Tinubu Departs Abuja For Japan, Brazil •To Stopover In Dubai, Hold Strategic Talks In Tokyo, Brasília

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Friday departed Abuja for a two-nation official visit to Japan and Brazil, making a brief stop in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

His aircraft took off from the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, around 11:15 am, with top government officials — including Chief of Staff, Hon Femi Gbajabiamila; National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu; and Minister of Finance, Wale Edun — on hand to see him off.

In a statement, Presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga revealed that the President’s first stop will be in Yokohama, Japan, where he will participate in the Ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9) from August 20 to 22.

The summit, themed: “Co-create Innovative Solutions with Africa,” aims to accelerate Africa’s economic transformation through private investment, innovation, and stronger institutions.

While in Japan, President Tinubu is expected to attend plenary sessions, engage in bilateral talks with world leaders, and meet Japanese business executives, including those with existing or prospective investments in Nigeria.

TICAD, established in 1993 by the Japanese government in partnership with the United Nations, UN Development Programme, African Union Commission, and the World Bank, is held every three years, alternating between Japan and African host nations.

The most recent edition took place in Tunisia in 2022.

Following his engagements in Japan, the President will proceed to Brazil for a state visit from August 24 to 25, at the invitation of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.

His itinerary will include bilateral talks, participation in the Nigeria–Brazil Business Forum, and the signing of agreements and Memoranda of Understanding to boost economic cooperation.

The President is accompanied by a high-level delegation of ministers and senior aides tasked with advancing trade and investment prospects in both countries.

Comments

2023: Nigeria Ranks Low, As IMF Names Countries With Highest Debt

The 2023 World Economic Outlook of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), has named the countries with highest debt – Sudan 256 per cent, Japan 255 percent, and Greece 168 percent. According to the October index posted by Statisence X handle, while Nigeria has 39 percent, and China 83 percent, the U. S. has 123 percent and United Kingdom 104 percent. The above data shows that Argentina tops the list of 12 highest IMF debt burden with $44,433,379; followed by Egypt at $12, 521, 322,333; Ukraine $11,588,182,405; and China $9, 674,159, 560. Also on the list are, Pakistan $7,969,383, 344; Russia $7, 850, 147, 849; India $5,606,170, 345; Brazil $3, 995, 905, 562; Mexico $3,946, 241,133; Venezuela $3,534, 993, 686; Indonesia $2, 741, 057, 642; and South Africa $2,471, 131, 618. However, as of March 2023, Argentina led 10 countries with the highest debt burden, hitting $46billion; Egypt $18billion; Ukraine $12.2billion; Ecuador $8.2billion; Pakistan $7.4billion; Colombia $5billion; Angola $4....

2023 Census: We Won’t Ask Questions On Religion –NPC

2023 Census: We Won’t Ask Questions On Religion –NPC By Editor Ahead of the commencement of the 2023 census, the National Population Commission (NPC) on Wednesday said it will not ask questions on religious affiliation. In a statement on Wednesday by the Director of Public Affairs, Isiaka Yahaya, the commission said the decision to exclude religion along with ethnicity from the census questionnaire was taken in consideration of the sensitive nature of these issues within the Nigerian polity. He also stated that the need to save the census data from needless controversies and attention will compel the NPC to avoid questions bordering on religion. “For the avoidance of doubt, the commission wishes to state unequivocally that the 2023 Population and Housing Census will not canvass questions on religion and religious affiliations of respondents.” This comes amid a viral WhatsApp audio claiming that the religious affiliation of a person will be canvassed. The exercise is schedule...

FG Begins Payment Of Health Workers’ Salary Arrears

The Federal Government has commenced payment of the salary arrears to health workers under the expanded midwives service scheme. The development followed the report that the Federal Government, through the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) and Sydani Group owed doctors, nurses, midwives, and community health extension workers under the scheme four-month salary arrears. The health workers under the eMSS lamented the untold hardship caused by the non-payment of salaries, coupled with the high cost of living in the country. eMSS was implemented by the Federal Government through the national primary healthcare development agency as part of efforts to improve maternal and child health in the country. The Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of NPHCDA, Dr. Muyi Aina, confirmed on Thursday that the Federal Government had begun paying the three-month arrears. Aina said, “We are aware that the workers have begun to receive payments of outstanding salaries for Au...

Nelly's SmartBriefs

Search This Blog