Investment in critical economic sectors’ll ensure double-digit growth -Expert

Jodor Asset Management Limited says Nigeria’s economy will rebound with new generation of global investors, industry players and consumers.

The Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the company, Mr Nduka Ofulue, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Abuja.

Ofulue spoke on the heels of the DiCX Africa Launch-Pad Empowerment Summit, which is scheduled to hold in Asaba, Delta from April 26 to April 28.

He said that the summit was centered on the theme, “Empowering new generations using innovative products to improve digital skills”.

According to him, “investments in key sectors of the Nigerian economy will show double-digit growth within three to four quarters.

He said that the DiCX Africa project was designed to achieve sustained value across the Nigeria commodity sector using technology and innovation.

“The cost pull effect on global commodities and material value has seen traders and merchants struggle to meet absolute returns for investors.

“This is as a result of the issues arising from domestic Insecurity, the CBN cashless policy, the lingering economic fall-out from Covid-19 and the international funded war in Ukraine.

“Many of Africa’s once calm and buoyant economies are struggling to generate organic growth.

“The International Monetary Fund (IMF) forecasts for the 10 major economies in Africa are dire,” he said.

According to Ofulue, value is being eroded with more money giving birth to less quantity for Africa’s consumers.

“Manufacturers have increased costs of goods while consumers have seen the value shrink in the same goods.

“Coca-Cola is not left out. They have had to marginally increase their product cost and reduce their product size.

“ This chilling effect is felt across all key sectors in Nigeria and Africa`s; higher prices for a lesser quantity in products.

“Such trend can only exacerbate further issues across economic value chains, resulting in less revenue for governments,” Ofulue said.

He said that to address the challenges, DiCX Africa project and Launch-Pad Summit was initiated to critically rethink the impact of monetary and fiscal policy on a new generation of consumer goods and services.

“Nigeria’s future stares us direct in the face, we must stare back with confidence for new generations of global investors, industry players and consumers,” he said.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

South Africa is open for tourism, says Consul-General

Dr Bobby Moroe, South African Consul-General in Lagos, on Saturday called on Nigerians to choose South Africa as their preferred tourist destination.

Moroe made the call during the South Africa Week, held in Lagos, to celebrate the country’s 29th anniversary of democratic rule as well as bilateral and diplomatic relations with Nigeria.

According to the Consul-General, South Africa is a suitable country to visit for business, conferencing, tourism, education and leisure.

“Today, we are celebrating the diplomatic relations between Nigeria and South Africa, we are also celebrating 29 years of democracy in South Africa.

“We have chosen to celebrate in Nigeria to appreciate the role Nigeria has played in struggle for South Africans’ liberation.

“South Africa will never forget the role Nigeria has played in its liberation agenda, so this is how we show our appreciation.

“Today is the begining of a new journey in the renewal of our friendship with Nigerians. So, we urge Nigerians to visit South Africa for conferencing, studies, business and to find love.

Also,Thekiso Rakolojane, Regional Head, South Africa Tourism (SAT), said the ‘Rainbow Nation’ was well endowed with choice destinations for tourists as he explained the available attractions.

“We at South Africa Tourism are excited to be part of the celebration of South Africa week. We have been here since 2015 and we appreciate the relationship so far.

“We seize this opportunity to welcome tourists to South Africa to explore the abundance of beaches, wildlife and all,” he said.

Some of the South Africans and Nigerians at the programme, in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) spoke on their attractions for cultures of other countries.

Musa Nzuza, a South African, who is into industrial catering, said ” I cherish Nigerian food and their respectful nature; the greetings are second to none; I always feel like a queen when they greet. Infact, Nigeria is my second home.”

Also, Herman Franken, who works with South Africa International Breweries, said having worked in Zambia, Namibia and Ghana, he could boldly say Nigerians were more friendly and approachable.

Similarly, Lynette Mitchell, Financial Manager with SON International, described Nigerians as welcoming, hospitable and best people in Africa.

A Nigerian Model, Mr Kenneth Joseph, said ” South Africans are also loving individuals who are so passionate about their culture. This, I cherish in them.

“Nigerians must also learn to take pride in their culture and improve on exhibiting it.”

NAN reports that delegates at the event were entertained with scintillating Zulu dance performance. (NAN) (nannews.ng)

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

“My days are still long” – Fon of Bamendjou debunks death rumours

The supreme ruler of the Bamendjou kingdom in the West region of Cameroon, has personally debunked claims that he is dead.

Unverified information alleging his demise was circulated on Saturday, April 22.

Fon Sokoudjou Jean Rameau, one of the longest-serving traditional rulers in Cameroon, came out to clarify public opinion, saying “I am a true king in the Bamelike tradition. When my day will come, it will come like that of a true Bamelike king. It will not come haphazardly. I will not go without saying goodbye” the king declared.

“If anyone is in a hurry, let he or she go ahead, my days are still long. As for now, despite what some people might be wishing, I think it’s not yet my time. I’m doing very well” he told Balafon radio.

It is also indicated that during his absence, he was in Belgium for medical checks. No further details have been given about his health situation.

This comes three months after the monarch celebrated 70 years on the throne. He is presently 83, and was enthroned at the age of 13.

Source: Cameroon News Agency