By Dr. Ifeanyi M. Osuoza

An interesting slogan associated with the people of Ndokwa nation in Nigeria, is the short catchy phrase that says: “Ife manma ka kugide, ife manma ka kugide.” It can be translated to mean “it’s pleasant to acknowledge something good.”

It is against this background and borrowing from the Ndokwa nation’s distinctive phrase that identifies and acknowledges worth in something that one wishes to acknowledge the substance that the Senator, Dr. Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa’s trajectory as Governor of Delta State has brought to the State. His eight years sojourn as Delta State Governor is the narrative of a mission of high-quality essence imbued with the skills suitable for the delivery of the electioneering campaign promises he made to the people. Of course, the man fondly called ‘Ekwueme gburugburu’ by admirers has fully delivered on his promises and in some instances with icing on the cake.

Okowa’s belief in Delta as a State of limitless possibilities is without equal. He once said: “No one doubts my deep knowledge and commitment to my people of Delta State, to all the communities, the aspirations of the people, and the tremendous challenges facing us. My faith in Delta State is limitless, unwavering, and bountiful.” This mindset made him primed for service, leading him to enunciate his vision as Governor, to consolidate and advance the peace, progress, and prosperity of Delta State. This vision he encapsulated in his Five-point SMART Agenda of Strategic wealth creation projects and provision of jobs for all Deltans; Meaningful peace building platforms aimed at political/social stability; Agricultural Reforms and Accelerated Industrialization; Relevant Health and Education Policies and A transformed environment through urban renewal.

That Governor Okowa has carefully and painstakingly committed himself and his administration to fulfilling the SMART Agenda is to say the obvious reality. For instance, the cornerstone of the SMART Agenda is the Job Creation Scheme, which was conceptualised as a more enduring way of achieving this goal was designed to specifically tackle youth unemployment by producing a critical mass of skilled and knowledgeable small business owners that will drive the economic diversification and business competitiveness of the State. The success of the scheme is wonderful as thousands of unemployed graduates under the Skill Training and Acquisition Programme, STEP has been trained successfully, while youths in their multitudes have passed through the Youth Agricultural Entrepreneurs Programme, YAGEP. Significantly, the STEP and YAGEP schemes also have persons with disabilities benefiting. The point must be made that the idea of the scheme is to redirect the focus of youths away from non-existent paid employment and channeling their creative energies towards job and wealth creation. Testimonies of beneficiaries tell the success story of the scheme.

It is also a superb and excellent story in all the other aspects of Okowa’s policy and programmes, especially in the area of meaningful peace-building platforms towards political and social stability. That Delta State is politically and socially stable is no gainsaying. The prevailing atmosphere of serenity, calmness, and peace across the State all speak about the skill, adroitness, political sagacity, and a high sense of equity, fairness, and justice that destiny has imbued Okowa with.

One is not surprised that Governor Okowa committed himself with diligence to realizing such a disposition because, in the build-up to his contesting the Governorship primary as an aspirant, he made it clear, when he said: “I believe in the unity of Delta State. Unity is fundamental and it shall be driven under my leadership with equity and justice, with peace and security, and through thoughtful policies that will deepen inter-communal relationships and the unique features and characters of the State.”

Certainly, Deltans will forever take cognizance of his dedication to the cause of enthroning the factor of equity, fairness, and justice in the political affairs of Delta State. That devotion made it possible for the Okpe, Sapele, and Uvwie in the Delta Central axis to produce the Governor-elect of Delta State in Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, who hails from Okpe. It thus put to an end the marginalization of that area in the political scheme of things, now giving the people a sense of belonging. This tendency speaks highly of the Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa phenomenon and its glowing essence.

Of course, this is one among other features that Deltans cherish in their outgoing Governor. Among such other features is the streak of infrastructure development he has brought to bear in the eight years of his administration. For Okowa, a good economy is built on the ability of the government to improve the welfare of the people by providing basic infrastructure, public amenities, and social services. The landmark ultra-modern Obi (Prof) Chike Edozien Secretariat is a testimony of a feat that is second to none. The sheer serene ambiance provided civil servants to work in will not only enhance their worth as a people providing critical service, but will motivate them to go the extra mile in giving their best in the service to the government and the people.

Besides, the Okowa footprints which will surely remain indelible in the sands of time in Delta State dot every nook and cranny of the State in the provision and upgrade of relevant health and educational facilities and policies. There are over 2,000 kilometres of road constructed across the State, and several are not commissioned. With the Koka interchange, another landmark project, in Asaba, the impact of the flyover bridge is being felt. This is besides many other bridges built across the State. There’s also the storm drainage that has eased Asaba residents, especially those living along and around the Okpanam Road axis of the menace of flood. The same type of storm drainage is being carried out in the Warri-Uvwie axis of the State

Four new Universities have become operational in Delta State admitting students that may ordinarily not have access to tertiary education. In addition, the Okowa administration has revived technical education with the provision of facilities to enhance such education. So far, no fewer than five technical colleges have been put in place at Agbor, Sapele, Ofagbe, Ogor, and Utagba-Ogbe. And Governor Okowa believes so much that we need to grow our children to learn to use their hands productively when they are out instead of waiting or looking out for white-collar jobs that don’t exist.

It is not possible to detail all the achievements of the Ifeanyi Okowa administration in his eight years in Delta State, including sports where the State established its dominance and transformed the environment through urban renewal and commitment to peace and security, the point also is that the Governor has been able to bring the whole of Delta State together with each local area having a sense of belonging. It is this ability and commitment to establishing a united and formidable Delta State that underscores the fact that the administration is on the pedestal and high way to finishing strong and bequeathing a Stronger Delta.

Like the Ndokwa Nation’s phrase, I declare that the Okowa-led administration has performed excellently well and it behooves us all to acknowledge this high standard of government and governance as the administration establishes its winding down process.

Ifeanyi Osuoza, Ph.D., is the State Publicity Secretary, Peoples Democratic Party, Delta State, and Deputy Director, Media/Publicity, Delta PDP Campaign Council.*

03RD MARCH, 2023

STOP ALL SUSPENSIONS FORTHWITH, PDP DIRECTS LGAs AND WARDS EXCOS

The State Executive Committee, SEC, Delta State Peoples Democratic Party PDP, hereby directs all Local Government Areas and Wards Executive Committees of the party across the State, to stop forthwith, all suspensions of members in form of disciplinary action, without official clearance from the State Executive Committee, SEC.

All LGAs and Wards Excos are hereby reminded that, in line with our mandate to ensure and uphold fairness within our fold, the party has regularly deployed recognized instruments and applied established due process mechanisms, devoid of perceived witch-hunt, to handle disciplinary issues whenever they arise.

The party hereby reverses all hitherto pronounced suspensions that were not officially approved by a written directive from the SEC, and declares all other actions on matters of alleged misdemeanors, discrepancies, and other anti-party activities that were not referred to the party at the State level, as null and void and of no effect whatsoever.

The party however directs all LGAs Party Chairmen, to forward the name(s) of those accused of anti-party activities, with a detailed report of their alleged discrepancies and contrary activities, to the State Secretariat of the party, within two weeks from the date of this directive, for proper investigation by constitutionally recognized disciplinary channels, and subsequent recommendations to the SEC, which will then Direct/Instruct appropriate action(s) for the offence(s) and offender(s).

Please be advised accordingly.

Dr. Ifeanyi M. Osuoza,
State Publicity Secretary,
PDP, Delta State.

03RD APRIL, 2023

STOP ALL SUSPENSIONS FORTHWITH, PDP DIRECTS LGAs AND WARDS EXCOS

The State Executive Committee, SEC, Delta State Peoples Democratic Party PDP, hereby directs all Local Government Areas and Wards Executive Committees of the party across the State, to stop forthwith, all suspensions of members in form of disciplinary action, without official clearance from the State Executive Committee, SEC.

All LGAs and Wards Excos are hereby reminded that, in line with our mandate to ensure and uphold fairness within our fold, the party has regularly deployed recognized instruments and applied established due process mechanisms, devoid of perceived witch-hunt, to handle disciplinary issues whenever they arise.

THE PARTY HEREBY REVERSES ALL HITHERTO PRONOUNCED SUSPENSIONS THAT WERE NOT OFFICIALLY APPROVED BY A WRITTEN DIRECTIVE FROM THE STATE EXCUTIVE COMMITTEE, SEC., AND DECLARES ALL OTHER ACTIONS ON MATTERS OF ALLEGED MISDEMEANORS, DISCREPANCIES, AND OTHER ANTI-PARTY ACTIVITIES THAT WERE NOT REFERRED TO THE PARTY AT THE STATE LEVEL, AS NULL AND VOID AND OF NO EFFECTS WHATSOEVER.

The party however directs all LGAs Party Chairmen, to forward the name(s) of those accused of anti-party activities, with a detailed report of their alleged discrepancies and contrary activities, to the State Secretariat of the party, within two weeks from the date of this directive, for proper investigation by constitutionally recognized disciplinary channels, and subsequent recommendations to the SEC, which will then Direct/Instruct appropriate action(s) for the offence(s) and offender(s).

Please be advised accordingly.

Dr. Ifeanyi M. Osuoza,
State Publicity Secretary,
PDP, Delta State.

Okowa lauds Judiciary for contributions to development.

Delta Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, on Monday, commended the judiciary for its contributions to the development of the state, saying it had been remarkable.

Okowa gave the commendation at a valedictory court session in honour of the retired President of Customary Court of Appeal, Justice Patience Elumeze, at the new High Court Complex, Asaba.

He expressed appreciation to the judiciary for the great support it had given to his administration since 2015, noting that he had had a very cordial working relationship with the judiciary.

He said that whatever his administration achieve was as a result of the peaceful and cordial working relationship among the three arms of government in the state.

“I want to appreciate the judiciary for the great work it has been doing. In the last eight years, I have had a very cordial working relationship with the judiciary and whatever I have been able to achieve is as a result of this peaceful and cordial working relationship,” he said.

While congratulating Justice Elumeze for having a successful career in the legal profession, Okowa implored her to devote her retirement life to the service of God and humanity, and congratulated her on her 65th birth anniversary.

“I want to appreciate you and thank God for your live. I also truly want to appreciate the works that you have done and I feel very proud of His Lordship that is retiring.

“In the words of the Chief Judge of Delta State, she has described His Lordship, Hon. Justice Onuwa Elumeze, as somebody who is truly amazing, disciplined and hard working.

“The only thing I found not so interesting was that she was afraid to take up her duties when it came to the issue of Judicial autonomy. This is because at several times, she would come to me for approvals.

“And, I will say to her that the judiciary is already autonomous and that she has the powers to manage the funds of the judiciary now in our state.

“But, we thank God that we are all getting use to it now,” Okowa said, and wished Justice Elumeze success in her future endeavours.

On the low number of Judges in the state, the governor said that he was told that there was a rule restricting the number not to be more than 40 per state.

“We are trying to cause an amendment to be made in our laws, to enable us request for more judges in our courts. I hope that in the course of time, we would be able to get more judges appointed for our courts,” he added.

On the state High Court Complex, the governor said that the project was no longer under the supervision of the Executive, but with the judiciary.

“The High Court complex project is no longer under the supervision of executive arm; it is in the judiciary. The Chief Judge has done her best and I have done mine. But unfortunately, the Judiciary has not been able to push the contractor harder than they have done, to deliver the job.

“At a point, we had to do what ordinarily we would not do by further advancing money to the contractor. It is not normally done in the process of contract award and execution but we had to do that to speed up the job.

“It was my desire that this project was completed by December, 2022 but it is lingering and l do not know whether it will be completed before l leave office.

“I believe that the fault is neither that of the Chief Judge nor that of my office. We hope that the contractor will quickly finish it.

“In terms of funding, we have remained committed in funding the project but also very unfortunately, is the fact that there has been a lot of inflationary tendencies in Nigeria today.

“I think that that has also caught up with the contractor even when we had to review the contract along the line,” Okowa stated.

He disclosed that his administration remained one of the first to operationalize the judicial autonomy in the country and sued for symbiotic relationship between the three arms of government for maximum performance in terms.

In their separate remarks, Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Isaiah Bozimo; the Chief Judge of the state, Justice Theresa Diai and the representative of the Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SAN) in the state, Mr Charles Ajuya as well as the Chairman of Asaba Branch of the NBA, Mr Precious Nwadimuya, noted that Justice Elumeze had made invaluable contributions in the legal landscape of the state.

While describing the retired President of Customary Court of Appeal as an asset in the nation’s judiciary, they wished her a happy retirement life.

In her speech, Justice Elumeze said she was glad to bow out of service after a sterling career in the bench since 1983 and pledged to use the remaining years of her life for the service of God and humanity.

She commended Governor Okowa, Justice Roseline Bozimo, Justice Stella Ogene and Justice Marshal Umukoro for their support in her legal career while also x-raying the reforms, human capital and infrastructural transformation that she brought into the state judiciary in her tenure.

She advocated for improved welfare package for judges, and harped on the need for seniority and respect to be maintained among judges.

At a thanksgiving mass held earlier at Emmanuel the Saviour Catholic Church, Asaba, in her honour, Revd. Fr. Israel Dibia said every position was a privilege to render quality services to God and humanity.

He said that Justice Elumeze gave her best while in service and prayed God to grant her good health and longevity in retirement.

The Thanksgiving mass was attended by Governor Ifeanyi Okowa and his wife, Edith, the Deputy Governor, Mr Kingsley Otuaro and other top government functionaries.

Elumeze was sworn-in as President of Customary Court of Appeal in the state on June 29, 2021.

PRESS RELEASE

SANWO-OLU CONGRATULATES NEW GUARDIAN NEWSPAPERS EDITOR, CHIEF FINANCING OFFICER

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has congratulated Dr. Olufemi Adekoya, the immediate Business Editor of The Guardian Newspaper, on his appointment as the Editor of the newspaper.

The Governor also congratulated the company’s Head of Finance, Mrs. Patience Ilesanmi, for her elevation to the position of Chief Financial and Operating Officer.

He described Adekoya and Ilesanmi’s appointments as deserving, considering their experience, commitment, and long years of service in Guardian Newspapers Limited.

Governor Sanwo-Olu in a statement issued on Tuesday by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Gboyega Akosile, said the appointment of Adekoya is an inspiration to young journalists that they can get to the top position in Guardian Newspapers Limited if they are faithful and committed.

He said: “The appointment of Dr. Olufemi Adekoya as The Editor of The Guardian Newspaper is an inspiration to young journalists, especially the staff of Guardian Newspapers Limited that they can get to the top of their career in the company.

“Dr. Adekoya’s appointment is thoroughly deserving having proved his mettle in the journalism profession and I do not have any doubt in my mind that the cap fits him. He is a seasoned journalist and media manager with a proven track record of excellence in journalism, especially in business reporting.

“I want to urge Dr. Adekoya to bring his wealth of experience to bear in strengthening the journalism profession and also be a good gatekeeper against fake news, which is not good for our country. He should also see his new appointment as a crucial assignment for the media, especially The Guardian Newspapers to be more circumspect and developmental in playing its role as the watchdog of society.

“I also congratulate Mrs. Patience Ilesanmi on her new appointment as the Chief Finance and Operating Officer. I urge her to use her office for the growth and development of Guardian Newspapers Limited.”

SIGNED
GBOYEGA AKOSILE
CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY
04 APRIL 2023

I am saddened by Lai Mohammed’s Action – Obi

The Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party in the last presidential election, Mr. Peter Obi, has said that he was saddened, on reading the press statement by the Nigerian Minister of Information, Alhaji Lai Mohammed. The Minister had, in a press statement, accused Mr Peter Obi and his Deputy, Sen. Baba Datti-Ahmed, of treason, by their inciting the citizens to revolt against the announcement of Sen. Ahmed Bola Tinubu as the President-elect.

In a release made available to the press, Obi said that he was not perturbed by the Minister bandying around the word ‘treason’ because, as far as he (Obi) was concerned, he had taken the legal route towards the recovery of his mandate and that he remained committed to that. “Any person ‘seeing’ treason in a clear legal process should explain to Nigerians how opting for the tribunal by myself and my Deputy amounts to treason,” Obi said.

Part of the release reads: “In the past few days, I’ve observed various campaigns of calumny directed at my person, the latest being allegations attributed to the Information Minister, Lai Mohammed, in Washington DC. It is most unfortunate that these consistent efforts to portray me in a manner, quite contrary to what I am and my core values, are coming from such high quarters. Minister Lai accusing me of stoking the fire of insurrection is totally fictitious and malicious. I have never advocated or encouraged anyone to undermine the Nigerian state; I’ve never sponsored or preached any action against the Nigerian state.”

Regretting what he described as “recklessness” by some Nigerians, Obi said it was utterly perplexing that a Minister would be busy travelling round the world, telling Nigerians that the purpose was to tell the world the true story of the Nigerian election.” Obi said it was laughable, against the background of the fact that most of those countries sent their people to monitor the election and have all received reports from the monitors, as well as from their embassies. “Obi asked: “Between Lai Mohammed and their monitors/embassies, who would these countries believe?”

He further said that such reckless behaviour, sponsored with tax payers money, was among the reasons those countries often do not take Nigeria seriously. “The billions spent on those meaningless trips would be enough to fix several dilapidated schools in the country,“ Obi said.

While urging Nigerians to always remain law-abiding and hopeful for the coming of the New Nigeria, Obi reinstated his steadfast inclination: “I’m on record, as always, advocating peace and issue-based campaign, NOT a campaign based on ethnicity or religion. I’m committed to Due Process and presently seeking redress in Court. I urge those engaged in this demarketing process to stop presenting Nigeria in such bad light. Our future generations deserve a new Nigeria where they can live a secure and decent life, like their counterparts in other climes. And this is possible.”

We’ve provided judiciary with right tools – Okowa

Delta Governor, Senator (Dr) Ifeanyi Okowa, on Tuesday, said his administration had provided the judiciary in the state right tools, including personnel and environment conducive for ease of dispensation of justice.

Okowa disclosed this while swearing in Justice Catherine Ojugbana-Orishedere as Acting President of Delta State Customary Court of Appeal, in Asaba.

He assured that his administration would also continue to promote the growth and development of native laws and customs in the state, adding that the government would leave no stone unturned to improve the welfare and working conditions of the bench and staff in the customary court system.

“As this administration winds down, we can take pride in our modest efforts to provide the judiciary with the right tools, personnel and environment conducive to administer justice without any let or hindrance.

“Overall, I believe we have fared well in improving the welfare and working conditions of the bench and the staff in the customary court system, within the limits of available resources,” he stated.

He affirmed that Section 6 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) from which the Nigerian Judiciary derives its powers to administer justice, empowered District and Area Customary Courts to adjudicate in land disputes, marriage, succession, inheritance, guardianship, and custody of children in our rural communities.

The governor, therefore, stated that those charged with the responsibility of administering justice under the customary court system must be men and women of impeccable character, and be free from selfishness, greed and covetousness.

He added that the judges must also be driven by the principles of natural justice, fair hearing, equity, common sense and good conscience, which were the bedrock of the customary court system.

Okowa asserted that the Acting President of the court had demonstrated a high standard of professionalism and ethical conduct that would enable her to succeed in her new position, adding that her appointment was well-deserved as it was on merit.

“Let me congratulate Honourable Catherine Ngozi Ojugbana-Orishedere on her appointment as the Acting President of the Customary Court of Appeal, Delta State. As you may be aware, Honourable Justice Patience Onuwa Elumeze retired yesterday as the President of the Customary Court of Appeal upon the attainment of the mandatory age of 65 years.

“Today’s swearing-in of Justice Ojugbana-Orishedere is in line with the relevant provisions of the 1999 Constitution (As Amended), which stipulates that the highest-ranking judge in the Customary Court of Appeal will act as President of the Customary Court of Appeal pending conferment by the National Judicial Council.

“I note with delight that Justice Ojugbana-Orishedere comes prepared for the office having served in various capacities in the customary court system as Assistant Chief Registrar, Deputy Chief Registrar, Accounting Officer, Chief Registrar, and judge,” he said.

He described Ojugbana-Orishedere as an erudite jurist, versatile academic, experienced administrator and dedicated public servant, who presided over Area Customary Courts in Kwale, Ogharefe, and Koko at different times in her distinguished career, adding that the customary court system would benefit from her knowledge and experience.

The governor urged her to redouble her efforts by being a good example of hard work, transparency, accountability, fairness and justice.

“There is a saying that the reward for hard work is more work. This is the challenge posed by your new office. Let me reiterate the point I stressed to your predecessor that `this office will further stretch your resourcefulness, challenge your intellect, task your patience, encroach on your time, and test your value system’.

“You must maintain a high level of focus, diligence, and personal probity.

“I am confident that Justice Ojugbana-Orishedere is well positioned to take the customary court system to new heights of excellence and justice delivery because she has been part of the system since the year 2000,” he stated.

Okowa expressed the appreciation of the government and people of Delta to the immediate past President of the Customary Court of Appeal in the state, Justice Patience Elumeze, pointing out that Elumeze worked assiduously to restructure the judicial architecture of the customary court system.

“On behalf of the government and good people of Delta State, I thank you for your leadership, consistency, and commitment to raising the bar in the customary court system.

“I wish you God’s blessings and guidance in all your future endeavours, while hoping that you will be gracious enough to make yourself available for more service to the state when the need arises.

“The creation of eight additional courts, comprising four Area and four District Customary Courts, in various parts of the state has undoubtedly improved the course of justice delivery in our rural communities.

“Similarly, the recruitment of over 400 staff for the Customary Court of Appeal by this administration, has helped to address the perennial problem of manpower shortages in the sector,’’ he said.

In her speech, Justice Ojugbana-Orishedere said that she was humbled by her appointment, and thanked the governor for finding her worthy to serve.

She also thanked the Chief Judge of the state, Justice Theresa Diai, for the part she played in her appointment and for her continued support to judges in the progress of the judiciary.

She paid tribute to her predecessor, Justice Elumeze for her inspiring role in the dispensation of justice in the state.

Zagg debuts official TV commercial as BB Titans ends with a bang!

The Big Brother Titans Show ended in dazzling fashion on Sunday, crowning Khosi Twala as the eventual winner of the highly watched show. More than this, Zagg Energy Malt Drink — one of the sponsors of the show — debuted its official TV commercial on the show, formally introducing the rapidly-growing beverage among the youths to the entire world.

Filled with energy, vibrancy and dynamism synonymous with the BB Titans Show — the inter-country franchise of the Big Brother Reality TV show — the commercial titled “That’s our kind of energy” perfectly portrayed the mutual buzz, energy and fun-spirited nature that the brand and its consumers share.

“Zagg is a unique beverage,” remarked Olaoluwa Babalola, Portfolio Manager, Beyond Beer, Nigerian Breweries Plc., “in that it has warmed its way into the hearts of the younger ones. Through this commercial, we have been able to exhibit the energy and confidence that comes with being a member of the Zagg nation. But more than that, Zagg energy drink has come to fuel the youths of this nation with the intuition, drive and all-round invigoration needed to keep up with the global trends of our society today.”

“Being one of the sponsors of the BB Titans show was, indeed, no mean feat”, Sandra Amachree—Senior Manager – Media, Brand PR and sponsorships, Nigerian Breweries Plc.— noted on sponsoring the highly popular show, “However, as a brand that is committed to energising the youths to do more exploits, I must say that it has been a pleasure watching hundreds of thousands connect with the brand because that is what the brand is about —energy, fun and youthfulness.

Zagg Energy’s pilot commercial during the Big Brother Titans Show finale was a great success. It not only introduced the brand’s unique beverage to a broader audience but also captured the energy and spirit of the show and its consumers.

ECA and Afreximbank sign Framework Agreement to establish Special Economic Zones for the production of Battery Electric Vehicles in DRC and Zambia

Kinshasa, DRC, 27 March 2023 –
The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) participated in a signing ceremony ratifying a Framework Agreement for the establishment of Special Economic Zones (SEZ) for the production of Battery and Electric Vehicles (BEV) in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the Republic of Zambia.
Chaired by the Prime Minister of the DRC, Jean-Michel Sama Lukonde, the landmark ceremony saw the participation of Congolese and Zambian ministers, in addition to senior representatives from the African Union, the African Development Bank, Afreximbank, the ALSF, BADEA and ECA.
As producers of over 70% of the world’s cobalt, and 10% of global copper, experts agree that DRC and Zambia are in a unique position to move from exporters of raw materials to becoming regional and global manufacturers and suppliers of the battery precursors and reap the economic benefits.
Speaking at the Ceremony, Antonio Pedro, interim Executive Secretary of ECA hailed the agreement as “an important step in ensuring we have the right enabling policies in place for the region to benefit from the so-called green mineral boom.”
Seen in the context of the operationalization of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), Mr. Pedro underscored the agreement’s importance in the region’s path to achieving sustainable industrialization and economic diversification.
According to the agreement, ECA and Afreximbank will lead the establishment of an Operating Company (OpCo) in consortium with public and private investors from DRC and Zambia, as well as international investors such as Afreximbank’s FEDA investment platform. The Operating Company will develop a transboundary Special Economic Zone in the DRC and Zambia dedicated to the production of battery precursors, batteries, and eventually electric vehicles.
During the ceremony, ARISE Integrate Industrial Platform (ARISE IIP) – a pan-African infrastructure developer was nominated as the selected technical consultant to conduct the pre-feasibility study for the establishment of the SEZs in DRC and Zambia.
In parallel and moving forward, creating more value, and strengthening productive capabilities would have to take into account the need to create relevant skills and competences, including through technical and vocational education and training (TVET) and national suppliers’ development programmes. With the support of ECA, a Centre of excellence was established in DRC as a joint effort of University of Lubumbashi (DRC), Steinbis Institute (Germany) in collaboration with University of Zambia and Copperbelt University (Zambia).
“ECA is proud to be a partner to governments of DRC and Zambia in support of building a value chain for battery and electric vehicles, and I would like to take this opportunity to reiterate our commitment in supporting you in this endeavour,” he said.
For her part, Ms. Oluranti Doherty, Afreximbank’s Director of Export Development said: “The execution of the framework agreement testifies to a strong commitment by the governments of the DRC and Zambia, Afreximbank and ECA, as well as other partners, to promote inclusive development of the Battery Electric Vehicle value chain, also rendering the DRC and Zambia globally competitive investment destinations.
She stressed Afreximbank’s conviction on Industrial Parks and Special Economic Zones as “critical tools the continent can deploy to fast-track its industrial infrastructure development, promote Intra-African Trade, accelerate the implementation of the AfCFTA and facilitate Export Development.”
This intervention also demonstrates Afreximbank’s commitment to promoting climate finance solutions that will reduce carbon footprints – in alignment with global decarbonization trends and a pan-African narrative around encouraging a just, sustainable, and responsible energy transition,” she added.
Ends
Issued by:
Communications Section
Economic Commission for Africa
PO Box 3001
Addis Ababa
Ethiopia
Tel: +251 11 551 5826
E-mail: eca-info@un.org

Asaba Killing: Okowa calls for Investigation, sues for peace

Delta Governor, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa has called on the police to launch a thorough investigation into the alleged killing of a young man by a police officer in Asaba on Wednesday.

He decried the shooting of the deceased, Mr.Onyeka Ibe which was said to have occurred along Ugbolu- Illah Road by a member of stop -and-search police team on duty on the road.

In a statement by the Chief Press Secretary , Mr Olisa Ifeajika in Asaba, the governor sued for calm, and appealed to residents not to take laws into their hands but should allow the police to conduct an indepth probe into the circumstances that led to the sad incident.

He disclosed that the police officer, an Inspector who allegedly fired the shot that killed Ibe was promptly arrested and currently being detained at the command Headquarters in Asaba.

He advised citizens to go about their normal businesses and remain law-abiding, assuring that the law will take its course on the incident after a thorough investigation by the police.

Okowa expressed his condolences to the family of the deceased and reaffirmed the resolve of the state government to ensure that the prevailing peace in the state endured.