Daily Independent (Lagos)
Sylvester Enoghase
29 June 2009
With few weeks to the official launch of the $25 billion USAfrica Village project in Abuja, it has been revealed that both Nigeria and the African Union (AU) have set agenda for the project.
The USAfrica Village is a place where African heads of state, and prominent citizens from around the world would meet to promote a number of significant developmental initiatives with a primary focus on investment and economic opportunities.
Daily Independent gathered from the Presidency that President Umaru Yar'Adua is in support of USAfrica Village project because of the enormous investment opportunities it would bring to the nation's economy.
"The project would serve as a gateway for divergent economic powers to develop Africa global relationships and to execute a feasible declaration of unity between the continent, the USA and the rest of the world", the source added
Noting that the project would support the Federal Government's 7-Point Agenda, the source said "the Vice-President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan has put in place necessary measures through the Ministry of National Planning and Federal Ministry of Works to ensure the success of the project"
Another source from the Ministry of National Planning told Daily Independent that the USAfrica Village project would create opportunities for the citizens of the continent to have the true African experience since its has the endorsement of the Federal Government of Nigeria and AU, which is comprised of all African nations."
The President/CEO of the Africa World Museum and the African Heritage Foundation in Atlanta- Georgia, U.S.A, Chief Tunde Adetunji, told Daily Independent on Sunday that the U.S. House of Representatives has passed two resolutions to endorse the $25 billion USAfrica Village project.
"The numerous correspondence between the Federal Government and the AU concerning the project are pointers that the gateway to Africa in Diaspora supporting the revolutionary industrialization of Africa has been opened", he added
Noting that the initial step towards creating an economic highway between the U.S. and various African countries has by far achieved exemplary success in the past, Adetunji said "the project would feature the industrial technology, civilization, culture, character and potentials of all African nations that would serve as a gateway for divergent economic powers of the world."
According to him, the projects would take off with a 'Bridging the Gap' and 'Building the Bridge' conference in Abuja between July 29, and August 1, 2009 to promote international trade, particularly Africa's trade commerce and industry for investment and business opportunities.
"Based upon an acknowledged and growing need to assist individuals with investment opportunities in Africa, we have planned this conference to open the doors to the African market place and to build an international network of corporations who share in this interest," he said
He stressed that the conference will examine barriers towards participation in Africa's economic and investment opportunities, as well as an emphasis on the Africa heritage foundation's primary objectives.
"Africa is a continent of many possibilities. In fact, it is the hub of the world economic propensity and posterity, but somehow still remains the missing link in the global economy", he said
He however said with the endorsement of the project by Nigeria and the AU would be a hybrid investment development project to help mobilize and focus on the enhancement of infrastructure in Africa, especially in the areas of power, transport, heavy industries, oil and gas, mining and telecommunications sectors and channel resources for Africa's development.
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This could be a good project that may boost investment in africa as a whole if prudent approach is maintained coupled with transparency.However, one would suggest that those concerned with the said project,not to surrender this project to African politicians to oversee, least this well intended programme, may go out in smoke as some African politicians are already in the waiting ,like hungry lions to tier this fund apart among themselves.African politicians, with few exceptions are corrupt minded individuals who have nothing good to do but corruption.There must be a strict conditions with which contract be awarded and guidelines set for completion quid pro quo should not apply.African Union politicians,it is time to turn a new leaf in your carriers and learn to be honest to the people that you pretent to be serving and make us proud for once with this joint venture.