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Tony Elumelu to Deliver Keynote Address at TICAD Africa Development Conference in Japan

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5 years ago

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Tony O. Elumelu, Founder of the Tony Elumelu Foundation and the Chairman of the United Bank for Africa (UBA), will speak at the Seventh Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD), taking place in Yokohama, Japan from August 28 – 30, 2019. As the leading champion of entrepreneurship in Africa, Mr. Elumelu will ensure that the voice of a new generation of African entrepreneurs, capable of transforming the continent, is heard at the highest level.

Elumelu will speak alongside global and African political and business leaders, including Prime Minister Shinzō Abe of Japan; H.E. Mr. Muhammadu Buhari, President of Nigeria; H.E. Mr. Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi, President of Egypt and Chair of the African Union (AU); H.E. Mr. Cyril Ramaphosa, President of South Africa; and H.E. Mr. Paul Kigame, President of Rwanda.

Mr Elumelu will deliver a keynote speech at the Plenary Public-Private Business Dialogue, the core session, that brings together Japanese and African public and private sector leaders at TICAD. At this event, Elumelu will promote his philosophy, Africapitalism, which posits entrepreneurship being the key to unlocking economic transformation in Africa as he highlights the urgent need to empower young entrepreneurs and how critical it is for governments and other policy makers to create the enabling environment that ensures entrepreneurial led growth.

Following a welcome address by the Japanese Prime Minister, Mr Shinzo Abe, Mr. Elumelu will deliver the keynote address at the official Business Forum, hosted by the Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO). The Conference provides a unique platform for key decision makers from Japan and Africa, both in business and politics, to identify opportunities for investment and knowledge exchange.

At a time when international governments and agencies are increasingly recognising that the route to Africa’s transformation is through African-led solutions and private sector growth, Mr. Elumelu’s track record of success, founding UBA, now one of Africa’s leading financial services groups, with presence in twenty African countries, New York, Paris and London as well as his multi-sector proprietary investment holding company, Heirs Holdings, employing over 30,000 Africans, typifies a new generation of African business dynamism.

Mr. Elumelu during his visit to Japan, will join H.E. Paul Kagame, President of Rwanda and Co-Chair of the Leaders’ Group of Generation Unlimited (Gen-U), and UNICEF Executive Director, Henrietta Fore, to co-chair a UNICEF [and Africa Union] breakfast meeting focused on catalysing investment in African youths and developing a specific vision for job creation in Africa. The event will seek specific commitments from African leaders for the implementation of a business plan for digital connectivity in Africa such as the Tony Elumelu Foundation’s TEF Connect, the largest digital network for African entrepreneurs.

Through the Tony Elumelu Foundation, Mr. Elumelu is forging the new narrative for Africa. In the first five years of the Foundation’s flagship Entrepreneurship Programme, 7,521 African entrepreneurs from all 54 African countries have benefitted from Elumelu’s personal commitment of $100m seed capital funding, mentorship, and training. Six of the beneficiaries of the Programme have been sponsored to attend TICAD conference, sponsored by the UNDP.

Mr. Elumelu will be accompanied by a delegation from the United Bank for Africa and the Tony Elumelu Foundation, including Ifeyinwa Ugochukwu, CEO, Tony Elumelu Foundation; Dupe Olusola, Group Head, Marketing, UBA, and Muyiwa Akinyemi, Group Head Corporate Banking, UBA.

Organised by the Japanese Government, TICAD is a three yearly forum for advancing Africa’s development through people, technology and innovation, bringing together government, business leaders, companies and other stakeholders.

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Former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, Spends Second Night In EFCC’s Cell Over N1.3 Trillion Alleged Fraud

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11 hours ago

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November 7, 2024

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Immediate past governor of Delta State, Ifeanyi Okowa, who was arrested and detained by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has spent second night in the custody of the anti-graft commission.

 

Okowa is currently being investigated and detained over the alleged diversion of N1.3 trillion.

 

The N1.3 trillion reportedly represents the 13% derivation fund from the federation account between 2015 and 2023.

 

According to sources within the commission, Okowa was invited to the EFCC office in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, where he’s subsequently detained by officials.

 

One of the sources stated, “Okowa was at our Port Harcourt office following an invitation from investigators probing the allegations against him. He was then arrested. The commission is investigating him regarding the N1.3 trillion 13% derivation fund from the federation account between 2015 and 2023.

 

“He is also accused of failing to account for the funds, as well as another N40 billion he allegedly claimed was used to acquire shares in UTM Floating Liquefied Natural Gas. He reportedly bought shares worth N40 billion in one of the country’s major banks, representing an 8% equity stake, to support the offshore LNG project. The funds are alleged to have been misappropriated for other purposes.

Investigators are also examining the alleged diversion of funds by the former governor to acquire estates in Abuja and Asaba, Delta State. He is currently being held at the EFCC facility in Port Harcourt.

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Lagos Government Shuts Down Redeemed Church, Celestial Church, Clubs, Event Centres Over Noise Pollution

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24 hours ago

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November 6, 2024

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The Lagos State government has shut down a branch of Pastor E. A. Adeboye’s Redeemed Christian Church of God, a Celestial church, nightclubs and event centres over noise pollution.

The Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, who made this known on Wednesday, said the churches, clubs and event centres were sealed on Tuesday by the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) in the Ogudu, Gbagada, Iyana Ejigbo, Isolo, Ajao Estate, Oshodi, Ilasamaja, and Okota areas of the state.

The sealed establishments include: Redeemed Christian Church of God, Celestial Church of God, OMA Nightclub and Lounge, Lounge & Lodging, Bridge Spot Bar, Okiki Event Center and Hall, Emota Paradise Hotel (Phase 2), CF Hotel & Suites, House 27 Hotel & Suites, Echo Spring Hotel, and Smile T Continental Hotel.

The commissioner in a post on X said, “In a bid to address noise pollution and other environmental violations, the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) took action yesterday, closing down several establishments across different parts of the state.

“This enforcement drive, focusing on areas like Ogudu, Gbagada, Iyana Ejigbo, Isolo, Ajao Estate, Oshodi, Ilasamaja, and Okota, is part of LASEPA’s continuous efforts to uphold environmental standards and safeguard public health.

“The affected establishments include Honourable Lounge & Lodging, Redeemed Christian Church of God, Celestial Church of God, OMA Nightclub and Lounge, Bridge Spot Bar, Okiki Event Center and Hall, Emota Paradise Hotel (Phase 2), CF Hotel & Suites, House 27 Hotel & Suites, Echo Spring Hotel, and Smile T Continental Hotel.”

 

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Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja: Tinubu directs flags be flown at half-mast

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1 day ago

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November 6, 2024

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President Bola Tinubu has directed that Nigeria’s national flags be flown at half mast for seven days across the country to mourn the passing of the late Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja.

The late Army chief, who was appointed by Tinubu on 19 June 2023, was said to have passed away on Tuesday night after a prolonged illness.

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, in a statement on Wednesday by his office Director of Information & Public Relations, Segun Imohiosen, said the president expressed regret over Lagbaja’s death.

Akume said, “President Bola Tinubu has expressed regret following the death of the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, after a brief illness at the age of 56.

“The President has directed that national flags be flown at half mast throughout the country for seven days in honour of the departed Army chief.

“He profoundly appreciates the services of the departed to the nation and wishes the family the fortitude to bear the great loss.”

Meanwhile, the Ministers of Defence, Mohammed Badaru and Bello Matawalle, have commiserated with the president, the military, and Lagbaja’s family over his death.

In a statement by the Ministry’s spokesperson, Henshaw Ogubike, the ministers described Lagbaja’s death as a great loss to his family, the Army, and the nation at large.

“The passing on to eternal glory shocked us at the Ministry of Defence, as our working relationship with him was commendable; he exhibited the spirit of camaraderie and cooperation with us in the discharge of our mandate.

“The late Chief of Army Staff contributed significantly to internal security operations across Nigeria and also exhibited a high level of professionalism.

“He will be greatly missed by the family, the military, and the nation, as he served the nation with commitment and dedication,” the statement added.

 

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