Our Cover Story Reflections on NIGERIA @ 60, is more of a panorama of the state of the nation, culminating in unveiling the last set of 30 Proud Achievers in nation- building and national development, even in the midst of the pandemic and general insecurity, pervading the country. The cover story is a follow up to December 2020 edition of Landmark Africa Magazine. We say Bravo to all recipient of June 2021 Award.
Undoubtedly, Three events, nationally and internationally stand out in Nigeria @6o. At the international level, it is the appointment of DR. NGOZI OKONJO IWELA as the first African and first black woman to head the World Trade Organization (WTO). She assumed office as the 7th Director General of WTO 1st March 2021 and made her vision Crystal clear MY VISION IS TO REPOSITION WTO AS A SPRINGBOARD FOR THE WORLD’S NEW ECONOMIC ORDER” And so shall it be.
Before now Africa’s efforts at International political competitiveness have been hampered by world powers that wrongly see Africa as immature and incapable of providing global leadership. Her appointment has made Africa proud and therefore has the honour of being the organizations First African and Female Director General. This indeed is a Landmark achievement both for Africa and the upliftment of woman hood.
At the national level, is the Asaba Declaration or Accord by the 17 Southern Governors. In which they declared open grazing unacceptable, called for power devolution and Restructuring of the country. Though the declaration did not go down well with the Buhari led Federal Government but the Accord received support from eminent Nigerians, including a former President Dr. Goodluck Jonathan and the Governor of Katsina State. Aminu Bello Masari stated that “Open grazing is Unislamic and the country is too centralized”.
On a sad note, Nigeria was plunged into a state of mourning, following 2 tragic accidents, one, a military helicopter clash in Kaduna State that ended the lives of the Chief of Army-Staff and 10 other military officers on Friday 21st May, 2021. About two week later 150 persons were feared dead in a boat mishap on River Niger from a village in Niger State to Kebbi in North West. The Nigeria Inland Waterways Authority INWA attributed the tragedy to overloading.
Landmark Africa Magazine joins other Nigerians in consoling the families of these victims and the Arm Forces and pray for the repose of the souls of the dead.
We also bring to you the cheering news on food security as the country is building a Rice Pyramid in place of the groundnut Pyramid of the First Republic and this feat is recorded in Ekiti Sate by the Rice Farmers. This is a welcome development and a boost at revolutionizing the ailing agricultural sector.
There are also three fascinating personality interviews for your delight as well as news reports around Africa and Globally.
Happy Reading!!
JEFF GABRIEL – EDITOR