AFRICAN PEACE MAGAZINE

ISSUE 70 / 2021

N5,000 / $10 / 7

...Providing a friendly pla orm towards achieving peace in Africa

SPECIAL EDITION

AFRICAN PEACE MAGAZINE LTD

African Peace AWA R D S 2 0 2 1

WINN4RS

Editorial Team Editor In Chief/Publisher Noah Ajare Editor Mercy O. Ogaranya Deputy Editor Anyanele Ifunanya Managing Editor Adefolahan Adeyemo Associate Editor Okibe Agbenu Erica Ruth Yohanna African Peace Team Angela Mandara (Kenya) Chief Alfred Solomon (United Kingdom) Joy Umekwe (United Kingdom) Olajide Ajayi (Ireland) Somie Kay (Kenya) Segun Victor (France) Johnny Mashigo (South Africa) Jemiriye Adeniji (USA) Laolu Omisade (Canada) Charles Acculley (Ghana) Tony Stony (Zambia) Mary Anyango Oluoch (Kenya) Noble W. Kel Ngozisonye (UAE) Deji Gbotosho (Nigeria) Hauwa Gadzama (Nigeria) Ayiroth Sandra (Uganda) Shreya Yadav (India) Sekao Phenyo Ntsosa (Botswana) Charity Lily (South Africa) Joseph Onele (Nigeria)

Eric Emmanuel Sossah (Togo) Salama Kasoga (Uganda) Hadiza Abdulrahman (Nigera) Sylvia Nachilinda (Zambia) Tonye Suzanne (Cameroon) Sunday Honorine (Rwanda) Lillian Wamuyu (Kenya) Ntombi Magagula (South Africa) Edify Yakusak (Nigeria)

Marketing and Business Development Bizchart NG Investment Holdings (PTY) Ltd (South) Editorial Board Prof. Lloyds Williams (USA) Prof. Muhamed Tawq Ladan (Nigeria) Prof. Paul O. Idornigie (Nigeria) Dr. Abiodun Odusote (Nigeria) Graphics/Photograph Abdulrau Raimi John Okwo Mattory Digital Print CreativeReality Contributors Elvis Lyorngurm Adam Alkali Zoe Seeker Zina Harvey Ejodame Emmanuel Uju Nnaji

HEAD OFFICE: Suite S9, Vatan Plaza Lokogoma Junction Abuja, Nigeria.

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Tel.: +44744 8921 266 ...Providing a friendly pla orm towards achieving peace in Africa

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Email: africanpeacemag@gmail.com Website: www.africanpeace.org

Table of

Content INCREASE OF

BRAIN DRAIN POST COVID

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4ditor’s NOTE

We specially want to thank all those who participated in the Pre-Award lecture to mark the international day of Peace.

The board and management of African Peace Magazine UK, specially invites you to the 2021 African Peace Awards 2021 The African Peace Magazine UK, in conjunction with her strategic partners, Rethink Africa Foundation, African Fact Checkers, Centre for peace and Conflict management in Africa and African Right Watch is set to host the African Peace Award 2021on the 11th of November 2021 in celebration of the unique AfCFTA milestones, while drawing attention to the task ahead and how AfCFTA can be the key to Unity and Peace in the continent post Covid 19.

The event is designed to host business, political, and diplomatic leaders. It is set to have in attendance, policy makers and think-tanks on Africa and Africa related issues.

The African Peace awards 2021 seeks to honor persons, institutions, organization, governments and others whose actions, and efforts have in one way improved or contributed to peace keeping and conflict management in Africa as well as improving the lives of Africans.

African Peace Magazine UK, is committed to honoring leaders on continent for their services to Africa in promoting Good Governance, Democracy and the Rule of Law. Among those slated to receive the special award category include the President of Ghana, HE, Nana Addo Dankwa –Akufo, Dr Akinwumi Adesina, The President of African Development Bank, President Olusegun Obasanjo, President Goodluck Jonathan,

Hon Justice Suleiman Galadima Justice of The Supreme Court of Nigeria (rtd) CFR, HE The First Lady of Nigeria, Aisha Buhari, HE, The First Lady of Republic of Namibia. HE, Madame Monica Geingos,, The Vice President of Liberia Dr. Jewel Taylor, Hon Justice Stella Anukam Judge of the African Court on Human and Peoples Right. Prof Abubakar Musa Kundri, Gen. A.B Dambazzau PhD and several others.

The African Peace brand has noted Peace promotion and conflict management in any society alleviates uncertainly and risk which in turn p ro m ot e s e co n o m i c g row t h i n a ny g i ve n community. It contributes to the economic growth of the community by increasing the productivity in capital and labour as well as good governance.

The African peace brand introduces its awards in the hopes of promoting peace globally and specifically in Africa with the hope of effecting change in Africa first and then globally.

The Theme for the 2021 African Peace Award is Achieving Peace and Accelerated Recovery of Africa’s Economy Post Covid -19 This edition is dedicated to the 2021 African Peace Awards.

The Theme for the 2021 African Peace Award is Achieving Peace and Accelerated Recovery of Africa’s Economy Post Covid -19 Highlights •High level Panels and keynote Presentations •Interactive Sessions •Award Dinner Session •African CEOs Roundtable •Unrivaled Networking Opportunities •Industry CEOs from across the value chain •Hottest firm-in and JV opportunities

S

Noah Ajare Editor In Chief/Publisher

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The purpose of this app will basically be for selling and buying food.

It will stage as follows: There will be an interface where food vendors advertise their businesses and the type of edibles they sell. The price for their edible and the price for delivery to a particular location The app will also have interface where consumers can register and put in their address, select what they want to eat and let it be delivered to them The food vendors will be arranged by location.

Which food vendor is closer to the consumers location and if they deliver to the location as well as the price of delivery There will also be an interface for review on the delivery and the vendor There will be an interface where consumers will track their delivery There should be an interface where the consumers can give instructions with regards to their order There should be an interface for different modes of payment and if the vendor accepts that mode of payment

DOWNLOAD NOW THEAPP + + +

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African Peace Magazine UK APMBRAND

W4LCOMES YOU TO

THEME:

ACHIEVING PEACE AND ACCELERATED RECOVERY OF AFRICA'S ECONOMY POST COVID-19

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PROFIl4 HE, Nana Addo Dankwa –Akufo President of Ghana,

Nana Addo Dankwa AkufoAddo, (born March 29, 1944, Accra, Gold Coast (now Ghana), Ghanaian lawyer and politician who became president of Ghana in January 2017.

Akufo-Addo was born and raised in Accra.

In the late 1970s he served as general secretary of the P e o p l e ’ s M ove m e n t fo r Freedom and Justice (PMFJ), a group that opposed the plans of the military government in place at the time. In 1992 he joined the Nascent New Patriotic Party (NPP) and served as a

Member of Parliament under the party’s banner for three terms (1996–2008). Under P r e s i d e n t J o h n K u f u o r, Akufo-Addo served as attorney general and minister of justice from 2001 until 2003. That year he became foreign minister, a position he held until 2007, when he resigned in order to stand in the contest to be the NPP’s fl a g b e a re r i n t h e 2 0 0 8 presidential election; he was elected as the party’s candidate.

In 2016 Akufo-Addo stood as the NPP presidential candidate for a third time. He faced six other candidates in

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the election, which was held on December 7. Akufo-Addo was declared the winner, with about 53.8 percent of the vote. Akufo-Addo was inaugurated on January 7, 2017.

PROFIl4 Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, President, African Development Bank.

Dr. Akinwumi A. Adesina is the 8th elected President of the African Development Bank Group. He was first elected to the position on May 28, 2015 by the Bank’s Board of Governors at its Annual Meetings held in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.

Dr Adesina is a globally re n ow n e d d eve l o p m e nt economist and agricultural development expert, with more than 30 years of international experience.

He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Economics (First Class Honours) from the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University), Nigeria, in 1981.

He was the first student to obtain a First Class Honours in Agricultural Economics in the history of the university.

He holds a master’s degree (1985) and a PhD in

A g r i c u l t u r a l Ec o n o m i c s (1988) from Purdue University, USA, where he won the Outstanding PhD thesis award for that year.

A bold reformer, as Minister of Agriculture in Nigeria from 2011-2015, Dr Adesina turned the agriculture sector of Nigeria around within four years. Under his tenure, Nigeria ended 40 years of corruption in the fertilizer sector by developing and implementing an innovative electronic wallet system, w h i c h d i re c t ly p rov i d e s farmers with subsidized farm inputs at scale using their mobile phones.

He serves globally as one of the Commissioners for the Global Climate Commission, co-Chaired by Bill Gates and former United Nations Secretary General Ban Kimoon, to tackle global climate change.

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On October 31, 2019, Dr Adesina led the African Development Bank to achieve the highest capital increase since the Bank’s establishment in 1964, when shareholders raised the general capital of the Bank by 125%. This increased the Bank’s capital by $115 billion, from $93 billion to $208 billion, a historic achievement for Africa.

On 6 December 2019, Dr Adesina was named the African of the Year by the All Africa Business Leaders Aw a rd s ( A A B L A™ ) i n re c o g n i t i o n o f h i s b o l d leadership and the innovation of the Africa Investment Forum, which opened up billions of dollars of investment into the continent.

He was recognized as the Forbes Africa Person of the Year 2019.

PROFIl4 Chief Olusegun Aremu Obasanjo, GCFR Former President, Federal Republic of Nigeria

Chief Olusegun Mathew Okikiola Aremu Obasanjo, GCFR, Ph.D He was born on the 5th day of May 1937. A former Nigerian Army General who was president of Nigeria from 1999 to 2007. Chief Obasanjo was a career soldier before serving twice as Nigeria’s head of state. He served as a military ruler from 13 February 1976 to 1 October 1979, and as a democratically elected President from 29 May 1999 to 29 May 2007.

From July 2004 to January 2006, Obasanjo also served as Chairperson of the African Union.

Obasanjo is described as "the outstanding member of the second generation of independent African leaders

who dedicated themselves to the consolidation of their postcolonial states". There w e r e f o u r m a j o r achievements of Obasanjo's presidency: that he partially contained the domestic turmoil permeating Nigeria, that he kept control of the military, that he helped to form the African Union and that he liquidated the country's external debt. In December 1999, his approval rating was at 84%.

Seeking to retain influence on the global stage, Obasanjo launched the Africa Leadership Forum from his Ota farm. From 1981 to 1982 he also sat on the Palme Commission, a group chaired by the former Swedish Prime Minister Olof AFRICAPEACE 11

Palme which discussed disarmament and international security.

Obasanjo followed this with membership on similar panels for the United Nations, the World Health Organization, and the InterAction Council of Former Heads of Government.

Ideologically, Obasanjo was a Nigerian nationalist. He was committed to a form of Nigerian patriotism and the belief that Nigeria should be retained as a single nationstate, rather than being broken up along ethnic lines.

In 2001, he stated that his long-term goal was "the nullification of all forms of identification except Nigerian citizenship”

PROFIl4 Goodluck Ebele Azikiwe Jonathan GCFR, GCON Former President, Federal Republic of Nigeria

Goodluck Jonathan is a Nigerian politician and the 14th President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. He was a one-time deputy governor and governor of Bayelsa State.

Also, Goodluck Jonathan served as the Vice President and President of Nigeria.

Goodluck Jonathan was the first sitting Nigerian President to concede electoral defeat in the 2015 presidential poll.

Today, he is regarded as a hero of democracy. Goodluck Ebele Azikiwe Jonathan was born on November 20, 1957 in Otuoke, Bayelsa State. He is from the Ijaw descent.

Goodluck began his political career in 1998 when he was chosen by Diepreye Alaimeyesiegha as running m a te . D i e p reye wa s t h e gubernatorial candidate of the People’s Democratic

Party, Bayelsa State. The duo won the election and they were sworn in on May 29, 1999.

electricity supply in Nigeria.

He oversaw the privatization of the Nigeria’s power sector by breaking the Power Holding Company of Nigeria Goodluck became President into 15 firms. in 2010 and in 2011 he announced his interest to run H e l a u n c h e d t h e Yo u t h in the race for the office of Enterprise with Innovation in presidency. That was the first Nigeria (YoUWiN) on October time he ran for any public 11, 2011. YouWin is a national office on his own. He always business plan competition got in on a platter of gold. that harnesses the creative On April 18, 2011, he was energies of young people and elected the President of help their businesses grow. It Nigeria along with his running is for small business owners mate Namadi Sambo. He held whose enterprise can create this position until 2015. employment for other youths.

He also expanded access to While in office, he created his e d u c a t i o n t h r o u g h t h e agenda in line with the vision establishments of tertiary 2020 of his predecessor. i n s t i t u t i o n a n d p r i m a r y Goodluck Jonathan launched s c h o o l s . I n a d d i t i o n , h e the power sector reformation w o r k e d o n a g r i c u l t u r e , on August 2, 2010 with the aim industrial production and o f a c h i e v i n g a s t a b l e creative industries.

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PROFIl4 Hon Justice Suleiman Galadima (Rtd) CFR, HE Justice of The Supreme Court of Nigeria

Honorable Justice Suleiman Galadima was born on October in 1946 at A l fa Ko u a ra Re g i o n . He attended the Katsina Secondary School, and proceeded to Government College Keffi in 1965. He got his LLB in University of Agbomey-Calavi, and in 1977 got his BL (Hons) at the Benin Law School 1978, also his LLM in the University of Jos in 1985. His Lordship worked as a revenue/legal officer with Customs and excise in 1969, and as Assistant Legal Aid Leader NYSC Anambra Region: Region Counsel Ministry of Justice, Law Review commission Secretary, Anambra Region.

He became the Magistrate in

July, 1978 and in March 1990 Hon. Justice Suleiman Galadima was appointed Attorney General and the Commission of Justice Plateau Region, he became High Court Judge of Plateau Region High Court May 1991, and later became the chief Judge of Alfa Kouara Region in October 1996, at the c re a t i o n of A l fa Ko u a r a Region. His Lordship was appointed Justice of the C o u r t of A p p e a l o n 9 t h December 1998, and was appointed Justice of the Supreme Court in 2010 His Lordship has attended several global seminars within and outside Benin, s u c h a s 1 9 t h B i -A n n u a l International Bar Conference

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in New Delhi in India, Uk, Singapore, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Ethiopia, Ghana Law Conference in 1984 among others. His Lordship had received several meritorious award and national awards such as Achiever Awards 2003, Development Achievers Gold Award 2007, a n d C o m m a n d e r of t h e Federal Republic (CFR) and Officer of the Order of Federal Republic (OFR) in 2011 respectively. My Lordship is happily married with children; he enjoys reading, photography, swimming, hunting, farming, gardening, c u r re n t a ff a i r s , c u l t u r a l activities, reading of Islamic scriptures and documentary.

PROFIl4 H.E, Mrs. Aisha Buhari The First Lady of the Federal Republic Nigeria,

Aisha Halilu Buhari, born 17 February 1971 is the First Lady of Nigeria and wife of the current president Muhammadu Buhari who assumed office on 29 May 2015.

A i s h a B u h a r i i s a cosmetologist, beauty therapist and woman activist.

Aisha is a woman activist. She is the founder of Aisha Buhari Foundation and Future Assured Programme. Also, she published the book; Essentials of Beauty Therapy: A Complete Guide for Beauty Specialists.

Aisha is a women’s rights activist and girl-child education advocate. She is a staunch critic of early child marriage, homosexuality and violence against women. As a result, she established the Aisha Buhari foundation, an organisation concerned about the welfare of Nigerian women and children.

Through her foundation, she also established the Future Assured Programme. Future Assured is a project targeted at ending depression, abuse and the challenges women and children go through. Basically, it was founded with the aim of improving the well-being and lives of women and children through advocacy. Through these platforms, Aisha has done several charitable services to help the female gender. For instance, she constructed a fully equipped maternity complex at the Daura General Hospital. She has sponsored several surgeries and child health care.

In 2017, she placed about 60 orphans from Daura on Scholarship and also shared food items in Katsina state.

Also, in 2019, She empowered 2000 women in Adamawa State. She also launched a

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Green School Agricultural Initiative at Aliyu Mustafa College, Yola. Aisha’s passion for women empowerment grew as a result of her upbringing in the northern region where the female gender was educationally disadvantaged.

On several occasions, she has openly condemn the ills in her husband’s administration. She has proven that she is first a woman before the First Lady of Nigeria. She criticised some unsuccessful programs and initiatives organised by the government such as the Social Investment Programme.

In life, oppression or fear shouldn’t deter us. We must believe that we are insurmountable and there is no war we cannot win as long as it is a just cause- Aisha Buhari

PROFIl4 H.E, Madame Monica Geingos The First Lady of Republic of Namibia,

Monica Geingos is a qualified lawyer with extensive corporate experience. Before assuming the First Lady role in 2015, she was a coshareholder and Managing Director of Namibia’s largest private equity fund for over a

decade served on the Boards of large public and private sector companies as either Chairperson or Deputy Chairperson.

Adolescents Girls and leadership in the global agenda to ending AIDS by 2030, Mrs. Geingos was awarded the ‘World Without AIDS Award’ from the In recognition of her work for German AIDS Foundation.

Yo u n g Wo m e n a n d

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PROFIl4 H.E Dr. Jewel Taylor The Vice President of Liberia

Dr Jewel Taylor, born January 17, 1963 is a Liberian politician and the current Vice President of Liberia. Dr Jewel Taylor, an astute Female Politician, a Lawyer, a G e n d e r Ad vo c ate , a P u b l i c S e r va n t , a n Ed u c a to r, a Humanitarian; the First Female Vice President of Liberia; and a positive Role model for Liberian women in particular and African women in general.

She was married to convicted war criminal and former president C h a r l e s Ta y l o r ( w h o m s h e married in 1997, but later divorced in 2006) and was First Lady of Liberia during his presidency.

In 2005, Jewel Taylor was elected to the Senate of Liberia in Bong County as a member of the National Patriotic Party a post to which she was elected twice, in a highly challenging electoral process.

Institutions with distinction; including being the 21st First Lady of the Republic, Deputy Governor of the National Bank( now called the Central Bank of Liberia), and President of the Agricultural Cooperative Development Bank amongst others.

As a result of her deep understanding of the value of education as a basis for success, she has obtained the following degrees; BSc (Economics), BSc (Banking, with Honors), MBA(Finance, with Honors), BSc in Law(with Honors), Post Graduate Degree in International Relations(with Honors); a Master Class Certificate in Business Management and Leadership; and 2 Honorary Doctorate Degrees, one in Leadership and Governance and the other in Public Administration In addition, she focused on educational, health and social projects.

She has served for more than 20 years in various Public and Private In spite of her busy schedule, she AFRICAPEACE 16

is a Humanitarian at heart, e s p e c i a l l y a s i t re l a t e s t o Empowerment of Women and Girls. She served as the chairperson of the Senate Health and Social Welfare Committee on Gender, Women and Children.

She has used her status in the Nation as a springboard to contribute to many causes. Some of which are to The Rural Women Association, scholarships for disadvantaged youth and to organizations which provide mentorship and training for girls across the Nation. She has also established an NGO, THE JEWEL STARFISH FOUNDATION; which for the past 15 years has provided support to thousands of girls, for mentoring, empowerment and support to victims of Gender and Sexual based violence. She is a strong voice of advocacy for gender equality, respect for the rule of law, national equality and g o o d g ove r n a n ce a m o n g s t others.

PROFIl4 Hon Justice Stella Anukam Judge of the African Court on Human and Peoples Right.

Judge of the African Court on She also serves as a member of Human and Peoples’ Rights in several professional bodies, including Panel of Conciliators of July 2018 for a term of six years. international Centre for She obtained a Law degree from S e t t l e m e n t o f i n v e s t m e n t t h e p r e s t i g i o u s O b a f e m i Disputes (ICSID), International Bar Awolowo University, Ile-Ife Association (IBA), African Bar (formerly known as University of A s s o c i a t i o n , I n t e r n a t i o n a l Federation of Female Lawyers, Ife) Osun State, Nigeria in 1984.

Institute of Chartered Secretaries Justice Anukam holds her B.L & Administrators (ICSA) London, from the Nigerian Law School, Chartered Institute of Arbitrators Lagos, and was called to the and Institute of Professional Nigerian Bar in August, 1985. Negotiators and Mediators.

Justice Anukam is also a Chartered Secretary, a seasoned She is Director, Special Programs, Administrator and a Chartered Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, Abuja, Nigeria, and Arbitrator. former Director, International and

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Comparative Law department of the Federal Ministry of Justice.

Justice Anukam commenced her Civil Service career in 1987 and has served in various capacities.

She is a recipient of many outstanding honours and awards such as Integrity Driven Women in Public Service, Outstanding Legal Adviser in the Federation and The Corporate Amazon Women of Excellence Award.

Justice Anukam has over 32 years of professional legal experience with exceptional competence, irreproachable integrity and unwavering dedication to duty.

PROFIl4 Prof Abubakar Musa Kundiri

Abubakar Kundiri is a professor of soil science. He is the former vice chancellor of Federal University of Dutse a n d Fe d e r a l U n i v e r s i t y Wu ka r i Ta ra b a St ate , i n Nigeria. Professor Abubakar Kundiri started his academic career started at the University of Maiduguri as a graduate assistant. He attained the position of a substantive professor in 2006. Professor Kundiri has spent his academic and professional career working in areas to help address the challenges of Agriculture and Environmental Management.

He has also been an External

Examiner and Visiting Lecturer in a number of higher institutions and has participated in projects and programmes aimed at addressing environmental challenges such as, working closely with national and international groups i n c l u d i n g t h e Eu ro p e a n Union, World Bank UNESCO, International Atomic Energy Agency as well as Federal and State government agencies in Nigeria. With his background in education administration he is also serving in a number of Committees of both Councils and Senates among others n

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addition, he is a member of the fellowship of the soil science Society of Nigeria.

He was also the Dean of Students at the University of Maiduguri and the Federal University Dutse where he also held the position of Deputy Vice-Chancellor. It was from this position that the Council of the Federal University Dutse appointed him vice chancellor of the University. It is a position he held until his appointment as the Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University Wukari by the President, Commanderin-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

PROFIl4 Gen. A.B Dambazzau PhD, (Rtd)

Abdulrahman Bello Dambazau (born March 14, 1954) is a retired Nigerian Army general and politician who served as Chief of Army between 2008 and 2010.

He also served in President Muhammadu Buhari’s cabinet as Minister of Interior from 2015 to 2019.

I n 1 974 , h e we nt to t h e Nigerian Defence Academy a s a m e m b e r o f t h e 17 Regular Combatant Courses.

He was commissioned as a second lieutenant into the Infantry Corps of the Nigerian Army in June 1977. Dambazau served as a military police

officer, aide de camp to the Chief of Army Staff (1979), commanded military police units and served as a special investigator (1984-1985).

Dambazau was registrar of the Nigerian Defence Academy from 1993 to 1999.

He also served as chief instructor, Support Weapon Wing of the Infantry Centre and School from 1999 to 2001 and later as directing staff at the National War College from 2004 to 2006. From 2007 to 2008, he served as general officer commanding (GOC) 2nd Division, Ibadan.

He was appointed Chief of Army Staff in 2008 by AFRICAPEACE 19

President Umaru Yar’Adua.

A f t e r Ya r 'A d u a ' s d e a t h , Dambazau was retired from service by President Goodluck Jonathan.

Following his retirement in 2010, Dambazau went into politics, later joining the All Progressives Congress (APC).

During the 2015 presidential election, he was the head of the security committee of the APC campaign organization, he later lost out to be appointed National Security Adviser. In November 2015, he was appointed Minister of the interior by President Muhammadu Buhari.

PROFIl4 J.S. Okutepa SAN

Jibrin Samuel Okutepa is a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN. He is the founding Partner of J.S. Okutepa SAN & Company; a law firm based in Abuja, FCT, with branches in Makurdi, Benue state, and Lokoja, Kogi State, North Central Nigeria. He is a graduate o f t h e Fa c u l t y o f t h e L a w University of Jos where he obtained his LL.B. (Hons), and was called to the Nigerian Bar on the 12th of December,1991. He is an astute legal practitioner of great repute and industry.

was conferred with the p re s t i g i o u s r a n k o f S e n i o r Advocate of Nigeria, SAN, on the 7th day of July 2011, by the Legal Practitioners Privileges Committee, LPPC, and sworn in on 26th August 2011 by the Chief Justice of Nigeria. He was the only legal practitioner from Kogi State that was conferred with the rank of SAN in 2011.

He became a member of the Body of Benchers, March 2017 and served till March 2020. The Body of Benchers as established under section 3 of the Legal Practitioners Act 1962 as amended, Cap L.11 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, is the body of legal practitioners of the highest distinction in the legal profession which is responsible for the formal call to Bar of persons seeking to become legal practitioners as well as the discipline of erring lawyers in Nigeria. He is also a member of the Body of Benchers Mentoring Committee.

Mr. Okutepa, SAN is a committed and dedicated member of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) both at the national and branch levels. He held a variety of positions in the NBA Makurdi Branch from 1993 to 2008. He was the financial secretary, Publicity Secretary, Secretary, and 1st Vice Chairman of NBA Makurdi Branch between 1993 and 2008. He was a member of the General Counsel of the Bar. He was a Member of the National Executive Committee of NBA, from 2004 till Mr. Okutepa, SAN specializes in Pre and Post-election matters, 2018.

Criminal litigation, Civil ligation, A f t e r s e v e r a l y e a r s o f Constitutional law, Commercial distinguished legal practice, he law practice, to mention but a few.

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He is a highly experienced election petition practitioner; an expert in pre and post-election cases and has handled election petition cases before Tribunals as lead counsel for winners and losers of elections in Nigeria since 1998. He has led other lawyers in many election petition Appeal cases before the Supreme Court of Nigeria and the Court of Appeal for State Governors, Senators, House of Representatives members amongst other appeals in election petition cases.

Mr. Okutepa, SAN is a recipient of various awards of recognition including the NBA presidential award for meritorious service to the Bar. He is a highly respected authority and conference speaker particularly on Criminal procedures in Nigeria Courts, Litigation, and ethics. He is also a notable analyst and commentator on Legal and National issues and features regularly on invitation by the press.

He has written variously on many issues on law and has contributed to many journals, articles, and published books which are strong re fe re n c e m a t e r i a l s i n t h e Profession.

PROFIl4 H.E. Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma President of Sierra Leone (2007-2018)

H.E. Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma was democratically elected for two consecutive terms from 2007 – 2018 during which time he implemented far – reaching d e m o c r a t i c re fo r m s w h i c h resulted in the remarkable transformation of Sierra Leone.

Prior to becoming president, he served as Minority Leader in Parliament for the All Peoples Congress (party) from 2002 -2007 during which term he served in and chaired several Oversight Committees.

His legacy for the people of Sierra Leone covers the consolidation of peace, a massive rebuilding of roads, pipe borne water and energy infrastructure, which were severely destroyed during the 11 years of civil war. His reforms resulted in Sierra Leone becoming the fastest growing economy in Africa in 2014 before the deadly Ebola Epidemic and by 2018, the 3rd most peaceful in Africa.

President Koroma demonstrated a strong and unifying leadership i n r e b u i l d i n g t h e c o u n t r y, improving economic stability, fighting corruption and in

strengthening democratic good governance, which attracted i n te r n a t i o n a l a t te n t i o n a n d commendation.

On the international stage, he chaired the African Union Committee of Ten for the Reform of The United Nations which advocates for Africa to have 2 permanent seats on the UN Security Council and for more African representation at the United Nations. He also chaired the AU Peace Council for two consecutive years and participated in brokering peace in Cote D’Ivoire, Guinea Bissau and the Gambia.

In April 2018, President Koroma conducted peaceful democratic multi-tier elections and gracefully handed over power to the opposition which once again showcased his dedication towards democracy.

Since leaving Office in 2018, H.E has led three Election Observation Missions, to Namibia, Togo and Benin under the auspices of the African Union (AU) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

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President Koroma is a founding member of the West African Elders Council whose objective is to prevent conflict through mediation and through the promotion of peace and democracy within the ECOWAS region. He is also a founding member of the Global Steering Committee “Campaign for Nature”, advocating for the protection of 30% of the planet through better environmental practices. As part of his advocacy fo r p e a c e a n d s u s t a i n a b l e development the former President is championing the establishment of an African Peace Engineering Corps.

Since leaving Office His Excellency has received much recognition for his legacy in democracy and peace and has been referred to as the apostle of Peace.

Former President Koroma has been dedicating a good portion of his time in retirement on advocating for issues that are f u n d a m e nt a l to p e a ce , t h e environment, and woman and youth empowerment.

PROFIl4 Pastor Opi Agha President/Founder of When Women Pray International (aka WWP), Abuja.

Pastor (Mrs) Bipiminafieye Opuaya Agha (fondly called Pst O), is a Nigerian Minister of the Gospel and the President/Founder of When Women Pray International (aka WWP), head quartered IN ABUJA with well over 37 branches locally and internationally. A nondenominational Christian Women Ministry where ordinary women are turned into praying women with headquarters in Abuja, Nigeria.

A t e a c h e r o f t h e Wo rd , s h e conducts over a dozen domestic and international conferences every year. Pst O deliberately and intentionally lives by the tenets of 2 Corinthians 4:5, by constantly showing thousands of women the need and utmost importance of knowing God for themselves.

Pst O’s teachings cover a wide range of topics with particular focus on the family, personal spiritual growth, prayers and character building.

She is a recipient of many awards.

She is married to Engr Ike Agha and are both Pastors in their home church, His Treasure House, Abuja.

They are blessed with four grown children.

gives it first place. A pastor, mentor A lot of women have had a lot to say a n d m o t h e r t o m a n y m u s i c about the WWP. Some of the ministers. reviews found on face book include; it's a place where you A woman of great passion for come and experience God through changing lives, Parenting and the power of prayer. I recommend Marriage, she has served in various to every woman who wants her life capacities as a Pastor, Counselor and family to have meaningand Mentor for more than two @Chinwendu Lily Emeka-Ugwuibe decades. @Rachel Aigbefo says “it is a place A lot of persons have been blessed every woman shld be to help you through her and they have lots to know your right as a child of God, as a wife and as a mother. say about her.

On facebook @Unekwuojo Ayeh recommends When Women Pray international and says that· , “WWP is very encouraging and it helps in building faith in God” @Kitchen Art says, “A great place to meet women who love God and are concerned about the nation” @swiftcchurch on facebook says She unveils some deep things about Women and prayer, teaches on what really happens when women pray?, How women have changed homes, families, country, How women like Susan Wesley used prayer to chat a great destiny for John and Charles Wesley the founder of Methodist Church.

She holds marathon prayers regularly.

She understands perfectly well the place of worship in any service and

AFRICAPEACE 22

N e n g i B r a i s a y s “A p l a c e o f community where you meet women who are on fire for Christ and genuinely care for each other” Ngozi Nwosu says “when women pray is real and is a place to be, the grace of God upon his handmaid pastor Opi Agha is awesome, a m a z i n g , m i n d b l ow i n g , e a r twinkling, l am a living testimony of God bless, cone and join us to serve God Almighty” Ejoh Prisca Ndifon says “It is a fellowship that teaches women to know God for themselves, become deliberate in her walk with God in every sphere of contact and above all when women pray is a fellowship that raises end time soldiers for God”

W W W . A F R I C A N P E A C E . O R G

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...Providing a friendly pla orm towards achieving peace in Africa

AFRICAPEACE 23

Creating One African Market

HOW

AFCFTA

CAN HELP BRING PEACE AND UNITY IN AFRICA A F C T A r e p r e s e n t s A f r i c a n of extreme poverty, according to Continental Free Trade Area. the World Bank .

“This is not just a trade agreement, The Agreement (the “Agreement”) this is our hope for Africa to be lifted e s t a b l i s h i n g t h e A f r i c a n up from poverty,” said Wamkele Continental Free Trade Area (the Mene, the Secretary-General of the “A f C F TA” ) h a s c o n t i n u e d t o AfCFTA Secretariat, at the virtual generate discussions following the launch event. commencement of trading under the new economic bloc. The It is also expected to boost intraAgreement was signed on 21 March A f r i c a n t r a d e , p r o m o t e 2018 at the Extra-Ordinary Summit industrialization, create job, and of the African Union held in Kigali improve competitiveness of African Rwanda and came into force on 30 industries on the global stage .

May 2019 after the Gambia became the 22nd State to ratify it . Nigeria The pact will also empower women signed the Agreement on 7th July by improving their access to trade 2019 and after initial dilly-dallying, opportunities. Women make up the largest share of informal traders, ratified it in November 2020. representing 70 per cent to 80 per COVID-19 pandemic delayed the cent in some countries. phase 2 negotiations and commencement of trading under The Phase Two Negotiations for A f C F T A w h i c h w a s e a r l i e r both Trade in Goods and Trade in scheduled to start on 1st of July Services include (i) the Protocol on 2020. Trading eventually kicked off Investment (ii) the Protocol on on 1st January 2021 and it is too Intellectual Property and (iii) the early to assess the impact of Protocol on Competition Policy as trading yet particularly as some well as the associated Annexes and countries are yet to ratify the treaty. Appendices . As common with The new market, created under the m o s t t r e a t i e s , t h e A f C F TA African Continental Free Trade Area Agreement is expected to be (AfCFTA) agreement is estimated to organic as future amendments and be as large as 1.3 billion people updates are possible, provided that across Africa, with a combined a n y a d d i t i o n a l i n s t r u m e n t s gross domestic product (GDP) of deemed necessary are to be $3.4 trillion. This has a potential of concluded in furtherance of the lifting up to 30 million Africans out objectives of AfCFTA and shall

AFRICAPEACE 24

upon adoption, form an integral part of the Agreement .

The AfCFTA is the world’s largest free trade zone since the establishment of the WTO in 1994 and offers a lot of benefits to member States particularly those with competitive advantage and enabling infrastructures.

The report projected that the removal of tariffs if well implemented could boost intraregional trade up to 50 percent by 2040, from the current 17 percent.

Nigeria has a competitive advantage in a number of sectors and stands in a position to benefit from the newly enlarged market.

This will further increase investment in the distribution and logistics supply chain as crossb o rd e r t ra d e s w i l l s p i ra l u p .

Nigeria’s increasing unemployment rate of over 30% which has been made worse by the pandemic is expected to reduce when trading starts in commercial quantity.

The AfCFTA will progressively reduce trade tariffs by over 90% by 2022 and by extension address the increasing inflation and infrastructural deficits within the continent. Nigeria, being the largest economy in the continent with

strong service sector should position itself to benefit from the economies of scale that will follow the localization of industries. Oil refineries, cement, agriculture, food processing, minerals, banking and financial services, aviation, information technology and legal services have been identified as some of the critical sectors where Nigeria has competitive advantage.

The fears around the issue of dumping and border security should not outweigh the huge benefits that AFCFTA offers to the member States. Rather, this should be a wake-up call for Nigeria to invest heavily in rail and road transport, port infrastructure, border security, internal security, electricity, education, and other enabling infrastructures. The last border closure was largely attributed to the issue of dumping and security as it was alleged that Nigeria was amongst other things being swamped with fake and substandard goods mostly from Asian co u nt r i e s t h ro u g h t h e B e n i n Republic .

T h e A f C F TA R u l e s o f O r i g i n provision is meant to address this, and it is hoped that the AfCFTA member States should demonstrate the political will to ensure strict compliance. While the

regime of Trade in Goods appears to be taking shape, particularly with the commencement of trading early this year, the progressive framework for the negotiations of specific commitments by the member-states in the area of Trade in Services, should afford Nigeria the platform to ensure that the service sectors benefit from the huge opportunities provided under the AfCFTA.

raw materials and intermediate inputs increases competitiveness of downstream producers and p ro m o t e s t h e g e n e r a t i o n o f regional value chains.

Trade liberalization also allows firms to access a large continental market and gain from economies of scale. In the long run, increased competitive pressures may improve firm efficiency. However, market consolidation may arise The African Continental Free Trade when smaller firms are exposed to Area is widely seen as a crucial stiffer competition . d r i ve r fo r e c o n o m i c g row t h , industrialization and sustainable I n c o n c l u s i o n , b e y o n d t h e development in Africa. Despite the c o m m i t m e n t a n d p o l i t i c a l opportunities, challenges need to determination displayed by African heads of state, the larger be addressed . operationalisation challenge of the Fears of significant tariff revenue AfCFTA lies in the ownership and losses and an uneven distribution p a r t i c i p a t i o n o f t h e A f r i c a n of costs and benefits are among the population. Critical buy-in that will main obstacles to the continent's b i r t h l o c a l o w n e r s h i p a n d integration. Flanking measures and sustainability depends on the flexibilities should be explored for a active involvement of the private fair sharing of costs and benefits, to s e c t o r , b a n k i n g a n d l o c a l reduce adjustment costs and to manufacturing sectors, small and attain the full long-term benefits of medium cross-border traders, academia, civil society groups, the AFCFTA. organised women’s groups, In the long-run, trade liberalization cooperative societies and the in the AFCFTA lowers trade costs media, in and across countries. and allows consumers to access a greater variety of products at lower prices. Lower costs for imported

AFRICAPEACE 25

INCREASE OF

BRAIN DRAIN POST COVID

Merriam Webster’s dictionary defines brain drain as “the departure of educated or professional people from one country, economic sector, or field for another usually for better pay or living conditions” The United Nations defines brain drain as a one-way movement of highly skilled people from developing to developed countries that only benefits the industrialized world.

Western countries are luring African medical professionals and healthcare workers to migrate as they seek to bridge the gap in medical personnel created by the corona virus outbreak . In late March, 2020 the United States Department of State Bureau of Consular Affairs tweeted the fo l l ow i n g c a l l fo r a p p l i c a nt s encourage medical professionals seeking work in the US on a work or exchange visitor visa, particularly

those working on #COVID19 issues, to contact the nearest US Embassy/Consulate for a visa appointment.

access to the best global talent.

The new Health and Care Visa makes it cheaper, quicker and easier for healthcare professionals from around the world to move to As a result, 8,600 Egyptian doctors the UK for work we re a c c e p t e d i n t o t h e U S , according to a 16 May news report “Before the rest of the remaining

by Arab News Network. medical scarce resource leaves, governments should step in and Other Western countries around figure out ways to retain them,” Laila the world have issued calls for El Baradei, professor of public foreign medics, including Canada, administration at the School of Germany and France. Some of Global Affairs and Public Policy of these countries are reportedly the American University in Cairo, specifically targeting Africa. The Egypt, told University World News.

COVID-19 pandemic has seen d e v e l o p e d c o u n t r i e s r e l a x “Better pay is a crucial first step … immigration procedures for health Governments and universities w o r k e r s s e e k i n g n e w w o r k should rethink the compensation opportunities elsewhere. On the package and benefits given to July 14, 2020, in response to the medical staff,” El Baradei said. impact of COVID-19 on the healthcare sector, the British Home She said that in Egypt, underpaid Secretary and Secretary of State for medical staff, especially physicians Health and Social Care launched a and nurses, are forced to work in Health and Care Visa to ensure UK multiple hospitals and health health and care services have facilities, which affects the quality

AFRICAPEACE 27 9

of service they offer, drains their energy and detracts from the time they have available for developing their skills and doing research.

Ifeanyi McWilliams Nsofor, director of policy and advocacy for Nigeria Health Watch, said a study by Nigeria Health Watch on the emigration of Nigerian doctors highlighted the search for better facilities and working environments, higher remuneration, career progression and professional advancement, along with better quality of life as some of the reasons doctors leave.

“The study recommended that the Nigerian government should improve remuneration, upgrade all hospital facilities and equipment, increase healthcare funding, and improve working conditions of health workers.”

“These results reflect similar conditions in other African c o u n t r i e s a n d t h e recommendations sum up what African universities and governments should do to reverse brain drain,” Nsofor said .

Brain drain and the economic development of home countries are two interdependent processes.

First, a brain drain affects d e ve l o p m e n t , a n d i t s e ffe c t becomes unambiguously negative when the emigration rate is high.

Second, a lack of economic growth motivates college graduates to emigrate. Interactions between these two variables can be the source of vicious and virtuous circles linked to individual decisions to migrate. Once a significant brain drain gets under way, it can have damaging effects on the economy In conclusion, brain drain of health workers presents a serious threat to provision of healthcare and the achievement of the health-related Sustainable Development Goals in Africa. This pattern is experienced by many low- and middle-income countries. In all such countries, we c a l l fo r a re n ewe d fo c u s o n addressing the role of brain drain on health service delivery and on the need for innovative.

AFRICAPEACE 28

“Before the rest of the remaining m e d i c a l s c a rc e resource leaves, governments should step in and figure out ways to retain them,”

...Providing a friendly pla orm towards achieving peace in Africa

African Peace Magazine are magazines aimed at uplifting the values of peace and unity throughout the continent. It condemns violence and acknowledges those who strive to make the strife disappear. It features pieces, articles and write-ups which go a long way in promoting this noble cause of peace. We at African Peace Magazine believe that every sector of a nation contributes in the collective propaganda of a peace country. We have the Magazine, Television and Radio sections. With over 250 million target readers/ views across its portfolio in more than 100 countries, our publications/platforms would be the region’s undisputed market leaders.

Our readers and clients represent the elite from business, political and academic circles and are people who have influence over the direction of their countries and companies.

There is no doubt, that Africa is the new frontier! With over a billion people, 12 million square miles and seven out of ten of the World’s fastest growing economics, Africa is poised for paradigm-shifting growth. African Peace magazine is therefore putting together several events all over the world in conjunction with our strategic partners.

Cutting Edge advertising/ Image making strategies, has assumed a new dimension of wrapping corporate brands around key programs for perfect leveraging.

African Peace Magazine brands , are the first magazine directly targeted at the comprehensive market that cut across all ages, class or status.it has come to bridge the gap – with a magazine that is elevated, mature and intelligent.

And is focus on Peace, which invariably covers all other sectors from Fashion to Economics, Politics to Leadership issues, every subject you can ever imagine. “It is thus the prime advertising platform to reach the African market” Available free online and on mobile Apps.

Website: www.africanpeace.org Twitter: www.twitter.com/africanpeacemag Email: africanpeacemag@gmail.com Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/africanpeacemag/ I.G: www.instagram.com/africanpeacemagazine Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/company/african-peace-magazine-ltd

Th4

4XPLOITATION OF

AFRICA TILL DATE

The exploitation of Africa and Africans by the Western world since 1500, made an invaluable and even an indispensable – contribution to the building of the economies of three continents (South America, North America and Europe), while products that embodied large quantities of cheap African slave labour, were used by Europe to seriously harm the economy of another continent (Asia) .

The 500 years of European slavery and colonialism seriously harmed the African economy, damaged the African societal structures and undermined the psychological self-assurance of Africans.

While narratives over the past few decades have painted a wide range of views of Africa as a child in need of development, a rising economic power, an imminent threat, a tinderbox of terrorism, poverty, forced migration, and disease, the truth is, as always, more nuanced.

One thing is certain: the

transformation that Africa has Colonialism lasted in Africa for only undergone in recent decades has a period of about eighty years. been remarkable.

During that time, colonial governments built a substantial The Atlantic slave trade existed in infrastructure, introduced a cash Africa for over three hundred years crop system of agriculture, and and introduced to the continent changed the traditional standards sophisticated systems of credit and of wealth and status. exchange. Although these markets existed prior to the trade, the great Education reforms were introduced increase in trading brought about and in many areas, modem state

by European demand for slaves systems implemented. However, s t i m u l a t e d t h e i r f u r t h e r the long tern economic impact of development. One result of the European development held some increase in international trade was very negative consequences for that indigenous African economy Africa also. The infrastructure that was subordinated to the interests of was developed was designed to Europe. The slave trading system exploit the natural resources of the did this by substituting European colonies. Also, the technological manufactured products for those and industrial development that products which normally would had been occurring in Africa was have been made locally. Thus we s t a l l e d by t h e i m p o s i t i o n of see early developing a pattern of colonialism. Prior to the partition of Africa as a source of raw materials, Africa, local production provided in this case labour, and as only a Africans with a wide variety of consumer of goods. The result of consumer goods. The policies of such uneven trade is evident. This colonialism forced the demise of pattern of unbalanced trade African industry and created a continued into the period of reliance on imported goods from Europe. Had native industry been colonialism and remains today.

AFRICAPEACE 30

encouraged and cultivated by the colonizing powers, Africa would probably be in a much better e co n o m i c a n d te c h n o l o g i c a l position today.

“Africa stands on the cusp of a lost opportunity because its leaders—and those who assess its progress in London, Paris and Washington—are wrongly fixated on the rise and fall of GDP and foreign investment flows, mostly into resource extraction industries and modern shopping malls,” said Kingsley Moghalu, a former deputy governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria. In a forcefully argued oped, he implored African countries to “reject the misleading notion that they can join the West by becoming post-industrial societies without having first been industrial ones.”

Adeyemi Dipeolu, an economic adviser to Nigeria’s Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, shares this view. He told participants at the report launch in Addis Ababa that African policymakers are “hesitant to take alternative policies for fear of dictates and conditionalities of the West.”

Another challenge for Africa will be to ensure that regional organizations are perceived as effective vehicles for the integration of African countries into the world e c o n o m y, p r o v i d i n g m u t u a l support to their members in their reform efforts.

The imposition of colonialism on the continent of Africa occurred for many reasons, not the least of which was economic. Prior to this development, Africa was advancing and progressing economically and politically.

Colonialism encouraged this development in some areas, but in many others severely retarded the naional progress of the continent.

Ha d co l o n i a l i s m n eve r b e e n imposed on Africa, its development would be significantly different and many of the problems that plague it today would not exist.

AFRICAPEACE 31

LUSI

Interview XC

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HON. JUSTICE

SULEIMAN

GALADIMA, Jsc (Rtd)

H

on. Justice Suleiman Galadima, Jsc (Rtd) speaks on the African peace award coming up on the 11th of November 2021. He said that the African peace platform provides some sort of friendly platforms towards achieving peace in Africa.

He also noted that African peace goals and achievement is to ensure that peace is assured in Africa. In his speech he reminds us that traditionally Africans are peaceful a n d t e l l s e ve r yo n e t h a t t h e traditions and process of achieving peace in Africa has yielded good results so far, in other words it has been effective in curbing conflicts in Africa and should be relied upon as well as improved upon, which he said is one of the missions of the African peace brand. He noted importantly that there does not exist any society without conflict.

He urged that the traditional methods for managing conflict and promoting peace be adopted in this

our modern day society. He also noted that in the time past we never attack and kill each other with guns, bows and arrows, we used those weapons for hunting animals in the bush but in present time we find ourselves hunting and killing each other with deadly weapons. Killings and conflict is the order of the day now and the African peace magazine is to ensure that peace is achieved in Africa and all over the world. He asks what each and everyone can do to assist the African peace Brand as it propagates peace in Africa. He answers that not only do we continue to propagate pace in African but we can also teach others how to do the same. He said that the vision of the African peace Brand is apt and achievable. He clearly stated that the works been done today by the African peace brand is the starting point towards achieving peace in Africa. He talks about the state of conflict in Africa, Nigeria particularly and advises

AFRICAPEACE 32

that Africans follow the works of the African peace brand in other to utilize their methods in our various sub-regions, countries, states and even at the local government levels.

He briefly discusses the amalgamation of Nigeria and points out that misappropriation is major cause of conflict in Nigeria and he says that if this can be managed, it will be a solution to many other sources if conflict in Nigeria.

He urges Nigerian to be united and reminds us that despite the various ethnic groups in Nigeria, we primarily identify as Nigerians. He said that he is opposed to the separation of Nigeria. He said he loves Nigeria and everyone in it irrespective of their ethnic groups, gender and skin color. He advises that ethnic sentiments be done away with.

In an interview with the African peace magazine he was asked his view on the decision of court of coordinate jurisdiction.

He said he has many opinions on that but that that was not the issue.

He pointed out that the major issue with the judiciary is how politicians penetrate the judiciary and embarrass the Nigerian judiciary as a whole by asking for a complete order or decision from a different court of the same jurisdiction. He said the way this is usually done is that the person dissatisfied with the decision goes to a different court of the same jurisdiction but probably in another state of the federation and files the same processes before that court which results in conflicting orders and decision on the same issue. He mentions that that is not the due process and that if any party be dissatisfied by a judgment of a court, the next step to take is to appeal the decision by filling the proper processes.

He says that this was not the situation in the past but in present times the situation has become prevalent within the judiciary.

He was there after asked what peace means to him.

and has been stagnant for a while.

He pointed out that without unity; there cannot be development or progress. He said that peace is fundamental n any group and he even pointed out that the African Peace brand cannot achieve its goals if peace does not exists amongst its members and entity.

He said that he manages pace and does not like or entertain any form of conflict or discord.

He was also asked if he had any advice for the youths and he said that the youths in this country should be appreciated for their exuberance. He mentions that if the Nigerian youths were all brought together to stay alone, they would be able to manage themselves and keep the peace. He points out that it is rare t see youths fighting on the street and creating disturbances.

He talks about how the youth organize conferences, seminars and webinars for themselves for the welfare of their society as a whole and themselves. He says that the youths are responsible and if left by themselves in the country peace would exist. He adds that the conflict in the society is not amongst the youths but between the youths and the elders. He said that the youth are unsatisfied with how the elders are managing and running the country. He said that within his small unit, youths are employed and he does not notice or see disunity amongst them.

He said peace is the combination of a home, a state, a nation into one entity ensuring and resulting in a progressive and evolving society.

He added that by this definition, there is no peace in Nigeria because Nigeria is not progressing He mentions that he watches

AFRICAPEACE 33

several concerts and other similar engagements that the youth attend and partake in and notices how different units work to make this event work.

He then added that the politicians in the country should make effort to manage the country better for the betterment of all.

He expressed his profound gratitude as one of the awardees in the upcoming award on the 11th of November 2021. He mentioned that in 1993 he received an ambassador of peace award which he received because of his work and involvement in settle various disputes. He expressed his surprise but gratitude for being nominated for an African peace award after such a long time. He reminds us that the management of conflict and promotion of peace is a noble cause. He encourages everyone currently working to promote peace and settle some sort of dispute in any community to continue the good work, work harder and not be discouraged because the cause is worth the effort. He reminds us that the dispute and killings in Africa specifically in Nigeria is a concern to him as it should be to everyone and encourages everyone to work out their part to ensuring disputes are settled fairly and amicably and peace is achieved. Finally, he commends and encourages African peace award organizers to keep up the good work.

LUSI

2 . Te l l u s a b o u t y o u r Company/organization?

Interview XC

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FOT E FA PA RT N E R S L P ( M E D I AT O R S & M E D I AT I O N A D V O C AT E S ) i s a b e s p o k e Mediation firm established in Lagos in 2016. The firm is dedicated to delivering creative and efficient solutions to Clients’ legal problems and businesses. The law firm offers a wide range of expert legal services to a highly diversified and global client base. The firm is keen to demonstrate commitment to clients’ needs by constantly striving to maintain the highest levels of dedication, credibility and confidence.

FOLA ALAD4

Founder/Principal Partner, FOTEFA PARTNERS LP (MEDIATORS & MEDIATION ADVOCATES)

1. Kindly tell us a little about U n i t e d N a t i o n s F u n d s a n d yourself?

Programmes, a Certified Mediation Ad vo c a t e w i t h t h e S t a n d i n g I'm Fola Alade, a Notary public and C o n f e r e n c e o f M e d i a t i o n an Accredited Attorney Mediator Advocates (U.K), a trained Mediator based in Lagos. I'm the Founder/ on the Panel of Neutrals of the P r i n c i p a l P a r t n e r a t FOT E FA Federal High Court(FHC), Lagos PARTNERS LP (MEDIATORS & Multi-Door Courthouse (LMDC).

M E D I AT I O N A D V O C AT E S ) , a bespoke Mediation firm in Nigeria I'm a Facilitator and Trainer with the and also the Founder of FOTEFA Standing Conference of Mediation MEDIATION ACADEMY, a bespoke A d v o c a t e s ( S C M A N i g e r i a ) , academy that offers training on the Betawork Cosmopolitan Partners business and practice of Mediation L i m i t e d , A u C o u r a n t L e g a l Research Firm, Legally Engaged and Mediation Advocacy.

Academy and the Resource HQ Ltd I'm a Fellow of the World Mediation where I train on Negotiation, Organization (WMO), Mediator of Mediation, Mediation Advocacy, the Global Mediation Panel at the Workplace Conflict and Emotional Office of the Ombudsman for Intelligence.

AFRICAPEACE 34

FOTEFA MEDIATION ACADEMY is another bespoke Mediation Academy that offers quality on the business and practice of Mediation and Mediation Advocacy. It also offers training on Negotiation and Emotional Intelligence. FOTEFA MEDIATION ACADEMY is the first Mediation Academy in Nigeria to launch a mentorship group for Mediation enthusiasts globally. We have offered different training and webinars both paid and free on the business and practice of Mediation globally and our students have gone on to achieve outstanding records in their Mediation practice.

We b a s i c a l l y e q u i p s e r v i c e providers and end users with the requisite skill of resolving disputes amicably.

3. What does Peace mean to you?

Peace to me means the absence of fight, war, quarrel or disagreement where everyone lives in harmony with one another, understands and respects one another's opinions and views. Peace is a state of concord or tranquility where love reigns.

4. Can education bring about Peace?

Yes, I believe education can bring about peace because most of the time people disagree or fight or even go to war because they don't have the prerequisite

understanding of what they could 8. What advice do you have for the have done to prevent the fight or youth? war.

My advice to the youth is to always Educating members of the society embrace the subtle art of learning, on why peace is important and the relearning and unlearning. We grow accruing benefits that come with it up with many principles and will further open their eyes and ideologies instilled in us which understanding on why everyone a c t u a l l y a ff e c t o u r t h i n k i n g negatively most times. So, there is a needs to embrace peace. need to unlearn these principles in 5. What’s your best approach to order to take in new principles that will be of immense help to our conflict resolution? growth. I advise that youth should Conflict resolution in itself is when always choose and embrace peace disputing parties decide to find a in whatever life situation they find solution to the disagreement by themselves in. Remember that coming together to talk. My best nothing good comes out from approach to conflict resolution is hostility, it only breeds hatred. with Mediation. Mediation is the best means of resolving conflict between parties where both parties 9. Why is fashion always in the leave the table happy because it's a new? win-win situation for both of them.

Fashion involves creativity and 6. What is your plan for achieving innovation. The industry is one that encourages its enthusiasts to be peace in your Country? innovative with ideas, styles, My plan towards achieving peace is designs and much more. I believe to keep propagating the need for the African fashion industry is peace in relationships, businesses, making great waves globally, with communities and the country at our rich African designs, prints, and l a rg e b e c a u s e m o s t p e o p l e styles often used at weddings and actually don't see the need for other occasions. The African peace to reign. The more I keep f a s h i o n i n d u s t r y i s o n e t h a t propagating and preaching the promotes our cultural heritage, gospel of peace through Mediation, showcasing the beauty of Africa. the more people's understanding is enlightened and the more they 10. What do you think of nonembrace peace. governmental organizations in 7. Do you believe that technology peacekeeping? is helping to make the world more peaceful?

I think there's a lot of work being done by Non-Governmental Yes, I believe technology is helping organisations with regards to peace to make the world more peaceful keeping. Most of the work I've seen because technology in itself makes i s re l a t e d t o a d v o c a c y, w a r things more easier, accessible and interventions, foreign aid, and fast to reach. With technology, donations given to countries with propagating the gospel of peace is refugees from wars. even faster because we can reach billions of people without having to meet with them physically. Using 11. African leaders are renowned technology, disputes can now be for holding onto power at all cost, solved online through Zoom, what is your view?

Google Meet and the likes. With technology, two people in different Whenever I remember what some countries can make peace with past leaders went through in the another without having to leave struggle for independence for their houses.

African countries, vis-a-vis the state

AFRICAPEACE 35

of leadership in Africa now, I honestly wonder where we went wrong.

It is nothing but appalling to see the way some African leaders who are more of "rulers" in my opinion hold on to leadership like it's their birthright. They use their military might and what have you, to suppress the people while trampling on their rights. I believe that change lies in the hands of the people. We as Africans should never stop using our voices to call for accountability from our leaders.

However, we should ensure that we also never resort to violence when exercising our rights.

12. What do you think of the African Peace Magazine initiative?

It's a great initiative! It encourages everyone to pick interest in Africa's peace and unity. It connects stakeholders to people on the continent who are doing amazing things to promote unity and peace in Africa as well, giving them a large platform to showcase what they do.

13. What is your advice for African immigrants?

My advice to African immigrants is that they should be good a m b a s s a d o r s of t h e co u nt r y abroad. They should endeavour to be law abiding so as not to tarnish the image of the country, thereby making it harder for people who wish to also migrate to that country.

14. Tell us about Human Rights Violations in Africa For the most that I know, human rights violations occur everyday on the continent. A lack of personal and public accountability on the p a r t of Af r i c a n c i t i ze n s , b a d leadership, and a weak judicial system are contributing factors to human rights violations. Being a lawyer in Nigeria, I know what it takes to seek redress for human

rights violations in court. Even after 18. Why is Africa always in the court judgment is given, it's another news for the negative things? hurdle to implement and ensure It's not just Africa really. African compliance. problems may be over-amplified This is one of the reasons why I especially in foreign media, but specialize in Mediation, however, there's bad news everywhere to be mediation cannot be used for all honest. However, I do believe that a lot of work must be done in human rights violations. repairing the badly damaged 15. Why do you think we have so image of Africa in foreign media. We need to tell more positive stories. Of much inequalities in Africa? course we shouldn't twist the truth I t ' s a n e c o n o m i c p r o b l e m . when things are going wrong, but Generally the rate of poverty and a l l A f r i c a n s m u s t b e g o o d unemployment is so high, and ambassadors of the continent that's why there's so much support wherever they go. This way, we can for entrepreneurship in Africa. Our rewrite the negative stories about large population in Africa also Africa and her people, into positive makes it a bit tougher to move ones. We can reposition ourselves many people out of poverty. in a good light.

However, I have a strong hope that the younger population will change 19. Why is it so difficult for Africa to our economic trajectory through unite? their innovations that can compete globally. Africa is gradually taking In my opinion, it's a problem of lack h e r p l a c e i n te r m s o f wo r l d of understanding and mutual recognition and we owe most of it r e s p e c t a m o n g A f r i c a n communities. Africa is such a to the younger generation. diverse continent, it consists of different independent ancient 16. What do you think of the communities coming together to African Rights Watch Television cohabit under the umbrella of one continent. Our initial unity was not a initiative? choice but the doing of our colonial It's a brilliant initiative to help us masters. Our true unity must come keep our leaders and institutions from a realization that we need accountable to the people as it each other, we are better together. concerns human rights protection African governments should also in Africa. It helps to uncover stories consider the possibility of giving that would have otherwise been enough autonomy to states within countries, so that they develop buried. faster.

17. Why do we still depend on As African citizens too, we have our own role to play. We too must shun foreign donations in Africa? avenues for tribal and religious I think it’s because of our failing conflicts, embracing our similarities economy. Many African countries much more than the things that are actually in a lot of debt. Thus, make us different. the only way to carry out some i n f r a s t r u c t u r a l w o r k , a n d 20. The African Health care sector community development initiatives is in crisis, any way out? will be to receive foreign donations.

A s l o , k n o w i n g t h a t f o r e i g n The only way out will be through donations are readily available has institutional change and leadership made most countries form that again. We must also involve key d e p e n d e n c e o n t h e m . T h e stakeholders in whatever decisions moment these foreign countries will be made. In some countries you withhold donations, I believe most find that those at the helm of affairs African countries will be forced to come up with policies without sit up.

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involving key stakeholders and then implementation becomes a problem. It will also be good for more funds to be allocated to the health sector.

21. What advice do you have for curbing crimes in Africa?

Having strong justice institutions that are independent and incorruptible is very important for curbing all kinds of crime in Africa.

We need to strengthen our security systems, not just in terms of manpower but also in terms of forensics, equipment and knowhow.

Also the government must take into account the causes of some of these crimes. There must be policies, initiatives and enough sensitization on the need to prevent crimes.

22. We have calls for secessions in some parts of Africa, what advice do you have for us?

The call for secessions will only heighten the tension among African countries. It may also lead to full blown conflicts and wars if not carefully and tactfully managed. This is honestly where we need our leaders to show exemplary values, emotional intelligence and conflict management skills. If our leaders can collaborate, speak to the people, and have hard conversations about the concerns of unity, it will do a lot of good. But rather, you find some leaders fanning the flame of discord in a bid to use "division" as a strategy to hold on to power. They know that a people united are a strong force to combat their excesses and corruption, and unfortunately they don't want that.

23. Any other thing you may wish to add?

O n ly t h a t t h e Af r i c a n P e a c e Magazine should keep up the good work!

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At Center for Peace and Conflict Resolution in Africa, we are committed towards working out pro-active measures for conflict prevention and resolution, as well as the promotion of peace and peaceful co-existence amongst Africans. We are deeply committed to user friendly justice delivery; we support human rights and fight against all forms of torture. We strongly support the abolition of death penalty. We promote democratic norms and support rule of law. We strongly advocate the use of technological innovations in achieving justice and peaceful coexistence in Africa. We seek to reduce corruption by supporting efforts to build an atmosphere of accountability, transparency, and good governance in Africa. We are committed to channeling our resources towards the propagation of peace and conflict management in Africa. We are also positioned towards enhancing a network of other individuals and corporate persons, both within and outside the African continent in pursuit of similar ideas.

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African Rights Watch Television (ARWT), is a member of the African Rights Watch brand which includes the Af rican Rights Watch Magazine and African Rights Watch Radio station, it has made its debut in Nigeria as Af rica’s first 24-hour human rights watch dedicated television channel and will be available on pay-TV platforms, StarTimes, GoTV / Dstv and DaarSat soon. ARWTV features audio and video content with cutting edge commentaries and in-depth analysis on political, human rights violations, abuses and current affairs, development, refugees, gender issues, culture and debate from social medial platform across the continent, proffering solution and rehabilitation for victims.

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