundu said the signing would boost Africa’s economy and eliminate illegal migration among other benefits.

Akobundu made these known while on the entourage of President Buhari to the 12th Extraordinary Summit of the African Union in Niamey, Niger Republic.

Acording to AUDA-NEPAD Boss, the agreement will not only boost Africa’s economy, but also capable of eliminating illegal migration which had claimed many lives among other benefits.

“Africa’s population currently hover around 1.3 billion and expected to hit 2.5 billion by 2050, a common trade corridor like AfCFTA is a game changer for the continent’s current economic challenges when fully and fairly implemented.

“The continent’s huge economic resources will now begin to nourish their own source better than before. Industries will have easier access to markets and healthy competition will unfold Africa’s ingenuity.

“There is no better time than now for such decision to come into operation,” she said.

Akobundu commended all the nations that had signed the documents especially Nigeria and 25 other AU member states that had deposited their instruments of ratification, urging the rest to consider such action.

On possibility of AfCFTA’s implementation hindering the growth of local manufacturers in the country, Akobundu explained how could be the opposite.

“Nigerian small and medium scale enterprises should collaborate with AUDA-NEPAD Nigeria and other related organisations in order to position themselves for the gains of the continental policy.

“The gains include: infrastructural development, job creation and economic growth,” she said.

Akobundu hinted that AUDA-NEPAD being part of the deliberation on the continent’s economic advancement observed that Nigeria’s small, medium and large scale industries were well positioned for benefits of AfCFTA when fully into operation.

Gleamers News reports that President Muhammadu Buhari signed the agreement after wide consultation on how it could benefit Nigeria’s resolve to consolidate its continental leadership.

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NSF: Oparaoji, Ekpeyong, Quadri Gear Up for Tough Quarterfinal Clashes in Abeokuta

Published

1 week ago

May 23, 2025

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

The tennis courts at the ongoing National Sports Festival in Abeokuta are buzzing with intensity as the competition hits the quarterfinal stage in both the men’s and women’s singles events, following a gripping round of 16.

Men’s Singles Quarterfinals:

Abubakar Yusuf of FCT will square off against Rivers State’s Abua Canice. Yusuf booked his spot with a 4-0, 4-2 win over Ehigiamusoe Endurance of Edo, while Canice cruised past Azi David 4-1, 4-0.

Bayelsa’s Uche Oparaoji faces Adeleye Daniel of Ekiti in a clash of skill and strategy. Oparaoji outclassed Urenyang Nuhu of Taraba 4-1, 4-2, just as Adeleye powered past Kaduna’s Ibrahim Sulaiman with the same scoreline.

In one of the most anticipated ties, Danjuma Lucky (FCT) will lock horns with Bayelsa’s top seed David Ekpeyong. Danjuma came through a thrilling contest against Ekiti’s Abamu Matthew, rallying to win 1-4, 4-2, 10-5, while Ekpeyong dominated Taraba’s Rubi Toba 4-0, 4-2.

Home favourite Christopher Bulus of Ogun will battle Edo’s Michael Chima for a semifinal ticket. Bulus swept past Rivers’ Timibra Godsgift 4-1, 4-0, while Chima triumphed over Delta’s Iloputa Ikechukwu in a straight-set win.

Women’s Singles Quarterfinals:

Delta’s Barakat Quadri, fresh off a 4-1, 4-0 win over Rebecca Ekpeyong of Bayelsa, will face rising star Emmanuel Bright of the IJA (Invited Junior Athletes), who overcame Rivers’ Maxwell Timipre 4-2, 5-3.

Edo’s Omotayo Blessing will battle Akwa Ibom’s Udoffa Mary in what promises to be a fiery encounter. Omotayo brushed aside Ekiti’s Adeusi Jesutoyosi 4-0, 4-1, while Udoffa outplayed Moses Favour of Kaduna 5-3, 4-0.

Elsewhere, Ogunjobi Success of Ekiti will test her mettle against Aina Goodnews of IJA, and Akwa Ibom’s Etoro Bassey faces Ogun’s Yakubu Ohunene in a South-South vs South-West showdown.

With the quarterfinals locked in, tennis fans are in for a thrilling ride as the battle for medals intensifies under the Abeokuta sun.

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