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Contributions of Dr. Sam Nujoma in Trade, Business Development Not Well Documented, Says NNCC
Contributions of Dr. Sam Nujoma in Trade, Business Development Not Well Documented, Says NNCC
By: Michael Mike
The President of the Nigeria-Namibia Chamber of Commerce (NNCC), Mr. Ben Gbade Ojo has lamented that the contributions of the late Namibian President, Dr. Sam Nujoma to trade and business development have not been very adequately acknowledged nor documented as his exploits in politics.
Speaking at a memorial service for the late leader at the Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abuja, Ojo said: “Those of us in the business world will never forget the inspiration and drive that Dr. Nujoma brought to the development of business and intra-African trade.”
He added that: “I was specially blessed with the honour of having several memorable interactions with Dr. Nujoma and will never forget his fatherly concern and admonition for us to do everything possible to grow trade among African nations and African business entities. In his characteristic love for Africa’s development, Dr. Nujoma passionately pleaded and challenged us, as African businessmen and women, to work towards unlocking trade and investment opportunities among African nations.
“Dr. Nujoma saw trade as an important engine of economic growth and development in Africa and never ceased to emphasize that there are many regions and countries of the world that have been able to lift their people from poverty to prosperity through trade. In Africa however, he was saddened that trade has not served as a potent instrument for the achievement of rapid and sustainable economic growth and development.”
Ojo said: “Truly, currently, Intra-African trade (trade among African nations) stands at around 13% compared to approximately 60%, 40 %, 30% intra-regional trade that has been achieved by Europe, North America and the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) respectively. Even if allowance is made for Africa’s unrecorded informal cross-border trade, the total level of intra-African trade is not likely to be more than 20%, which is still lower than that of other major regions of the world.”
He decried that: “That African countries do not trade much with each other has meant that they have been unable to fully harness the synergies and complementarities of their economies and take full advantage of the economies of scale and other benefits (such as income and employment generation) that greater market integration would have provided. There are cases where products and services could have been sourced competitively from other African countries but were procured from outside the continent.
“As Dr. Nujoma always taught us and as we learnt from him, enhancing intra-African trade presents a multitude of benefits. It fosters the evolution of regional value chains and catalyzes productivity and innovation. Intra-African trade also enhances economies of scale which means that as the scale of output goes up, average costs of production decline—at least up to a point.”
He added that: “While also supporting global trade, Dr. Nujoma was pained that Africa does the bulk of its trade with the outside world and the exports are heavily concentrated on primary commodities; and that the continent has been particularly vulnerable to external macroeconomic shocks and protectionist trade policies. He emphasized that boosting intra-African trade and deepening Africa’s market integration, by fostering competition among African countries would assist in enhancing their capacity and prepare them to compete more effectively on the global market.
And that is what Nigeria-Namibia Chamber of Commerce (NNCC), inspired by Dr. Nujoma, has painstakingly been promoting – boosting intra-African trade and deepening Africa’s market integration by fostering competition among African countries.”
The businessman said: “In my many cherished discussions with him, for he was my mentor, Dr. Nujoma saw Nigeria as a great African nation with potential for global leadership and remained beholden to Nigeria for Nigeria’s role in the liberation and independence of Namibia.
“Dr. Nujoma’s other passions were housing and educational development for Africans and he always challenged us to see all these necessities, these sustainable development goals achieved for the peoples of Africa.
“His passion for housing led to the development of the sprawling Dr. Sam Nujoma Housing Estate in Abuja and his love and advocacy for educational development inspired the founding of the African University of Science and Technology also in Abuja, Nigeria.”
Contributions of Dr. Sam Nujoma in Trade, Business Development Not Well Documented, Says NNCC
Police raids lead to arrest of 104 suspects in Abuja
By: Zagazola Makama
Police operatives in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) carried out successful raids across multiple criminal hotspots on April 23, resulting in the arrest of 104 suspects.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the coordinated operation involved officers from Karshi, Kubwa, Kabusa, Nyanya, Lugbe, Utako, Maitama, Apo, Mpape, Karmo, Tungan Maje, and G/Lada Divisions.
During the raids, authorities recovered cutlasses, dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp, and illicit drugs.
The arrested suspects, who have been profiled, are currently in custody, undergoing screening and interrogation. Those found to be involved in criminal activities will be charged to court.
Police raids lead to arrest of 104 suspects in Abuja
Man stabs fellow mentally unstable person to death in Delta
By: Zagazola Makama
A tragic incident occurred on April 22 in Aladja, Delta State, when Jerry David, a mentally unstable man, allegedly stabbed his fellow companion to death with a broken bottle.
Zagazola Makama understands that a violent altercation between two mentally unstable individuals in his house.
When security personnel arrived the scene discovered that Jerry David had stabbed his fellow resident multiple times on the left hand, rib, back of the head, and left shoulder, causing fatal injuries.
The victim, whose identity is still unknown, was confirmed dead from the injuries. The police evacuated the body and deposited it at Noble Mortuary in Owvian, pending autopsy.
Police sources say an investigation is underway, and efforts are being made to subject Jerry David to a mental evaluation to determine the appropriate course of action.
Man stabs fellow mentally unstable person to death in Delta
Summit University Offa Matriculates 194 Students in Grand Ceremony
By: Michael Mike
Matriculation Ceremony in a colourful event held at the Alhaja Adiat Abegbe Makanjuola Lecture Theatre, officially welcoming 194 fresh students—comprising 103 males and 91 females—into its expanding academic community.
In his inspiring address, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Abiodun Musa Aibinu, congratulated the matriculating students and their families, describing the day as a defining moment that would remain etched in their memories. He commended the students for choosing an institution known for academic excellence, moral integrity, and innovation-driven education.
“This is not just a formal rite of passage,” Professor Aibinu said, “but the beginning of a journey that will shape your future and prepare you for a meaningful life of contribution to society.”
Highlighting the growth trajectory of the university since its academic debut in 2017, the Vice-Chancellor announced the successful expansion from two pioneer colleges to include the Kola Balogun College of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Engineering, the College of Innovation and Computing Technology, and the College of Postgraduate Studies. Students from these new colleges are matriculating for the first time this year, a testament to the institution’s evolution into a hub of emerging technologies and global academic relevance.
Further reinforcing the university’s mission to produce graduates who are both intellectually sound and socially responsible, Professor Aibinu shared that alongside their academic pursuits, students would be immersed in a unique developmental curriculum that integrates essential real-world competencies. These include practical exposure to financial responsibility, ethical leadership, sustainable energy practices, advanced digital technologies, entrepreneurship within academia, cultural heritage appreciation, and global citizenship infused with faith-based values.
Professor Aibinu cautioned the new students against deviating from the university’s code of conduct, reiterating Summit University’s firm stance against any form of social vice. He emphasised that the matriculation oath was a binding commitment to honour, discipline, and excellence, warning that breaches would attract serious consequences.
“As you take your oath today, remember that it comes with responsibilities. At Summit University, we maintain high moral and academic standards, and we expect nothing less from you,” he added.
He also used the occasion to express appreciation to the university’s leadership, proprietors, staff, and host community. Special thanks were extended to the Olofa of Offa, His Royal Majesty Oba Mufutau Gbadamosi, Esuwoye II, and prominent citizens of Offa for their unwavering support in building an institution that continues to position Offa as an emerging smart city and academic destination.
Professor Aibinu concluded by assuring the new students of the institution’s commitment to their growth and success, urging them to seize the unique opportunity before them and strive to embody the University’s motto—to shine like the sun.
Summit University Offa Matriculates 194 Students in Grand Ceremony
Police raids lead to arrest of 104 suspects in Abuja
Man stabs fellow mentally unstable person to death in Delta
Summit University Offa Matriculates 194 Students in Grand Ceremony
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