AFRICAN PEACE MAGAZINE

World Engineering Day 2024 engineer

Engineering for peace and diplomacy

African foods you should try

Engr Sunday Aeao

BBLOL

On a Mission to Sustainable Legacy

Empowering the next generation through Entrepreneurship

Editor’s

Note

The International Engineering Day (INED) is celebrated annually on March 4th to recognize and honor the contributionsofengineersandengineeringtotheworld. It is a day to celebrate the achievements of engineers and to promote the importance of engineering in our dailylives.

The idea for an International Engineering Day was first proposedin1998bytheWorldFederationofEngineering Organizations (WFEO) The WFEO is an international organizationthatrepresentstheengineeringprofession worldwide. The WFEO chose March 4th as the date for INED because it is the birthday of the French engineer Gustave Eiffel, who designed the Eiffel Tower. The first INED was celebrated in 2001. Since then, it has been celebrated annually in over 100 countries around the world. INED is a day to celebrate the achievements of engineers and to promote the importance of engineeringinourdailylives.Itisalsoadaytoencourage youngpeopletopursuecareersinengineering.

There are many ways to celebrate INED. Some popular waysinclude:

-Attendingengineeringconferencesandworkshops

-Visitingengineeringmuseumsandexhibits

-Readingbooksandarticlesaboutengineering

-Talkingtoengineersabouttheirwork

- Encouraging young people to pursue careers in engineering

African Peace Magazine UK, has chosen to celebrate INEDbyshowcasingoneofAfrica'sfinest,inthepersonof Engr.SundayAdebayoBalalola.

Engr. Sunday Adebayo Balalola is a Nigerian engineer, pastor, and academic who has made significant contributionstosustainabledevelopmentinAfrica.Heis the founder of Bayo and Bunmi Balalola Foundation

NOAHAjare

Editor-in-Chief

(BBBF) AND Kwara Citizenship Development Initiative (KCDI) both non-profit organization that promotes sustainabledevelopmentpracticesinAfrica.

Balalola's research focuses on the development of innovative technologies for sustainable energy, oil and gas,water,andsanitationsystems.Heishighlyproficient inComputerSoftware,ReservoirEngineering,Economic Evaluation, Project Management, Policy Formulation, Policy Management, Regulation and Control, etc. He participated in several attachments and projects among which are: black oil study and condensate integrated reservoir studies for several land, shallow wateranddeepoffshorefields

In addition to his work in engineering and education, BalalolaisalsoaSeniorPastorandthefounderoftheCity of Light Church Surulere Lagos Nigeria, a Pentecostal Church with over 1 million members in Nigeria. He has used his platform as a Pastor to promote Peace, sustainable development principles and practices amonghiscongregationandthewidercommunity. Balalola'sworkhasbeenrecognizedbothnationallyand internationally.Hehasreceivednumerousawardsforhis contributions.

WecelebrateyouSir,YouareourAfricanPeaceEngineer oftheyear2024.

Profile Engr. Sunday Babalola’s

SundayBabalolahadhisfirstdegreeinBachelorofScience,PetroleumEngineering, fromtheUniversityofIbadan,Ibadan,in1982andhadhisNationalYouthServiceCorps (NYSC) in NNPC, Research and Development (R&D), Port Harcourt from 1982 to 1983. He joinedtheDepartmentofPetroleumResources(DPR)in1988androsethroughdifferent positions within the establishment to become a Deputy Director. He worked in the ResourcesManagement,UpstreamandGasDivisions,andrisingtobecomeHead,East AreaProjects(coveringmanagingoiloperationsinsixStatesEastintheNigerDelta),Gas ExplorationandProduction,andBasinsAssessmentandLeaseAdministration,inaddition toHeadingtheOfficeoftheDirector,untilhisretirementin2016.

Heattendedseveralcourses,summits,conferences,seminars,andhisprofessional registration include:SocietyofPetroleumEngineers(SPE),NigerianSocietyofEngineers (NSE), Nigerian Association of Petroleum Explorationists (NAPE). He is highly proficient in Computer Software, Reservoir Engineering, Economic Evaluation, Project Management, PolicyFormulation,PolicyManagement,RegulationandControl,etc.

Heparticipatedinseveralattachmentsand projectsamongwhichare:blackoilstudyand condensate integrated reservoir studies for severalland,shallowwateranddeepoffshore fields,NigerianGasUtilisationStudysponsored byEsso.HealsoparticipatedinSPDC'sOffshore GasGatheringSystem(OGGS)andChevron's Escravos Gas Project - Offshore. He was a member of several Committees and Teams including Marginal Field Agreement Drafting Committee, Sub-Committee for Overriding RoyaltyComputation,ScientificCommitteeof WorldPetroleumCongress.

He chaired the National Hydrocarbon Reserves Growth and National Hydrocarbon

committee and the team that team that prepared the Marginal Fields Farm-in and Farm-out Agreement He carried out EvaluationofEconomicValuesDerivablefrom Marginal Fields and recommending the appropriateFiscalTerms.

Babalola participated in Lease Renewal activitiesandledtheteamthatcomputedthe renewal bonus for about 22 blocks. He also coordinated Marginal Fields Tenure Renewal Review Team, 2015 He was a member of Pres

Committee (sub-Committee of Ministerial Committee) for Bonga and Erha 1993 Production Sharing Contracts He was a member of the Working Committee and alternatememberoftheSteeringCommittee for ten downstream projects that were to be carriedoutbycompaniesawardedblockson

firstrightofrefusalbasisinthe2005/2007bid roundblocks.

BabalolawasManagementRepresentative, DepartmentofPetroleumResourcesReserves Audit,2009/2010.Hisprofessionalcontributions include recommending best producers and injection philosophy, suggested way of unitising Akri-Oguta straddle fields for which he got Special Commendation from SIPM Team, The Hague, Erha field development optimization.

He authored or co-authored several professional papers on Deep water field Development – The Nigerian Experience, PetroleumExplorationintheNigerDelta–Deep drilling options , Analytical Solution for Fluid Flow in porous media BSc Project (1982), Strategies for Achieving Oil and Gas Reserves Growth in the Short, Medium and long Terms, Gas supply and power generation for the NigeriaandWestAfricanConsumer,Unveiling NigeriaOilProvinceDeepProspects,Recovery factor estimation for Niger Delta Depobelts, Valuation of Renewal Bonus for Expired Oil Mining Leases, Use of Telemetry System to ControlGasWellProductionAddingSignificant ValuetoOperationsOffshoreinUbitFieldand ComparisonoftheDifferentContractTypesfor theManagementofOilandGasConcessions in the Upstream Sector of the Oil and Gas Industryamongothers.

Hecarriedoutotherspecialassignmentsto eventually led policy such as commingling reservoirproduction,andFiscalRegimesfor

MarginalFieldAwardees.

He managed gas project contracts awarded by the Ministry of Petroleum Resources.

HonoursandAwardsare:

· Shell Petroleum Development Company Scholarship,BestFirstyearstudent,1978.

· Excellent Contribution Award, TOPCON, 1991.

Excellent Contribution Award by Shell Netherlands,1994.

He is a member of life Society of PetroleumEngineers(SPE),NigerianSociety ofEngineers(NSE),AmericanAssociationof Petroleum Explorationists (AAPG) and Nigerian Association of Petroleum Explorationist(NAPE). HeisaFellowInstitute of Management Specialists (FIMS) and NigerianSocietyofEngineers

HisPostRetirementActivitiesinclude:

1.BoardMemberandTechnicalAdvisor

a) BelemaoilProducingLimited

b) AllGraceEnergyLimited(GEIL)

c) 9-9EnergyResourcesLimited

d) GreenEnergyInternational Limited(GEIL)

2.TechnicalAdviser

a)ParagonPetroleumLimited

3. Acting Managing Director – Belemaoil ProducingLimited(Sept2017toSeptember 2018)

He is founder and chairman of two thrivingNGOsthataresolelyfundedbyhis wifeandhimself.TheyareBayoandBunmi Babalola Foundation (BBBF) and Kwara Citizenship Development Initiative (KCDI). He contested the governorship of Kwara Statein2011,2015and2023.

BabalolaistheBabaEgbeofCathedral ofStPaul,OmuAran,KwaraState.Together with his wife, they Pastor The City of Light Church,Surulere,Lagos.

With

Engr. Sunday Babalola

Kindlytellusalittleaboutyourself?

I am Engineer Sunday Adebayo Babalola. I amapetroleumengineer.Igraduatedfrom theUniversityofIbadan(UI)in1982.Ididmy YouthServiceinNigeriaandstartedworkin the now defunct Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) on January 4, 1988. I am a Fellow of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE). I am also a Fellow of the Institute of Arts Management and Professionals. I am alsoaFellowoftheCentreforPublicService Productivity and Development. I am currently a Director of All Grace Energy

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

Limited and Green Energy International Limited. I am also currently a Director of OlumoOmu-AranMicroFinanceBank.Ialso support many other companies as and whenrequested.

I am married to Bunmi Babalola and we have four children, one of who is adopted from my later brother. I retired from DPR in 2016 after almost 30 years of meritorious service. After my retirement, I became Acting Managing Director, Belamoil, I was alsoaboardmemberthere.IleftBelamoilin 2018andjoinedGreenEnergyandAllGrace.

HowdidyoubecomeanEngineer?

When I was in primary school, I heard so muchaboutChikeObi,themathematician. Inthevillage(Gwanara)whereIgrewup,I wanted to be a mathematician like Chike Obi.Thenasweweregrowingmore,Iheard aboutProfAwojobi,sothatattractedmeto the Sciences especially Mathematics. As I grew up, I wanted to make money, So I discovered that I can do that by being an Engineer. My father wanted me to be a medicaldoctor.SincerelyIhadanaversion for blood So I choose Engineering, believingGodthatIcanmakemoneyfrom it.IbecameapetroleumEngineerbecauseI discoveredthat itwasveryrareatthetimeI wasapplyingforit.Isaid:“Thisissomething that I would like to be.” I like to take up challenges,whichbasicallyiswhatledme to politics. I like to take up challenges and therefore, I applied for Petroleum Engineering in University of Ibadan which wastheonlyuniversitythatwasofferingthe course in Nigeria. Unfortunately, the admission did not come on time. I was already in Federal School of Arts and Science, Ondo, when it came. I think the schoolmayhaveparkedupnow.Itwasjust established that year. I went there for A levels. I spent barely six months there, before I crossed over to the University of Ibadan when the admission for Petroleum Engineeringcoursecame.Mycousin,Dr.J.P. Adeniyi, sent a telex to me at Ondo that I should urgently visit him at the University

wherehewasdoinghisPhD.

IwenttoIbadan,notknowingwhatthiswas about.Thetelexsaid:'Pleasecomeurgently to Ibadan.” When I got to Ibadan, he gave methethreetelexesthattheuniversitysent tohishouseinIlorinwherehewasalecturer in Kwara State College of Technology. So, these three telexes were sent to his house from the UI. He visited Ilorin and met the threetelexesinhishome.Thefirstonewas sent, there was no response; the second onewassent,therewasnoresponse.Then the third and final one was sent and they saidthisisthefinaltelextheywouldsendto me. When he got them, he quickly sent a telextomeinOndotocomeandseehimin Ibadanurgentlywithoutstatingwhy.WhenI gotthere,hegavemethethreetelexesand instantly, I went to register for Petroleum EngineeringinUI.

TheTheme2024WorldEngineeringdayis “EngineeringSolutionsforaSustainable World.” How can we sustain the world withEngineering?

Everything about the world depends on Engineering From Medicine to space exploration such as going to Mars, the moon, to Information Communication Technology (ICT), everything is latching onto Engineering. That is why I chose Engineering because I discovered that thereisnothingintheworldthatyouwant todo,whetheryouagreeornot,theremust beanaspectofengineeringinit.Theold

pyramids had some engineering in their construction.TheSeven,evennewwonders of the world, have some engineering in them. Even the new things they are doing like Walls of China, all of them have Engineering. Even in the Bible, the Tower of Babel is based on Engineering. So, there is nothingthatyouwanttodoorbuildtoday thatyouwillnothaveanengineeringinput, whether it is electrical, mechanical, construction, structural and building engineering.Therefore,theworldisactually sustainedbyengineering.Idonotseehow anything can be built without engineering. Theworldcannotevendoanythingwithout engineering. Even robots that are being createdarebasedonengineering.Without engineering,theworldwillnotbesustained andtheworldwillnotbeabletostand.

ClimateChangeisathreattohumanity, anywayout?

Anythingthatisbeingusedmustchange. you wear your clothes, they must be changed If you use your car, it mus changed after some time. So, change is constant Even human beings are changing.Wegrowupfromayoungerage totheagewearetodaythroughchange, we had remained constant as toddler today,manypeoplewouldhave goneinto prayer and fasting for us. So, change is a phenomenon that is constant and necessary.

Soitiswiththeclimate.Evenunusedthings change Change is a constan phenomenon. Everything must have to go

through change Climate will change becausetheworldpopulationisincreasing andbecauseweareusingmanymaterials thatwilldefinitelyimpactit.Thewayoutto climate change is not to start cancelling things such as fossil fuel the way we are doing.PeoplemaypostulatethatIamam taking this position because I am a PetroleumEngineer.Iaminsupportofclean environment and proper management of ourclimate.ButIamnotsupportingthefast transitionfromfossilfueltotherenewables. A good example is the fact that the world has been trying to transit from coal to the fluidfossilfuelsforseveralyears. Thereality is that the coal that the oil and gas were initially meant take over as a source of cleaner energy is still being used in most climes to generate electricity. Canceling one form of energy in favour of another in ordertochangetheclimatemaybeavery difficulttask.

Evenunusedthingschange. Changeisaconstant phenomenon. Everythingmusthave togothroughchange.

“

What we need to do is to start looking for ways to ameliorate those things that are affecting the climate negatively and find waystoreducetheireffectsontheclimate. It is not by outright cancellation of everythingaspoliticiansarewonttomake us believe today We should gradually reduce the percentage contribution of eachsourceofenergyinthemix.

Africa is rich in human and natural resources,isthisablessingoracurse?

Forme,itisbothablessingandacurse.The blessing part of it is that we have these resources that we can utilize. God gave themtous.Thecursepartofit,isthatwedo not have leaders that see these resources as common patrimony. Our leaders think that they are going to live forever and so theykeepacquiringandacquiring; theydo not know the limit to acquisition. They professreligioninmanypartsofAfrica.For our leaders, their religion ends where stealingstarts.Youseeamanthatwillgoto

thechurchorthemosqueorevenworship inhislocalreligioncentres,afterleavingthe worship place, he will go and steal the resourcesintheplaceofhisworkdry.They still time, money, materials, feedstock, etc. Theybasicallyshamelessandwithoutpity. Why do you steal people's common patrimony? Becausetheleadershipisbad, the followership is also taking to that attitude. There is hardly anywhere today thatyouwillgivepeoplejobsinAfricathat theywillnotwanttostealeverythinginthe company. It is because of what they see peopleatthetopdoing. Weestablisheda farm; workers there stole everything from liveanimalstothefeed.Were-established the farm three consecutive times, we thought if we get another set of people, things will change, but it was the same thing The workers stole us literally everything. Maybe it is only very few that you can get who will not liquidate your company.

The blessing is that we have these resourcesandGodexpectsustousethem verywell.Thecurseisthatwedonothave leaders who think about their followers Many of our leaders only think of themselves.Whatdoyouwanttodowitha billion dollars? When the money is too much, you do not even know what to do withit.

We have many of our so-called leaders stealingourresourcesandtheyarenotonly

stealournaturalandmineralresourcesbut they also stole our human resources. They did it in the past. They are still doing it till today. In bygone years, they took people and sold them into slavery. For what? Just forJohnieWalkerandmirror.Todaytheyare still doing the same thing You see the billions that could have been used to develop the country are being siphoned away.Ourpeoplehavetostartlookingany meansofsurvival.Theyarerunningawayin droves from their countries because the resources have been drained into private pockets.TheycallitjapainNigeria.Icalledit aformofslavetrade.Itisjustverybad.

For me, it is a curse and a blessing. If the resourceswerenotthere,maybewewould havethoughtinwardslikecountrieswithout the resources did. Japan did it, Singapore didit.Andyettheydonothavethenatural resources like we have in Africa. But because the resources are there, we are relaxed, all we do is take the resources illegally or give them cheaply away to the developedworldthroughpoornegotiation.

T e l l u s a b o u t y o u r Company/organization/Ministry/What youdo?

Presently I am with the Green Energy International Limited and All Grace Energy Limited.Iamadirectorofbothcompanies. In them, I help with regulatory matters, petroleum and reservoir engineering and

generally subsurface matters. The organizationsarebeingrunverywellandI thankGodfortheleadershipandworkersin the organisations. Actually I have very minimal issues to deal with because the management of the organisations are runningthemwell.

In the ministry, I pastor The City of Light ChurchlocatedinAguda,Lagos.Wethank God for what He is doing in our lives and ministryandweinvitepeopletocomeand seeforthemselves.

WhatdoesPeacemeantoyou?

Peace is the absence of fighting; freedom from all form of disturbance Peace is having tranquillity It is the absence of cacophony Peace means serenity and peopleenjoyingthemselves.Itmeans

happiness. It is what the Bible calls “joy unspeakablefullofglory”.Itcanstartfrom the family unit, the community, the local government, the state, the nation, the continentandtheglobe.Wherethereisno peace, there will be chaos, fear, terror, unnecessarytension,superstitionand lack of development Where there is peace, there will be comfort, joy and happiness. Peaceisallthattheworldactuallyneeds.

CaneducationbringaboutPeace?

Of course, yes! Education can bring about peace. When people are educated, they will know their right from their left. They makedecisionsthatarebasedoninformed data. When you have that data, you will have the basis for your decision and that willbringaboutpeace. Aside from developing human resources andalleviatingpainsfeltbythesociety,the searchforpeaceisoneofthereasonswhy Bayo and Bunmi Babalola Foundation

(BBBF), a Non-Governmental Organisation thatmywifeandIco-foundedandarecosponsoring,isinvestingineducation,giving over 2,400 Nigerians scholarships, renovating classrooms, and drilling boreholes We are doing those so that among other things, the recipients (students and pupils) will acquire educationandembraceworldpeace.Also our humanitarian interventions are to enhance human resources development andwelfareaswellaspeaceinthesociety. It is certain that hungry and uneducated people are potential threats to world peace. Wewanttoreducethisthreatand enhanceworldpeaceinourclimethrough our humanitarian intervention and scholarships.

What's your best approach to conflict resolution?

The best approach to conflict resolution is communication.Thepartiesinvolvedmust be willing to discuss, sit down around a table and discuss. They must be willing to give and take. You can not claim you are goingtoresolveanissuewithoutgiveand take. When people come to me with conflicts,IdowhattheBiblerecommends.I ask them to go and discuss with the other party or parties. Sit down with each other, discuss,trytoseehowtoresolvetheissues without a third party intervention. When thatfails,Iwillbringpeopletolistenand

resolve them When that fails, we hand themovertoGod.

Theproblemwithresolvingmostconflictsis thateverybodythinksheorsheisright.They only look at issues from their own perspectives.Theyarenotreadytogivein return.Listentoeachpartystatetheircase, they will only concentrate and emphasise onthingthatwilljustifythemwhiletheother party is made to look like a villain. To solve theproblem,willeachsidebewillingtogive something? The clear answer will be a resounding“no”.Ifeachpartywantstogive something, conflict resolution will be easy. What is wrong with Russia and Ukraine coming together to discuss and resolve their conflict? It is the same attitude of unwillingness to yield the ground that resultedintheNigeriancivilwarandinfact, allwarsintheworld.Theymightyonewant to have everything and the weaker party will say “I may not be strong but I will give youatoughtimebeforeyoucanhavewhat youwant”.Toresolveconflict,theremustbe communication,giveandtake.ThisiswhatI amofferingyou,whatareyougoingtooffer meinreturn?

Why is it so difficult to trade within the continentofAfrica?

Trading in Africa will be very difficult because we are stratified. We do not see ourselvesasone.Wedonotreallyhaveany instrument with which we can base our

trading.WehavetheEconomicCommunity of West African State (ECOWAS) and other regional political and economic unions all havetheircharters.AfricanUnion(AU)has its own charter; those charters are not strong enough to allow for easy crossbordertrading.Also,themonetarypolicies of some of the countries are influenced or controlled by their colonial masters. We shouldsitanddiscusswitheachother,from countrytocountry,drawingonthestrength ofoneandfillinginfortheweaknessofthe other. For instance, if a country is strong withhydrocarbonsresourcesandtheother country does not such, the one with hydrocarbon should be able to fill in the gap fortheothercountryandthereshould be a mutually beneficial agreement to do that. Those agreements may exist, but our leadersarealwaysthinkingofeithergoing to the Western or Eastern to have governmentbusinessesdone.Theydonot eventhinkoftheirbrotherAfricancountries. Wedonotlookinwards.

“ Whydidpeoplearrest theirpeopleandsell themtoslavery,... itisthesamehatred

WhydoAfricanshateeachother(Racial discriminationwithintheContinent)?

Hatredhasalwaysbeenthere.Itisonlythat we are not paying attention to it. Why did peoplearresttheirpeopleandsellthemto slavery, their brothers of the same family, community and same language? It is the same hatred Nobody will sell a fellow human that they love. Nobody will kill the person they love. We have xenophobia in SouthAfricancountries,Ghana-must-goin Nigeriaandmanyotherversionsofhatred manifestations in many other countries. Countriesdeportcitizensofothercountries senselessly. And yet the same African will shouttohighheavenswhenAmericansdo somethingless.Let'sfaceit,wedonotlove ourselvesinAfricaandwethinkthatothers should help us love ourselves. It would not happen. We blame others for everything that happens to us whereas we are the problem.

The African Continental Trade Agreement is a welcome development butithasnotyieldedthedesiredresults. Why?

Each country should be able to come together with the other countries. You can makeagenerictradeagreementbutwhen you get to the specifics, it will about what eachtradingpartnershaveandwhatthey canoffereachotherandthetermsforsuch business relationship. Based on that, there must be mutual agreements. Where can I gethelpfromanothercountryandthenthe agreements must be specifically tailored towardsthatthingyouwanttodowitheach other Without that, generic agreement would not work. For Africa to develop, we mustgetthisright.

What is your plan towards achieving peaceinyourCommunity/Country?

Inourcommunity,wearedoingourbestto foster and sustain peace. We are already involved in that For example, we contributed in building the police posts, buyingvehiclesforpolicingourcommunity and in legitimately and legally purchasing security equipment for our local vigilante.

We gave support to the police in their campaignagainstcultismandothervices. Whenthereareacommunityissuesandwe arecalledupontogiveoursupportmorally, spiritually and financially we never hesitatedtobefullyinvolved.Weare

involvedinnegotiationandbringingabout peacesuchthatinourcommunity,wehave achievedpeacebasedontheworkswedo. We also look at what will create problems and remove them. For instance, if some communities are fighting over a well, we just go there and do new boreholes for them.So,therewillbenomorefights.Wedo ourbestwithinthelimitsofourresources. Inaddition, Bayo and Bunmi Babalola Foundation (BBBF)'s intervention in giving scholarships, training people, building and positively nurturing young minds is one of thewaystoachievecommunitypeace.You willagreethatapositivelytrainedmindwill think differently and will even be more productivetothesocietyinsteadofbeinga menaceandathreattocommunitypeace.

We also have Kwara Citizenship

Development Initiative, a NonGovernmentalOrganisationsolelyfounded and funded by us to initiate youth training

andmentorshipalloverKwaraState.

Doyoubelievethattechnologyishelping tomaketheworldmorepeaceful?

Yes and No. The yes part of it is that the technology today, especially warfare technologyhasmadeeverybodyorallthe countriesthatarehavingheavyarmament to be careful in attacking other countries that may have the same During World Wars1and2,thecountriesinvolveddidnot givearat'sasswhattheeffectwillbe.After Hiroshima and Nagasaki, that changed Countries have to be careful in attacking other countries because they are not sure whatarmamentshavebeenstoredbythe opponent Thus, during the regimes of Presidents Nixon, Ford and Carter, there were discussions with the defunct Soviet Union (USSR) on Strategic Arms Limitation Talks (SALT) which resulted in series of

bilateral treaties signed between the United Stated and the Soviet Union. These limited the number of strategic arms that each union couldmanufacture,possessandstore.Inaway,technologybrought about peace. They call it peace through strength. Later President Reagan signed the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty with theUSSR.

Before then, countries just went into war without for reasons as mundane as connubial disagreement. But with technology, people aremorecarefulingoingintowar.Thatinawayhasmadetheworld morepeaceful.

Alsotheinternet,informationandcommunicationtechnology(ICT)

make things really much better than before.Ibelievethattechnologyhashelped toimproveworldpeace.Otherwise,alotof bad things would have happened. People now think twice before they attack countries.Andyousee,eveninthisUkraineRussiawar,thereiscaution,nottoangerthe North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) becauseRussiaknowsthattherecanbea response from NATO that may not augur well for them. Hamas would have been morecautiousintheOctober7,2023attack hadtheyenvisagethatthingscouldgothis muchprotracted.

Whatadvicedoyouhavefortheyouth?

Youths should try to educate themselves, they should be focused, look for what will enhance their lives. They should forget LGBTQ(lesbian,gay,bisexual,transgender, andquestioning(orqueer).Itdoesnotadd valuetotheirlives,whataddsvaluetothem arethethingsthatwillbringcomforttotheir

lives.Changinggenderdoesnotaddvalue. You are beautifully and wonderfully made. Naturedoesnotmakemistakes.Butterflies hover around flowers but they cannot be flowers.ItisnotassimpleasPresidentBiden made it by saying “simple, they love each other”. It is simply reprobate mind as the Bible says in Rom 8:28 that they are of reprobate minds who “do those things whicharenotconvenient”.Itiseasiertouse yourbodyforwhatitismeantfor.Itwillbe misnomer to use a car as a plan just becauseyoufeellikeflying.Genderfluidity isstupidityatitshighest.Thegenius,Albert Einstein,saysGod“doesnotplacedice”. Youths should try to focus on their education We have in Kwara State Citizenship Development Initiative (KCDI) been trying to mentor youth to grow and develop into God's purpose for their lives. We encourage the youths to be more focused on the things that matter and thingsthatwillliftuptheirlivesandtoleave the things that will not help them. We are trying to catch them young, so we are starting a Kwara Young Farmers Club in some secondary schools as a pilot program. We are choosing four schools, oneinKwaraSouthSenatorialDistrict,twoin Kwara North Senatorial District and one in Kwara Central Senatorial District. We believethatifwecanrefocustheattention of the youths, we will get better results. Kwara Citizenship Development Initiative (KCDI) isdoingalotofthingsinordertolift upouryouths.BythegraceofGod,Iamthe

founder and sole financier of this nongovernmentalorganization(NGO).

Why is fashion, music, and culture alwaysinthenews?Canwechannelthis topromotepeace?

Yes. They are always in the news because people want to talk about their culture, fashion and music. We can use them to promote peace by bringing people of different cultures together and making them know that these should be acceptabletousastheyareacceptableto themiftheyarenotmorallyandspiritually wrong. We had the Festival of Africa Arts and Culture (FESTAC). Within that time, there was more understanding of who an

individualcountryisbecausetheybrought their culture and showcased it. They have theirownbadsidesbutculture,information, fashion,andmusiccanbeusedtoenhance worldpeace.

Whatdoyouthinkofnon-governmental organizationsinpeacekeeping?

There are some NGOs that have made significantinputinpromotingworldpeace. WehavetwoNGOs.Weuseonetoenhance education, mentor youths, encourage focus in right things and think about what they can become legitimately and legally whileweusetheothertohelpcommunities in education, and other aspects of life. We supportsuchcourseswithinourresources. The later NGO is the Bayo and Bunmi Babalola Foundation (BBBF). The former is the Kwara State Citizenship Development Initiative (KCDI) for mentoring and to educate.enhanceanddeveloppeople.We equallysponsorradioprogrammesthatwill help to enlighten people. Using our two NGOsascasestudies,webelievethatNGOs havegreatopportunitiesthattheycanuse tobringaboutpeaceinthecommunity. Many communities that would have been fighting because of water are no longer fighting over such today because of the works of BBBF. Many communities that would have been fighting over farmland are not doing so because of the work of KCDI.Wearedoingourbest.

Africanleadersarerenownedforholding ontopoweratallcost,whatisyourview?

Aftersometime,youhavenothingmoreto offer.Managementhascarriedoutastudy where the findings were that after 8 years, maninleadershiphasnocapacitytogive anything new or special again. Because they have nothing more to offer, they go intotyrannicalrule.Itiswrongtoholdonto power for too long. They have nothing to offer after 8 years That is why most governments have term limits of two time offouryearseachtenure.

What do you think of the African Peace Magazineinitiative?

It is a very wonderful initiative. They are doing very well. I have been participating with them. I enjoy everything we did together. God bless African Peace Magazine.

What is your advice for African immigrants?

They should come back home and let us develop Africa together. They cannot run away from their countries and continent andexpectthemtodevelop. But how can they come home in an environmentthatisinclement,government policies are not helping and there is high level of insecurity and some of them that camehomewerekilledorkidnapped?

Runningawaycannotsolvethisissue.There is insecurity everywhere. My first trip to the UnitedStateswasin1991.TheweekIarrived amanwentintoarestaurantinthekilled21 dinners and himself. Two weeks after, a student that failed physics went into the lecturers' lounge and killed six professors. On another occasion, a guy went around like sniper went on the roof top and taking aims at people People are killed with bombsinthedevelopedworld.Thereisfear everywhere. The fear palpable. Running to those countries does not guarantee security.

Are you, therefore, advising African governments to initiate and implement policiesthatwillattracttheseimmigrants?

To address why people are running away fromthecontinent,theAfricangovernment should initiate policies that will bring them back They should create a secure environment When they do that, the Diasporanswillcomeback.Therearemany people outside there who want to come homebutarenotabletocomebecauseof theinsecuritytheyhearof.Butinsecurityis everywhere. Insecurity is not restricted to Africa.Itiseverywhere.Iwanttoencourage Africanleaderstotrytoimplementpolicies thatwillreducethisinsecurity.

TellusabouttheAfricaofyourdreams?

It is a land that is blessed with natural resources.Alandthatisblessedwith

mineral resources, a land that is fully blessed with human resources Africa should actually be the leader of the world. We have the brains and ability. One of the richestmenintheworld,ElonMusk,isfrom Africa. He started his life in Pretoria, South Africa. Most of the technologies we have today, a lot of them were developed by Africans in the Diaspora Africans in Diaspora are making heads spin in technology, medicine, ICT, etc We can harvestthesebycreatingenvironmentthat will attract them back to their fatherland. Therefore,theAfricaofmydreamistobring these people back, the governments create policies that will bring them back andletusdothingstogetherthatwillcreate a good future for the generations that are comingbehindus.

Why do you think we have so much inequalitiesinAfrica?

There is inequality and fight against it everywhere.Itisimpossibleforpeopletobe equal. That is the realism of life. What you need to do is to create an environment where everybody can reach their full

potential. Once that is done, then the cry about inequality will be out of the way. Secondly, to have people in government stealing all the money - because that is whatmanyofthemaredoing- willcreate some rancor's in the minds of people, so they will feel there is inequality. Sincerely speaking, people can not all be equal but theyshouldhavetheopportunitytobeable tomanifesttheirpotential.Itshouldbethe dreamofeveryAfricanleadertocreatean environment where everyone should be abletoreachtheirfullpotentialinanyarea oftheirpassion.

Why do we still depend on foreign donationsinAfrica?

Itisverysadthatwedependonforeign

“

Manyexpertsthatdeveloped manyinventionsinforeign countriesarefromAfricaandthey arenotadequatelypublicized.

donations in Africa We have abundant human, natural and mineral resources whichwecandevelop.Weallowcountries to come here, tap those things at very cheapprice,payuspeanuts,takethemto their countries and refine and then bring backfinishedproductstoselltous.Thesad thing is that we prefer those imported things.

After all these, we rush back to them for donations. It is very sad. It is lack of focus fromtheleadership.

So are you saying that there is an imbalance of negotiation in trade with theWesternandeasternworlds?

Exactly! Our negotiation is very poor. There is a place where they sold the mineral resources for peanuts to them and those peoplearemakingsomuchmoneyfromit. Someofthefinishedproductsareimported tothesamecountryandthecountryisnow looking for donations from the foreign country. Why can't you sit down and develop your own resources? We have engineers,educationists,professorsandin fact, everything that we need. They are making their mark all over the world. Why can't you bring them back to help and develop resources in Africa? You do not need much money to develop those resources,youcanmakedowithwhatyou have. Start from where you are. This is not rocket science. Maybe our leaders are unnecessarily listening to imperialistic

opinions and theories which undermine developmentinAfrica.

Why is Africa always in the news for negativethings?

We will be in the news for negative things because our management of economy, politics and everything is poor Our philosophy of life is an aberration Our leadersthinkofthemselvesalone.Theydo not think of what they can do to have a legacy Maybe they think they can live forever.Theystartstealing,leavingnothing forthefuturegeneration.

I also think that there should be better management of information about positivethingsinAfrica.Itappearsthatthe positive things in Africa are not well highlighted. Many experts that developed many inventions in foreign countries are from Africa and they are not adequately publicized. Theyarenotbeinghighlighted. However,theyarenotdoingtheinventions in Africa. They are doing it outside Africa. The African leaders should be able to attract their citizens to work in Africa Patriotism does not come by preaching. It comesbywhatyoudothatpeopleseeand they want to emulate. If the leaders are doingright,peoplewillemulatethem.There isanAfricanproverbthatsays,“thefishstart to get rotten at the head”. The truth of the matteristhatevenifyouwanttoadvertise the inventions of the Diasporans, they are notmakingtheinventionsinAfricabut

outsideAfrica. Wearenothaving exposure intermsofpositivenewsaboutAfrica,every country and continent has some challenges but people are still running to theforeigncountries.Ifyouopenthesocial media,youwillreadofallkindsofkillingsin the US and Europe. But our people are still rushing there. If we make our environment cozyenough,thoseDisaporanswillbeback here and they will be making the discoveriesorinventionshere.

WhyisitsodifficultforAfricatounite?

Itisthesameproblemthatwearehaving. Everybody wants to be a leader Every personseeshimselfasaleader.Itisgoing tobedifficult.

Health care sector in Africa is in crisis. Anywayout?

Thewayoutisforleaderstostartdoingthe rightthingineveryfacetofhumanlife,beit health,educationoragriculture.Thesame thingaffectinghealthaffectsothersectors. The common patrimony that we should have used to develop the sectors have been stolen. And then the leaders go to foreign countries for their healthcare needs. Angela Merkel would not go to FranceorTurkeyformedical.Eventhoseof theleadersthatfoughtguerrillawarfareto arrive at position died in foreign hospitals. Verysad!

developed world do President Dwight Eisenhowermadeithismissiontoimprove the roads in the US. By the grace of God today, the US has one of the best road networks.Thatisalegacythemanwanted to leave. Leaders should not be thinking about themselves and their immediate families.Thatiswhattransactionalleaders do. On the hand transformational leader will be searching for ways make things different, make them better. Transactional leaders are small-minded while transformationalleadersareGod-minded. Whatwillsolvetheproblemsinagriculture, health, education sectors and every other facet of life transformational leadership. We have a plethora of problems because our common patrimony is being taken away.

The only way is for leaders to decide to leave a legacy. That is what leaders in the

What advice do you have for curbing crimesinAfrica?

Everywhere in the world where human beingsare,therewillalwaysbecrime.That is a fact. What will curb crime is to have commensurate punishment for the crime. When you do not have commensurate punishmentoryouhavenopunishmentat all for crime, people will go ahead committing those crimes. Punishment for malfeasance will discourage other people fromindulginginsuch.Wearenottalkingof capitalpunishmentbecausethatdoesnot givethepersontheopportunitytorepent. Also, good governance will reduce criminality and crime. Where criminals are apprehended, they must be given adequate punishment after judicial trial in order to discourage others. There should also be what psychologists call positive reinforcement. People who did well should alsobepositivelyrewardedadequately.

We have calls for successions in some partsofAfrica,whatadvicedoyouhave forus?

The call for secession is because of bad governance.Oncethegovernmentisgood and everybody is fine, there will be no call forsuch.Goodgovernancewillmakesuch thingsgodownveryfast.

If it is succession in power, many African leaders appear to have a 'sit tight' syndrome.Youcannotofferanythingafter 8years.Socialsciencestudieshavefound thatout.Peopleshouldleavepoweratmost after 8 years and let others come and try theirbest.Anybodycomingshoulddotheir best. But what we have, for example in Nigeria today as secession is simply because of bad governance because people are not happy with what has been happening They feel cheated and that they are being short changed in a community where everybody is supposed to be beneficiaries of the common patrimony.Ibelievethatwithtime,allthose things will stop if we have good governance.

Engineer

An engineer is someone who is involvedininventing,designing and maintaining a variety of machines,structuresanddatasystems.

An engineer is a person who designs, builds, or maintains engines, machines, or structures Engineers use their knowledgeofscienceandmathematics to solve problems and create new technologies. They work in a variety of industries, including manufacturing, construction, transportation, and energy.

There are many different types of engineers, each with their own specialization Some of the most commontypesofengineersinclude:

* Mechanical engineers: design and buildmachinesandengines.

* Civil engineers: design and build bridges,roads,andbuildings.

* Electrical engineers: design and build electricalsystems.

*Computerengineers:designandbuild computersandsoftware.

*Chemicalengineers:designandbuild

chemicalplantsandprocesses.

Engineersplayavitalroleinoursociety.They are responsible for many of the technologies that we use every day, from our cars to our computers to our homes. Engineersarealsoessentialfordeveloping new technologies that will help us to solve some of the world's most pressing problems, such as climate change and poverty.

If you are interested in a career in engineering, there are many resources available to help you get started. You can find more information about engineering programsatyourlocalcollegeoruniversity, oronline.

Africa is home to a diverse range of engineering disciplines, including civil, mechanical, electrical, and agricultural engineering, among others. Engineers in Africa work on projects that encompass infrastructure development, energy solutions, water management, transportation systems, and technological innovations. They contribute to the design, construction,andmaintenanceofessential infrastructure, such as roads, bridges, buildings,andpowerplants.

Engineering professionals in Africa face unique challenges due to the continent's diverse landscapes, resource constraints, and socio-economic conditions. However, they demonstrate remarkable resilience

andcreativityinfindinginnovativesolutionsto address these challenges They often collaborate with local communities, governments, and international organizations to ensure that their projects align with the specificneedsandcontextsoftheregionsthey serve.

Despite the significant contributions of engineers in Africa, there are still gaps and opportunities for further growth and development in the engineering sector. These include increasing access to quality engineering education, promoting research and innovation, and fostering partnerships betweenacademia,industry,andgovernment. Byaddressingtheseareas,Africacanharness the full potential of its engineering workforce anddrivesustainabledevelopmentacrossthe continent.

Events

GreetingsfromAfricanPeaceMagazineUK.TheOrganizationispleasedtoannouncethe eventsfor2024:

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“Wheneveryouareconfrontedwithanopponent,Conquerhimwithlove.”-MahatmaGandhi

Immerseyourselfinthetheme"REDISCOVERAfrica'shidden TREASURE"asweembarkonajourneyofexploration,connection, andinvestmentopportunities!

WhattoExpect:

•InspiringTalksonRediscoveringAfrica'sPotential

•InvestmentInsightsandOpportunities

•NetworkingwithIndustryLeaders

•AVisionaryTourofAfrica'sRichCulturalHeritage

Don'tmissthischancetobepartofatransformativeeventatthe heartofLondon.Let'srediscoverandunlockAfrica'shidden treasurestogether!

forfurtherinquiries:

Joinusforaweekoftransformativediscussions,insights,andcollaborationatthe

GLOBALBLUEECONOMYSUMMIT,CANADA2024!

Date:May23-30,2024

WhoCanAttend?

•Economists

•Scientists

•TourismProfessionals

•StakeholdersofBlueEconomy

WhattoExpect:

•PortWorkers

•Lawyers

•NationalParkManagers

•KeynoteAddressesbyLeadingExperts

•InteractiveWorkshopsandPanels

•NetworkingOpportunities

•UnveilingSustainablePracticesforBlueEconomy

Don'tmissthischancetobepartofaglobalmovementdedicatedtothepreservationand prosperityoftheblueeconomy.

forfurtherinquiries:

EThe2024editionof EngineeringDay

ngineering Day 2024 is an annual event organized by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) to celebrate the achievements of engineers and inspire the next generation of innovators. The event is held in the United Kingdom and brings together engineers, students,andindustryprofessionalsfromall overtheworld.

The2024editionofEngineeringDaywilltake place on March 8th and will focus on the theme of "Engineering for a Sustainable Future." The event will feature a variety of activitiesandevents,including:

*Keynotespeechesfromleadingengineers andindustryexperts

*Paneldiscussionsonthelatestengineering trendsandchallenges

*Workshopsanddemonstrationsofcuttingedgeengineeringtechnologies

*Networkingopportunitiesforengineersand students

* A careers fair for students and graduates interestedinengineeringcareers

EngineeringDay2024isagreatopportunity for engineers and students to come together,learnaboutthelatestengineering trends, and network with industry professionals.Theeventisalsoagreatway to inspire the next generation of engineers andshowthemtheexcitingpossibilitiesthat acareerinengineeringcanoffer.

INED is a day to celebrate the engineering profession and to promote the importance ofengineeringinourdailylives.Itisadayto recognize the contributions of engineers and to encourage young people to pursue careersinengineering.

The theme of World Engineering Day for Sustainable Development 2024 is

"Engineering solutions for a sustainable world"

World Engineering Day is an opportunity to celebrate engineering and the contribution of the world's engineers for a better, sustainableworld

"Engineering solutions for a sustainable world" encompasses a broad range of technologies, practices, and innovations aimedataddressingglobalchallengesand promoting environmental sustainability. It involves the application of engineering principles and knowledge to design, develop,andimplementsystems,products, and processes that minimize negative environmental impacts and contribute to a moresustainablefuture.

Here are some key aspects of engineering solutionsforasustainableworld:

1. Renewable Energy: Developing and implementing renewable energy technologies,suchassolar,wind,hydro,and geothermal power, to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and mitigate greenhouse gas emissions.

2. Energy Efficiency: Improving energy efficiency in buildings, industries, and transportation systems to reduce energy consumptionandconserveresources.

3. Green Building Design: Designing and constructing buildings that are energyefficient, use sustainable materials, and incorporate features that minimize environmentalimpact.

4.SustainableTransportation:Developing low-emissionandzero-emissionvehicles,

improving public transportation systems, and promoting walkability and cycling to reduce carbon emissions from transportation.

5.WaterConservationandManagement: Implementing water-efficient technologies, rainwater harvesting systems, and wastewater treatment plants to ensure sustainablewateruseandconservation.

6. Waste Management: Developing innovative waste management strategies, includingrecycling,composting,andwasteto-energy conversion, to reduce landfill wasteandpollution.

7. Circular Economy: Adopting circular economy principles to minimize waste and promote resource efficiency by designing products for reuse, recycling, and remanufacturing.

8. Climate Adaptation and Resilience: Engineering solutions to adapt to the impactsofclimatechange,suchasbuilding infrastructure that can withstand extreme weather events and developing early warningsystemsfornaturaldisasters.

9. Environmental Monitoring and Restoration: Using engineering tools and technologies to monitor environmental

“

"Engineeringsolutionsforasustainable world"encompassesabroadrange oftechnologies,practices, andinnovations aimedataddressing globalchallenges

conditions, assess pollution levels, and restoredegradedecosystems.

10. Education and Awareness: Promoting engineering education and raising awareness about sustainability issues to empower individuals and communities to make informed decisions and contribute to asustainablefuture.

Thesearejustafewexamplesofthediverse range of engineering solutions that are being developed and implemented to address sustainability challenges and createamoresustainableworld.

AFRICAN

LEADERSHIPTRAININGiscoming toGhanaonJune21-22,2024!

Embarkonatransformativejourneyofleadershipandpeace advocacy.Joinusfortwodaysofempoweringsessions, collaboration,andbuildingconnectionsthatmakeadifference.

KeyHighlights:

•LeadershipInsightsforPeaceAmbassadors

•InteractiveWorkshops

•Networkingwithlike-mindedChangeAgents

•UnveilingStrategiesforSustainablePeace

Secureyourspotnowandbepartofamovementdedicatedto fosteringpeaceinAfricaandbeyond!

forfurtherinquiries:

PEACEAMBASSADOR

Joinusforadayfilledwithopportunities,connections,andinsightsintothe futureofinternationalinvestments!

WhatAwaitsYou:

•KeynoteAddressesbyIndustryLeaders

•ExclusiveInvestmentOpportunities

•NetworkingwithGlobalBusinessInfluencers

•UnveilingRwanda'sBusinessLandscape

Don'tmissoutonthischancetobepartofadynamicforumshapingthe pathforinternationalinvestments.Let'sexplorenewhorizonsandbuild connectionsthatmatter!

SavetheDate:August23rd,2024

Venue:Kigali,Rwanda

forfurtherinquiries:

The FDI DIPLOMATIC WORLD - ROUNDTABLE

The newest Project launched in Dubai on February 21st.

20countrieswereinvitedtotheeventthatwill provide funds and technology for the “Gold andDiamond”miningsectorandtheguestof honorofSheikhBinFaisal'sOfficewasHisRoyal Majesty King Makitu III, who signed a memorandumofpartnershipwiththeentityof theUnitedArabEmirates.

The event started in Dubai Monaco, the famous “Heart of Europe in the Persian Gulf” andthemainevent“RoundTable”tookplace on Sweden Beach Palace Island, one of the most luxurious private islands on the World MapinDubai

HisRoyalMajestyKingMakituIIImade

references and saluted the reforms that President João Lourenço has been carrying outintheMiningsectorandthankedIGEOfor providing important data on the geological state of the country, which pleased investors fromover20countriesinvitedtotheevent.

Representing the Kingdom of Kongo, King MakituIIIhadaprivatelunchwithHisHighness the Sheikh and they were able to talk about culture and the strengthening of cultural ties betweenthetwopeoples.

Therewasnoshortageofphotosoftheunion between the ancestors, Sheikh Ahmed Bin Faisal held the Royal Baton of King Makitu III andplaceditfortheposterityphoto.

King Makitu III thus becomes the newest business partner of Private Office of His HighnessSheikhAhmedBinFaisal.

Inthemiddleoftheevent,afterthesigningof the agreements, the International Advisor of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed Bin Faisal, was appointed by His Royal Majesty King Makitu III ashisinternationaladvisorfortheUnitedArab Emirates,AngolaandtheDemocraticRepublic of Congo, after consulting the Royal Court of the Kingdom of Congo and the Legal Council oftheKingdomofMbata-Zombo-Bambata ledbyDrMariaAméliaManuelAntunesRita.

The doors are thus open for direct foreign investment to come to the country and generatemorejobsamongyoungpeople.

EmbarkonatransformativejourneyatTheHague,Netherlands,wherethehallsofjusticeecho withthepromiseofinnovation.ProudlysponsoredbyAfricanPeaceMagazine,UK. Thisworkshoptranscendsboundariestoexplorethesynergybetweenlawandtechnology.

EventHighlights:

*InsightfulDiscussions:UncoverthedepthsofAI'spotentialinreshapingjusticedeliveryand combatingfinancialcrimesthroughthought-provokingdialogues.

* Interactive Workshops: Dive into hands-on sessions, empowering legal practitioners, investigators,andjudgeswiththetoolstonavigatetheevolvinglandscape.

* Networking Galore: Connect with global minds, fostering collaborations that transcend bordersandstrengthenthecollectivepursuitofjustice.

*InspirationalKeynotes:Absorbthewisdomofleadersshapingthefutureoflegaltechnology, unravelingthemysteriesofAIinthejusticesystem.

SavetheDate:22nd-24thAUGUST,2024

Location: The Hague, NetherlandsThis workshop is not just an event; it's a symphony of intellects,aconvergenceoflegalmindscommittedtoleveragingAIforamorejustworld. RevolutionizeJustice.EmbraceAI

forfurtherinquiries:

DiveintotheHeartbeatofAfrica'sProsperity ASymphonyofProgress-HarnessingAfrica'sNatural Theme: ResourcesDevelopment

Welcometoacrescendoofinnovationandgrowth!Joinusatthe3rdAfricanEnergy,OilandGasSummitin Namibia,2024,proudlybroughttoyoubythevisionariesatAfricanPeaceMagazine,UK.

Featuring:

•PanelDiscussions:Unravelthefutureofenergy,oil,andgaswithindustryleaderssteeringtheconversation.

• Investment Opportunities: Explore pathways to prosperity through strategic investments in Africa's rich resources.

•Dinner&Exhibitions:Indulgeyoursensesinafeastofknowledgeandinnovation,surroundedbyexhibitsthat showcasethepinnacleofprogress.

• AI Presentations: Witness the cutting-edge presentations that illuminate the technological marvels shapingtheindustry.

• Award Presentations: Celebrate excellence as we honor trailblazers contributing to Africa's resource development.

Teeoffforamemorableexperienceatthe18thHoleChampionshipGolf CourseoftheprestigiousWindhoek Golf&CountryClub.

SavetheDate:24th-29thOCTOBER,2024

Venue:HiltonWindhoek,Rev.MichaelScottSt.Windhoek,Namibia

This summit is not just an event; it's a harmonious symphony, a convergence of minds dedicated to composing a future where Africa's natural resources propel us toward unprecedented heights. Seize the opportunity,embracetheenergy,andbecomeapartofthesymphonythatshapesAfrica'sdestiny.

forfurtherinquiries:

Angola A Land of Opportunities

Angola,officiallytheRepublicofAngola,is acountrylocatedinsouthwesternAfrica.It is the seventh-largest country in Africa, and the second-largest Portuguesespeaking country in the world, after Brazil. Angola is bordered by Namibia to the south, the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the north, Zambia to the east, andtheAtlanticOceantothewest.

Angola is a land of diverse landscapes, including tropical rainforests, savannas, deserts,andmountains.Thecountryisalso home to a variety of wildlife, including elephants, lions, zebras, giraffes, and antelopes.

Angola has a rich history and culture. The country was first inhabited by Bantu peoples,whomigratedtotheregionfrom

WestAfrica.Inthe15thcentury,Portuguese explorers arrived in Angola and established a colony. Angola remained a Portuguesecolonyforover400years,until itgainedindependencein1975.

Since independence, Angola has experienced a number of challenges, includingacivilwarthatlastedfor27years. However,thecountryhasmadesignificant progress in recent years, and is now considered to be one of the fastestgrowingeconomiesinAfrica.

Angolaisacountrywithalottooffer.Itisa beautiful country with a rich history and culture,anditisalsoalandofopportunity. The country is currently experiencing a period of rapid economic growth, and therearemanyopportunitiesfor

investmentandjobcreation.

The Angola Government, working throughtheANIP,highlightssomeofthe sectors below as offering the best opportunitiesforinvestment.

· OIL&GASSECTOR

· MINING

· TRANSPORTATIONSECTOR

· TOURISM,HOSPITALITY&SERVICES CONSTRUCTION, INFRASTRUCTURE & MAINTENANCE

· AGRICULTURE&LIVESTOCKSECTOR

· TELECOMMUNICATIONSSECTOR

· WATERSECTOR

· POWERSECTOR

· MANUFACTURING

N12,000

Engineeringfor PeaceandDiplomacy

Peace engineering (PENG) is the application of STEAM principles, sustainablepractices,culturalsensitivity andinnovationtopromoteandsupport peace.

Engineering plays a crucial role in fostering peace by addressing various challenges and providing innovative solutions One significant way engineering contributes to peace is through infrastructure development. By building bridges, roads, and other

essential infrastructure, engineers

connect communities, enhance accessibility, and facilitate communication. This promotes social cohesion, reduces isolation, and encourages cooperation among differentgroups.

F u r t h e r m o r e , e n g i n e e r i n g advancements have led to the development of technologies that enhance communication and diplomacy.Videoconferencing,satellite

communication, and the internet have madeiteasierforleadersanddiplomatsto engage in dialogue, negotiate, and resolve conflicts peacefully These technologies

enable real-time communication, information sharing, and collaboration,

r e d u c i n g t h e l i k e l i h o o d o f

m i s u n d e r s t a n d i n g s a n d miscommunication.

In addition, engineering contributes to peace by addressing environmental challenges that can lead to conflict

Engineers develop sustainable technologies, renewable energy sources, and efficient water management systems that mitigate resource scarcity and environmental degradation. By promoting environmental sustainability, engineering helps prevent conflicts over natural resourcesandcontributestoamorestable andpeacefulworld.

Moreover, engineering education plays a vital role in promoting peace by critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork skills. Engineers are trained to approach challengeswithasystematicandanalytical mindset, which can be applied to conflict resolution and peacebuilding efforts. By fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation, engineering education equips individuals with the tools to address complex societal issues and work towards peacefulsolutions.

In summary, engineering contributes to

“

the primary driver of the engineering profession isbeing of service to humanity

peace by developing infrastructure, enhancing communication, addressing environmental challenges, and promoting education.Byleveragingtheirexpertiseand knowledge, engineers play a vital role in creating a more peaceful and sustainable world.

Engineers are increasingly being called upon to play an active role in addressing many of the global challenges facing humanity in the twenty-first century For instance of these challenges include climate change; national and global security; population growth and migration; rapidurbanization;securityofwater,energy, landandfoodresources;accesstoshelter, health and education; transportation and communication services; disaster risk and emergenciesmanagement;environmental protection and natural resource management; and resource management in trans-boundary and conflict-prone areas.

These issues share many common characteristics.First,allofthemare

unfolding within a 'complex, open system' rather than a closed system of nationstates. Second, they are ill-defined, messy, constantlychangingpartlyduetofeedback mechanisms, and are characterized by differentdegreesofuncertainty,ambiguity, andunpredictability.Asaresult,theseissues lackclearanduniquesolutionsandcannot be addressed entirely using the deterministic tools applied in science and engineering over the last century. Instead, theyrequiremorerecenttoolsderivedfrom the system and complexity sciences. Third, all the issues mentioned above are interconnected, involve different fields of science,technology,andengineering(STE), incorporate socioeconomic and environmental issues, and cut across the STEpolicynexus.Fourth,theseglobalissues affect predominately the most vulnerable sections of humanity, many of whom have limitedornovoiceorrepresentation.Fifth,all theseissuespresent“significantchallenges

to the work of international and national actors alike whether state, intergovernmental, corporate or not-forprofit” since they transcend national boundaries, and require regional and international collaboration in STE to permit themtobeaddressedsuccessfully.

This, in turn, requires policymakers and strategists to adopt a form of global governance that differs in structural terms from traditional state-centered governance. Finally, unless policymakers anddevelopmentpractitionersbringanew global and integrated mindset to bear on the aforementioned issues, it is hard to envision a peaceful twenty-first century world. The US National Academy of Engineering reminds us that, “A world divided by wealth and poverty, health and sickness, food and hunger, cannot long remain a stable [and peaceful] place for civilizationtothrive”.

Since the primary driver of the engineering profession is being of service to humanity, engineershaveanethicalandprofessional obligationtodevelopsolutionstomeetthe basic needs of all humans, ensure the resilience of critical infrastructure on which populations depend, and contribute to initiatives ranging from local community developmentonestoglobalinitiativessuch as the United Nations Sustainable DevelopmentGoals(SDGs)upto2030and beyond.Iftheseneedsaremet,itispossible to envision a world where all humans have fulfilling and prosperous lives and live with dignity and in peace. This noble vision is worthyofconsideration,althoughitwilltake manyyearstorealize.

profession must embrace a new mission statement for the twenty-first century: to contribute to building a more sustainable, stable, equitable, and peaceful world; to promote a culture of peace; and to establishapeace-industrialcomplexmore beneficial to the global economy and the world'spopulationsthanthecurrentculture ofwarandthewar-industrialcomplex.This new mission statement requires engineers tobecomemoreglobalthinkersanddoers and aware of (i) their professional and personalethicalresponsibilities;(ii)theirrole in society as citizen engineers; and (iii) the intendedandunintendedconsequencesof their decisions on the design, planning, management, and operation of projects in different socioeconomic, cultural, and political situations. Endorsing the new mission statement represents a challenge for the engineering profession since it implies revisiting traditional engineering educationandpractice.Atthesametime,it represents a unique opportunity for the engineeringprofessiontodemonstratehow beneficialengineeringistotheworldand,as a result, promote engineering to younger generations.

Since the 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (the Rio Summit) and the publication of Agenda 21 [10],theengineeringprofessionandsociety in general have become more aware that humanity's ability to affect planetary change through technology is increasing fasterthanitsabilitytounderstandand

With this vision in mind, the engineering

managethenontechnicalconsequences of such change. There is a growing realization that the intended and unintendedconsequencesoftechnology have the potential to create division, conflict,andpossiblyviolentdisputes.Asa result, engineers have an obligation to ensure that their projects: (i) are done right (i.e., technically sound) with minimum adverse effects to human and naturalsystems;(ii)aretherightonesfor thebeneficiariesinthecontextandatthe scale being considered; and (iii) are selected for the right reasons in consultation and collaboration with the projectrecipients.Thesethreeaspectsof engineering projects have been emphasized by the Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure (see https://sustainableinfrastructure.org/abo ut-isi/)basedinWashingtonDCintheUS. They can also be used as a basis for determining a project score once appropriate indicators have been selected. For instance, a Project Peace Index (PPI) could be determined as the weighted average of three semiquantitative sub-indices representingthedoneright,rightone,and rightreasonsaspectsofaproject.

Itisnottheintentofthispapertodiscuss the different definitions of peace or what constitutes a peaceful world Actual definitions of peace-related concepts canbefoundintheconflictmanagement andpeacestudiesliteratureandthebook titled Peace Terms published by the US Institute of Peace. Instead, this paper explores the value proposition of using a systemicapproachtopositivepeace;the contribution of engineers to peacebuilding, peacemaking, and peacekeeping efforts; the role of the engineering profession in citizen diplomacyefforts;andtheimportanceof developing programs such as peace engineering and engineering diplomacy to provide engineers with the attitudes, hard and soft skills, and knowledge necessary to operate in the global, open and ever-changing world of the twentyfirst century This value proposition is consistent with the concept of a “culture of peace” spearheaded by the UNESCO startinginthe1990sandreinforcedbyUN resolution53/243.

By BernardAmadei

AFRICAN FOODS You Should Try

Africancuisineisadiverseand flavorful culinary tradition that encompasses a wide range of dishes, ingredients, and cooking techniques. With influences from various cultures and regions, African food offers a unique blend of flavors,spices,andtextures.

Some of the most popular African foodsinclude:

1.JollofRice:Aflavorfulricedishmade with tomatoes, onions, peppers, and

spices,oftenservedwithmeat,fish,or vegetables.

2. Fufu: A starchy dough made from cassava, yam, or plantain, typically servedwithsoupsorstews.

3. Nyama Choma: Grilled meat, usually beef, goat, or chicken, seasonedwithspicesandherbs.

4. Suya: Skewered meat, often beef, goat,orchicken,marinatedinaspicy peanutsauceandgrilled.

5. Injera: A sourdough flatbread from Ethiopia, often served with stews or curries.

6. Piri Piri Chicken: A spicy grilled chicken dish from Mozambique, made withasauceofchilipeppers,garlic,and lemon.

7. Bunny Chow: A South African dish consisting of a hollowed-out loaf of breadfilledwithcurry.

n

vegetable relish made with tomatoes, onions,peppers,andspices.

9.Kelewele:Friedplantains,apopular streetfoodinWestAfrica.

10. Mandazi: East African fried dough, similartodoughnuts,oftenservedwith teaorcoffee.

African cuisine is known for its bold flavors,vibrantcolors,anduseoffresh ingredients.Itisaculinaryjourneythat offers a taste of the rich cultural heritage and diversity of the African continent.

ChartingaCoursefor EthicalAIinAfrican PoliticalCampaigns

AsAfricanavigatesthepromising yet perilous waters of artificial intelligence (AI) in political campaigns, we face a unique set of challenges and opportunities The integration of AI and microtargeting techniquesinpoliticsisnotjustatrendbut a transformative shift in how political engagement and voter communication are conducted. However, without proper ethical guardrails, this powerful tool risks undermining the very democratic principlesithasthepotentialtoenhance.

The promise of AI in African politics is undeniable It enables campaigns to identify and engage with voters more effectively than ever before, breaking down geographical and demographic barriers Tailored messaging potentially leads to increased political participation, empowering underrepresented groups and revitalizing public discourse In countries with diverse populations and needs, AI-driven microtargeting could ensurethatpoliticalmessagingisrelevant, engaging, and respectful of cultural nuances.

Yet, alongside these opportunities, the ethicalimplicationsloomlarge.Thepotential for AI to be used for voter manipulation, privacy infringement, and the amplification ofdivisivenarrativesisasignificantconcern, particularly in regions with volatile political landscapes and evolving digital infrastructures. The use of AI in politics also raises questions about transparency, accountability,andtheequitabledistribution ofcampaignresources.

In this context, initiatives like IPE2024 (InternationalPoliticalCampaignsExpo,2024 iteration) become crucial IPE2024 represents a collective platform aimed at addressingthechallengesofharnessingthe opportunities of AI in African politics andd politicalcampaigns.Itservestopromotethe ethical use of AI in political campaigns, emphasizing the need for transparency, accountability,andtheprotectionofcitizens' rights.

IPE2024 advocates for the urgent development of regulatory frameworks tailoredtotheneedsandrealitiesofAfrican countries. These frameworks would oversee thedeploymentofAIinpoliticalcampaigns, ensuringthatitisusedtoinformandengage

votersratherthantomisleadormanipulate them.IPE2024alsoseekstoaddressissuesof data protection and privacy, which are paramountinthedigitalage.

Education and public awareness are also vital. IPE2024 has the potential to support initiatives that enhance digital literacy, helping voters understand how AI might influence what they see online and encouraging critical engagement with politicalcontent.

IPE2024 also facilitates the sharing of best practices and collaboration among African nations, civil society, and international partners.OurpartnershipswithInternational IDEAandAfrobarometersignalour

commitmenttobestpracticeinthese matters. This collaborative approach helps build a shared vision for ethical AI, drawing from diverse experiences andperspectives.

As AI becomes increasingly embedded in political campaigns acrossAfrica,initiativeslikeIPE2024are essential to ensure that this technology serves to support democratic engagement and not to undermineit.Bycommittingtoethical standards, regulatory oversight, and collaboration,Africannationscanlead

the way in demonstrating how AI can be harnessed responsibly for political good. As we move towards more technologically integrated election processes, let's ensure that they are underpinned by a commitment to democracy, transparency, and the welfareofallcitizens.

GlenMpani Author