Dallas takes center stage in global trade relations as it hosts Africa Business Summit.

Dallas takes center stage in global trade relations as it hosts Africa Business Summit.

By Irving Mejia-Hilario

The 2024 U.S. - Africa Business Summit is coming to the Kay Bailey Hutchison Center and is expected to temporarily bring over 1,500 individuals to the region.

Dallas will play host to more than a thousand national and international travelers next week, with the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center being the home of the 2024 U.S.-Africa Business Summit

It’s an annual conference that brings together top government officials and entrepreneurs from the U.S. and Africa to forge stronger business ties between the two regions. It’s the first time the event is taking place outside of Washington D.C. and African countries, and likely won’t be the last time Dallas hosts it.

The event begins on Monday, May 6 and runs until Thursday, May 9. It will feature dozens of panels, roundtable conversations and networking opportunities for business and world leaders.

Africa and Dallas are more alike than one might think. Africa is also experiencing intense population growth with each country seeing an annual growth rate of 3% and investors see it as a tantalizing opportunity as the continent has a strong economic outlook featuring an annual 3.8% growth in gross domestic product.

That, along with an easy connection to D-FW International Airport and Dallas’ robust and expansive business culture, made the city a perfect backdrop for this year’s summit, said John Olajide, chairman of the Corporate Council on Africa, the business association responsible for hosting the event.

“When people think of the U.S., they think of New York or Los Angeles. But we wanted to showcase Dallas because what’s happening here is special,” Olajide said. “This is the most prosperous economic region in the country, maybe the world. There’s magic here, so I had to work with my colleagues to make this event happen here.”

Olajide, who was born in a poor neighborhood in Lagos, Nigeria, is no stranger to Dallas.

He moved to the city in the early 2000′s and later became a graduate of the University of Texas at Dallas, served as chairman for the Dallas Regional Chamber and built Dallas-based healthcare tech company Axxess from a startup into one of the city’s many unicorns, a private startup valued at over $1 billion.

The importance of the event is not lost on Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson. To him, it’s a reflection that the city’s business climate isn’t slowing down any time soon.

“Hosting this important event is a testament to the success of Dallas as an internationally recognized leader in business, culture, and entertainment,” he said in a statement. “As the headquarters of eleven Fortune 500 companies and home to two world-class airports, Dallas is the perfect location for this summit. Through this summit, Dallas will continue to attract international tourists and build relationships with foreign governments and global investors.”

Representatives from African and American industries like agriculture, finance, energy, sports, telecommunications, health, infrastructure, security and much more will be at the event.

The summit will be an opportunity for entrepreneurs and top-level executives from each region to find synergy between one another, said Anne Aliker, group head of corporate and investment banking for Standard Bank, the largest bank and financial services group in Africa. Standard Bank is one of the summit’s sponsors, as well.

Anne Aliker, group head of corporate and investment banking for Standard Bank, will have...

Anne Aliker, group head of corporate and investment banking for Standard Bank, will have several speaking roles at the 2024 U.S. - Africa Business Summit.(Standard Bank)

“There’s a lot of trade and investment between the U.S., Texas specifically, and Africa. When I think of it from that perspective, I think there’s a lot of opportunity for us to communicate with all types of companies,” she said. “Other industries, like oil and energy are going to find a lot of synergy between themselves and the people they’ll meet at the event.”

It’s an opportunity for Americans to become exposed to Africa’s growing business climate and potentially open the door for Texas to lead the way in investing in African businesses and companies. But that connection flows both ways, said Florie Liser, president and CEO of the CCA.

“We have a lot to share and exchange. We can learn from each other and a lot of opportunities to build partnerships that are mutually beneficial both for US companies and workers, as well as for African companies and workers,” she said. “It’s a win-win all the way around.”

Some companies with prominent Texas ties already have businesses established in Africa, like Exxon Mobil, Caterpillar, AT&T, Amazon, Google, Chevron and much more. Strengthening existing bonds and creating new ones will send a strong message that Africa is open for business, especially with Texan dollars, Olajide said.

“I’ve always believed that the private sector is the driver of economic growth. So this is an opportunity to showcase to the audience, particularly private sector members, all over Africa, about what growth can look like and how it can happen,” he said. “We’re ready to capitalize and accelerate more growth for companies in our region.”

Ekiti APC Congratulates, Celebrates Award-winning Governor.

Ekiti APC Congratulates, Celebrates Award-winning Governor.

...Says the facts are speaking for themselves.

The All Progressives Congress, APC, in Ekiti State says the party has genuine cause to celebrate the governor of the State, Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, who has been ranked and awarded Governor of the Year Award, 2023 in community development.

The award bestowed on the governor by _Daily Independent_ , a national newspaper, is a testimony of Oyebanji's relentless efforts at giving the people of Ekiti an enviable lease of life. 

In a release by the State Publicity Secretary, Segun Dipe on behalf of the party, APC said the choice of Oyebanji, codenamed BAO, as the governor of the State under the banner of the party had neither been accidental nor regretted. Oyebanji's commitment to Community Development, even when he was the Secretary to the State Government was second to none. 

As the youngest of the Founding Fathers of our dear state, Oyebanji had had a clear vision of what Ekiti should look like and now that God has given him the opportunity to steer the ship, he is phenomenally focused, as well as astute with his service delivery. 

"We proudly congratulate our people's governor on his outstanding achievement of winning the best Governor in Nigeria in Community Development. This accolade is a reflection of his exceptional talent, hard work, and perseverance. His excellence in govenenace has truly set him apart, and the entire Ekiti is thrilled to celebrate this momentous occasion."

Governor Oyebanji hit his fitness goal from Day One. His determination and hard work have truly paid off, showing us all what can be accomplished with sincerity of purpose, dedication and persistence. This feat is not just physical, neither is it a propaganda stuff, nor is it ephemeral; it is a mentally lasting victory that speaks volumes. 

We are confident that our phenomenal Gov BAO will not rest on this oars, he will continue to set and smash even more goals! Anyone still in doubt that this governor deserves another term? Not even those in the opposition parties are singing an otherwise tune. Rather, they are clamouring for another turn for our Governor who is divinely dropped in our midst to keep performing the yeoman's job. 

We congratulate all Ekiti citizens on this incredibly creative feat and honour brought on us by our modern-day Governor. His talent has truly shone through in this endeavor, and it’s amazing to see his hard work counting for us. May this triumph open doors to new opportunities and adventures for every son and daughter of Ekiti State, even as our phenomenal governor keeps inspiring with his unique vision and passion. More wins, more leaps. 

Joy to our Governor, 

Joy to our party, APC. 

Joy to our people in Ekiti State, Land of Pride and Honour, 

Joy to our country, Nigeria. 

Signed:

Segun Dipe

State Publicity Secretary, 

On behalf of all members of the All Progressives Congress, Ekiti State Chapter. 

04/05/2024

Oyebanji receives Governor of the Year Award.

Oyebanji receives Governor of the Year Award.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji will on Saturday receive the Independent Newspaper’s Governor of the Year Award, 2023 ( community development). 

The award ceremony holds at the Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos on Saturday, May 4, 2024. 

According to a statement by the management of the newspaper, the award is in recognition of Governor Oyebanji’s development strides in the last one and half years, especially in the areas of community development, youth and women empowerment, infrastructure upgrade as well as his inclusive government, which has put the state on an irreversible path of peace, progress and prosperity. 

The Managing Director/ Editor-in-Chief of Daily Independent Newspaper, Mr Steve Omanufeme, in the letter of award said the organization took particular note of Governor Oyebanji’s unique brand of governance which places high premium on completion of inherited projects side by side with new ones; huge investments in human capital development and power and road infrastructure. 

“Of particular interest to us is the your politics of inclusion which has brought in more women and youths, Persons with Disabilities (PWD) as well as opposition figures into government. 

“Yours is a model of verifiable achievements in line with the philosophy of this award - Celebrating trailblazers and exceptional Nigerians. Accept our congratulations.” Omanufeme stated. 

It is recalled that Governor Oyebanji was also named Governor of the Year by the City People Magazine in recognition of his people- oriented government and development strides late last year. 

The Oyebanji is irrevocably committed to the shared prosperity agenda of his administration which is being pursued through the six pillars of the administration vis: Governance; Youth Development and Job Creation; Human Capital Development; Agriculture and Rural Development; Infrastructure and Industrialization and Arts, Culture and Tourism.

Fayose loyalists meet, declare support for Oyebanji.

Fayose loyalists meet, declare support for Oyebanji.

The loyalists of former Governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose in Irepodun /Ifelodun Local Government have held a meeting ahead of the forthcoming Congress of the People's Democratic Party.

The meeting was held in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital.

Speaking on the essence of the meeting, the Chairman of Osoko Political Assembly, Dr. Austin Ibikunle, said the essence of the meeting was to re-pledge their loyalty to the former governor.

He said the collaboration of Fayose with the present administration in Ekiti is yielding positive results in the area of development of the state.

He described Governor 'Biodun  Oyebanji as a man who has displayed a high capacity in human management to ensure dividends of democracy get to the doorstep of every citizen of the state.

He noted that the duty of the opposition party is not to wage war against the ruling party but to come up with constructive criticism, adding that the present administration is doing well and deserves no criticism from the opposition party.

Dr. Ibikunle advised those criticizing Gov. Oyebanji for having a mutual and cordial relationship with Fayose and other relevant stakeholders in Ekiti to read more and learn how to play the roles of opposition.

He said Oyebanji is the first governor in Ekiti to associate with all former governors of the state, saying this quality stands him out.

Also speaking, the Special Assistant to Governor Oyebanji on Intra-Party, Otunba Omolade Bolarinwa noted that all supporters of Fayose are supporters of Governor Oyebanji.

Bolarinwa, who was the former Vice  Chairman of Ado-Ekiti Local Government, described Fayose as a leader who cares for his followers.

Pledging his loyalty, Mr.  Festus Akinyede said he is on the side of Fayose because of his ability to grow his followers, saying the former governor has been his leader for a very long time.

He commended him for using his clout and connection to get appointments for his followers from Oyebanji's administration.

Akinyede also commended Gov. Oyebanji for recognizing Fayose as one of his leaders and giving appointments to his loyalists, adding that the governor would reap bountifully from the seeds of love and unity he is sowing in the state. 

The loyalists who are members of the People's Democratic Party promised to always follow Fayose's instructions in all elections.

Local Content Law: Ekiti Gov't Begins Clamp Down On Erring Contractors.

Local Content Law: Ekiti Gov't Begins Clamp Down On Erring Contractors. 

....No going back on policy, DG insists.

Ekiti State government on Thursday read the riot act to contractors handling various road projects in the state, directing them to comply with the local content laws of the State.

Speaking with journalists in Ado-Ekiti while monitoring the compliance of the law, the Director General, Bureau of Local Content in Ekiti State, Olalekan Ijidale said the law stipulates that 40% of Ekiti indigene are expected to be employed by the contractors.

He disclosed that the contractors are expected to employ artisans both skilled and unskilled from Ekiti State in the execution of the projects that are being funded through tax payers monies.

He revealed that the Bureau will soon begin enforcement for the compliance of the law and review the working conditions of these companies that make it difficult for Ekiti indigenes to gain employment.

He said: “We are out to enforce local content law as being amended and to ensure that the compliance rate is improved. We have met with the contractors about two or three meetings to explain to them and synergise together on how Ekiti can be partners in the execution of projects in the state.

“We have a law now in Ekiti State that was accented by the governor and passed by the House of Assembly. The law stated that local content project execution should be minimum of 40% and we want to see at what rate our people comply.

"If government are pushing out contracts worth several billions by monies being paid by tax payers, the contractors should also do their bid by including our artisans both skilled and unskilled in the execution of those projects.

“We discovered that these companies bring in a lot of people from other states even in Cotonou to execute projects in the state and Nigeria and we see a lot of people in that locality still struggling to get a job. This is what we want to reduce and ensure that our artisans are partnered. We want to ensure that our skilled and professionals are patronised.

“That is why our governor insist that our people both skilled and unskilled are patronised and we do this by enforcement because people are not ready to comply.

We have started orientation and collaboration with professional bodies. We are trying to orientate our people towards the execution of their skills. Some of these companies, their conditions are not favourable. We need to mediate between the two.”

The monitoring exercise was carried out at Step Development Ltd at Okesha, Immobilare Construction Ltd handling the Ado-Iworoko road and Lead Gate Construction Ltd handling the Ilawe-Erinjiyan and Ilawe-Igede roads in the State.

According to the Manager of Lead Gate Construction Ltd, Adejubi Adeolu, the company has a workforce of 30 skilled and unskilled staff while 8 skilled workers are indigenes and all the unskilled are indigenes. He revealed that all their materials are sourced locally

Ekiti Govt Directs Kingmakers to Ratify Prince Alabi as Nominee for Olosi Stool.

Ekiti Govt Directs Kingmakers to Ratify Prince Alabi as Nominee for Olosi Stool.

In a bid to fasttrack the installation of a new traditional ruler in Osi Ekiti, Ido/Osi Local Government Area, the Ekiti State Government, has directed the kingmakers to ratify the selection of Prince Stephen Babatunde Alabi as the valid nominee for Olosi stool.

The government said Prince Alabi’s ratification became expedient, having been validly nominated by Arubiojo Ruling House of Osi Ekiti for the exalted seat as the sole candidate, with name forwarded to the kingmakers in line with tradition.

The directive was handed down, on Thursday, in Ado Ekiti, by the Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, after a meeting with stakeholders, including the kingmakers and representatives of Arubiojo Ruling House.

The stool became vacant, following the demise of Oba Oladiran Agunbiade on the 5th of August, 2021, following which the Arubiojo Ruling House was contacted by government to fill the vacant stool.

Addressing the stakeholders after the parley held at her office, Mrs Afuye, in a statement by her Special Assistant on Media, Victor Ogunje, gave the kingmakers up to Monday, May 6, 2024 to write an appointment letter to the nominee and forward same to government for approval.

The Deputy Governor was displeased with the way the kingmakers were allegedly manipulating and dilly-dallying on the process, saying this might erode the confidence the people had in their personalities.

Particularly, she berated the process leading to the forwarding of the name of one Prince Femi Adewumi as the validly selected nominee to the local government for approval, even when he was neither voted for nor nominated by the ruling house.

According to her : “The ruling house had done the due diligence by nominating someone. If they want only one nominee, nobody should force them to add more, since the process was transparent from the beginning.

“Our governor, Biodun Oyebanji places high premium respect for traditional institution and traditional rulers are benefiting from this government because of the partnership between them and the government . We don’t want your town to lag behind.

“We appeal to other aspirants to join hands with the stakeholders in moving the town forward. They should cooperate with the nominee in the task of building a new Osi Ekiti that will benefit all and Sundry”.

In his submission, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice, Mr. Sunday Bamise, said four judgements, had been delivered on the Olosi selection matter and the state government won in all the cases instituted.

Bamise clarified that the kingmakers have no relevance in nomination of candidate according to the law, saying the only valid nomination was the one done on the 21st November, 2021, which favoured Prince Alabi.

“What we expect the kingmakers to do in the eyes of the law is to validate the nomination of Prince Babatunde Alabi and issue him a letter of appointment to begin the process. But if they fail to continue, then the government will revert to the second option, which I may not disclose here”, he said.

The Odofin of Osi Ekiti and head of the kingmakers, Chief Olaiya Faturoti and other colleagues consented to the government’s position, promising that they would comply accordingly.

The Counsel to the nominee, Chief Tony Adeniyi(SAN), applauded the government for standing on the truth and point of law on the matter, saying this will ensure expeditious installation of a new monarch in the town.

According to Prince Adebayo Alabi, the head of the Arubiojo dynasty, Prince Alabi polled a total of 26 votes to defeat other contestants in a traditional shadow poll conducted by the ruling house and monitored by local government officials.

I Won't Dash Your Hope on New Minimum Wage, Oyebanji Assures Ekiti Worker.

I Won't Dash Your Hope on New Minimum Wage, Oyebanji Assures Ekiti Worker.

...Says payment of wage award continues.

......Sympathises with workers over fuel scarcity, warns hoarders.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, has assured workers in the state that his government won't dash their hope on the impending new minimum wage, saying he will act appropriately when the ongoing discussion is finalized at the federal level.

Dousing workers’ skepticism over government’s sincerity, Oyebanji said his government won't stop the N15,000 Wage Award being paid to workers to cushion the effect of the inflation, pending the time the new minimum wage will become effective. 

Oyebanji gave the assurance on Wednesday, while addressing workers, at a rally marking the 2024 edition of the May Day celebration held at the Ekiti Parapo Pavilion, Ado- Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital.

Energizing the workers' hope despite the astronomic increase in prices of commodities, Governor Oyebanji said his government, had implemented wage increase and consequential adjustment for workers on grade 13 and above, while also paying deductions to cooperatives in order to alleviate their sufferings.

The Governor, who was accompanied by his wife, Dr Olayemi Oyebanji; and Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye; at the event, said about 20,000 job seekers, have been employed into formal  and informal sectors of the economy, with succour being provided in form of conditional cash grants and other palliatives to mitigate the effects of the ongoing economic crises on workers and other citizens. 

Clarifying the government's position on the touting New Minimum Wage, Oyebanji said: "I don't want you to believe or go by the sensational story carried by newspapers today. I need to make clarifications because I don't want to play politics with your welfare. No agreement has been made so far.

"The national is taking  position on the New Minimum Wage, but it has not been finalized and the outcome of the agreement will be communicated to your leadership here. 

"We have got to a point that we have seen ourselves as  partners in progress. Whatever that is your welfare is a priority to me. You don't need to lobby me on anything that has to do with your welfare. 

"But pending the time an agreement will be reached and final position will be taken, we will continue with the payment of the wage award and other welfare in form of palliatives to workers. I know that I made some promises when I assumed office, I will not renege on them".

Speaking about the spiraling fuel scarcity, the Governor sympathised with the workers, assuring that the government would work relentlessly  to attract more supplies of  Premium Motor Spirit to the state in order to cushion  the current harrowing experience being felt by citizens. 

He appealed to petrol marketers to act as humanists at this trying time and stop hoarding the product as well as indiscriminate hike in prices in the interest of the general populace. 

"Let me sympathise with you on the hardship you are experiencing on fuel scarcity. But we are working hard to get the pains lessened. It is safe that  the products are scarce . We will leave no stone unturned to ensure that we get regular and increased supplies to Ekiti . We are really sorry about this".

Oyebanji warned those traders who are unleashing sufferings on the people by extorting them through astronomic increase in prices of commodities, urging them to see things from broader spectrum, rather than from narrow prism of profit making. 

In their submissions, the State Chairmen of the Trade Union Congress(TUC), Com. Sola Adigun and his colleagues in the Nigerian Labour Congress(NLC), Com Kolapo Olatunde, who spoke along the same line, were full of praises for the governor, for exhibiting enormous respect for workers and providing propitious grounds for them to operate. 

For being friendly and receptive to approve some of their demands, the labour leaders, commended Oyebanji for increasing subventions to all tertiary institutions, effecting deductions to cooperatives, and for paying workers' salaries as and when due.

In the same fashion, the labour chiefs saluted the Governor for magnanimously  extending palliatives to workers  to buffer the effect of the ongoing economic crisis on members, saying this has helped in making lives more comfortable and rewarding for members.

However, to cushion the  hardships being confronted by members on account of spiraling inflation in the system, the  Union leaders, demanded speedy replication of the new Minimum Wage in Ekiti, as soon as the  legislative procedure is completed and secure presidential assent at the federal level.

In a rare show of appreciation, the labour leaders applauded the state government for absorbing their sacked members in the Ekiti State House of Assembly Service Commission, saying this further accentuated that the governor was incurably  worker-friendly.

"We are also happy that the governor approved N10,000 Wage Award for our pensions and N15,000 for the civil servants. But we still want to ask as Oliver Twist, we are asking that the Minimum Wage should be replicated as soon as the bill is assented to by the President.

"We are also calling for the recapitalisation of our housing and car loans to workers. It has not been recapitalised for 20 years. The maximum car loan now is N750,000, but this can't buy a motorcycle, help us increase it", they said. 

Many of the workers had defied the early morning downpour in the state capital to make it to the Ekiti Parapo Pavilion, venue of the rally.