Broadcasting
Nigeria Makes Giant Strides in Economic Growth and Continental Leadership with the Launch of Guided Trade Initiative Under AfCFTA
Nigeria has embarked on a historic endeavor with the launch of the Guided Trade Initiative under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), signaling a pivotal moment in boosting intra-African trade and fostering economic diversification. Spearheaded by President Bola Tinubu, this initiative is anticipated to unlock an estimated $50 billion in economic opportunities for Nigerian businesses.
President Tinubu underscored AfCFTA’s transformative potential, positioning it not merely as a trade pact but as a catalyst for industrialization, equitable growth, and continental prosperity. Nigeria is steadfast in creating an enabling business environment that fosters innovation and enhances the competitiveness of local enterprises across diverse sectors.
The launch event, supported by international partners such as the German Ministry of Economic Cooperation (BMZ), celebrated Nigeria’s leadership role in AfCFTA’s implementation. The Country Director for GIZ Nigeria and ECOWAS, represented by GIZ ECOWAS Cluster Coordinator, Svenja Ossman, highlighted Germany’s commitment through the ECOWAS AfCFTA project, aimed at bolstering the implementation framework across West Africa.
“We are pleased to witness Nigeria’s official commencement of trade under the preferential regime established by AfCFTA,” stated the GIZ country director. “Germany acknowledges Nigeria’s proactive stance in advancing regional economic integration and pledges support in aligning national efforts with ECOWAS-coordinated AfCFTA strategies.”
The GIZ ECOWAS AfCFTA support project has been pivotal in providing technical assistance to Nigeria through the AfCFTA National Action Committee, now called, the Nigeria AfCFTA Coordination Office (NACO). This support includes the development of a comprehensive Action Plan aimed at optimizing trade facilitation and maximizing opportunities for Nigerian businesses, including women and youth entrepreneurs.
“We commend Nigeria’s dedication in preparing the AfCFTA implementation Action Plan,” continued the GIZ country director. “In collaboration with relevant Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), we anticipate finalizing this plan to ensure robust financial and institutional support for its successful rollout.”
Emphasizing the importance of collaboration, Mr. Olusegun Awolowo, National Coordinator of NACO, highlighted the transformative impact of AfCFTA on Nigeria’s economic landscape. The conversion of the National Action Committee on AfCFTA into NACO underscores Nigeria’s commitment to effective AfCFTA implementation, including finalizing tariff concessions to enhance competitiveness within the continental market.
Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, reiterated Nigeria’s dedication to leveraging AfCFTA for industrial growth and job creation. Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, emphasized the strategic importance of the Guided Trade Initiative in propelling Nigeria’s economic growth and fostering regional integration.
President Tinubu concluded the event by affirming Nigeria’s commitment to assuming a leadership role in continental and global trade through AfCFTA. Beyond immediate economic gains, AfCFTA promises a transformative future for all Africans, grounded in collaboration, innovation, and the collective strength of the continent.
Big Larry, a popular Nollywood actor has been pronounced dead on Friday by Stanley Ontop, film producer
Big Larry
Details’ surrounding his sudden demise is yet to be known.
Big Larry’s death comes just a few weeks after the passing of another Nollywood actress, Sharon Okpamen, who died following childbirth.
Stanley Ontop his on Instagram wrote: “Breaking News: Nollywood actor Big Lary just passed away. Je nke Oma big. What caused his demise is yet to be ascertained. May your soul rest in peace Big Lary. Nollywood Asaba Mourns. Shalom!!!”
Fans and admirers of the late actor have flocked to the post’s comment section to pay tribute to him.
Consumer Advocacy & Empowerment Foundation (CADEF) hosted a one-day workshop on “Improving Access and Inclusion for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in Digital Financing” in Lagos.
L-R: Bunmi Adebiyi, Senior Manger, Development Finance Office, CBN; Chinonso Umeh, Head, Retail Services ,Zenith Bank; Lukeman Salami, representative of Association for the Blind; Chiso Ndukwe-Okafor, Executive Director, CADEF; Adeola Aina, Vice-chairman, Association for the Blind and Lovelyn Okafor, Director of Programmes and Communications, CADEF at workshop on Improving Access and Inclusion for PWDs in Digital Financing in Lagos, recently.
The event brought together government officials, financial institutions, disability organizations, and experts to discuss strategies for enhancing financial inclusion for people with disabilities.
Speaking at the workshop, Safiu Babatunde, Head of Legal Services at the Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs, emphasized the importance of financial inclusion for people with disabilities.
He highlighted the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities in accessing traditional and digital financial services and called for innovative solutions to address these barriers.
“Disability related obstacles affect the participation of individuals at every stage of developmental interventions intended to boost livelihoods of people,” Babatunde said.
“Key among the resources essential for enhancing the livelihood of individuals is having access to financial resources for undertaking economic activities.”
He continued, “Unfortunately over the years, traditional banks do not seem to have served people with disability related obstacles.
“Persons with disability have limited access to financial services, including traditional and alternative banking, online payment services, and financial transactions as well as mobile banking applications.”
Babatunde emphasized the need for public-private partnerships to promote financial inclusion for people with disabilities.
“This partnership can bring together government agencies, financial institutions, and disability organizations to collaborate on developing and implementing initiatives that promote financial inclusion for these concerned populations,” he said.
Professor Chiso Ndukwe-Okafor, Executive Director of CADEF, underscored the organization’s commitment to advocating for the rights of marginalized groups.
She emphasized the need for inclusive financial products and services that cater to the specific needs of people with disabilities.
“CADEF has been empowering individuals with financial literacy, including those with disabilities.
“Our goal is to create inclusive financial systems that meet the needs of all Nigerians”, she said.
The Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs, LASODA, also called for increased public-private collaboration to address the financial barriers faced by PWDs.
General Manager of LASODA, Adenike Oyetunde-Lawal, emphasized the need for tailored financial products and accessible services.
Oyetunde-Lawal, who was represented by Mr. Safiu Babatunde, Head of the Legal Department, urged the banking sector to be more responsive to the needs of PWDs.
Participants discussed the challenges faced by people with disabilities in accessing financial services, such as limited awareness of available products, inaccessible ATMs and branches, and discriminatory practices.
They also explored potential solutions, including the development of accessible mobile banking applications, financial education programs in sign language and Braille, and partnerships with disability organizations.
At the conclusion of the workshop, participants agreed on the need for concerted efforts to improve financial inclusion for people with disabilities.
They pledged to work together to develop and implement practical solutions that will empower individuals with disabilities to participate fully in the financial sector.
Nigerian Institute of Public Relation’s (NIPR) governing council has announced the appointment of Rasheed Bolarinwa as the Chairman of its newly established FinanceHub Committee.
Rasheed Bolarinwa
Bolarinwa, who serves as the President of the Association of Communication and Marketing Professionals in Banks (ACAMB), will lead the committee aimed at enhancing sustainable Public Relations practices within the banking, insurance, and pensions sectors.
Bolarinwa, currently the Head of Brand Management and Corporate Communication at Polaris Bank, brings extensive experience from journalism, public relations, and the financial sector.
Read Also: NIPR Lagos Chapter Announces Date for 11th conference, sets to discuss climate change, environment
His leadership is expected to drive significant improvements in PR practices across these financial sectors.
The FinanceHub Committee, which includes experts from banking, insurance, and pensions, is part of NIPR’s broader initiative to strengthen public relations across various sectors.
The committee’s formation aligns with NIPR’s strategy to foster sustainable and impactful PR practices in these critical areas of the economy.
In addition to Bolarinwa, NIPR has appointed other chairpersons for newly created sectoral hubs.
Mrs. Thelma Okoh will lead the Maritime Hub, Dr. Jossy Nkwocha will head the Energy Hub, and Mr. Basil Agboarumi will oversee the Aviation Hub. Dr. Ahmad Sajoh has been appointed to lead the Anti-Corruption and Consumer Protection Hub, while Miss Chimdi Neliaku will head the Young Practitioners Hub.
The appointment letters, signed by Uzoma Onyegbadue, Registrar/Secretary to the NIPR Governing Council, reflect NIPR’s commitment to enhancing public relations practices across these sectors.
NIPR Appoints Rasheed Bolarinwa as Chairman of FinanceHub Committee
At the inauguration of the new chairpersons and committee members, NIPR National President Dr. Ike Neliaku praised the appointees, highlighting their expertise and dedication.
“Your appointments are well-considered and reflect the confidence the NIPR council has in your abilities to advance the objectives of the Hub,” Neliaku stated.
He expressed enthusiasm for collaborating with the new appointees and emphasized the council’s support in driving positive change in public relations practices within their respective sectors.
Nigeria’s Financial, Telecoms’ Firms Hit by 586,130 Cyber Attacks in Six Months
Nigerian Banks Lose N42.6Bn to Fraud in Q2 2024 – FITC
Huawei Wins $3m Cloud Computing Contract from UBA
NOTAP to Strengthen IP Rights in Nigeria
Insider Threats Resonated in Cybervergent Half Year Cyber Threat Report
NDIC Plans to Liquidate 87 Microfinance Banks, Others
Introducing TECNO POP9: The Smartphone That Redefines Affordability
ALX Nigeria Moves Over 12,000 Youths Closer to Jobs in Six Months
Molokwu Azikiwe Joins the Prestigious Ndi-Ichie of Onitsha
Glo Introduces Instalment Payment Scheme for Purchase of Smartphones
E-Financial2 days agoSEC Says 50 Crypto Exchanges have Applied for Licenses
E-Financial2 days agoCBN Orders PoS Operators to Route all Transactions through NIBSS or UPSL
- Broadcasting2 days ago
Big Larry, Nollywood Actor is Dead
Telecom2 days agoTECNO is Back with PHANTOM V Fold2 5G – An AI-enhanced Large-Screen Powerhouse of Productivity and Creativity
News2 days agoNIMASA, BOI Partner to Grow Capacity In Maritime Sector
E-Financial2 days agoFBNQuest Asset Management Discusses ABC of Personal Finance Part 2
E-Financial2 days agoReps Panel Asks GTBank to Remit VAT on Remita Transactions to FG
Telecom2 days agoTECNO Unveils PHANTOM V Flip2 5G – Iconic Aesthetic Meets Innovative AI in a Futuristic Flip Phone