JB speaks of African Unity

Fourth President of the Republic of Malawi Dr. Joyce Banda has called upon Africans to safeguard its natural resources in the awake of scramble for minerals by the western countries.

The former Malawi leader said Africans must stand united and speak with one voice and protect each other from abuse and exploitation of other countries who now want to benefit from African resources.

She called upon the leaders to emulate former president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria General Muhammed Murtala calling for unity and cohesion in advancement of development and economic agenda for Africa.

Dr. Banda said this in her address at Murtala Muhammed International Lecture and leadership conference held on Thursday , February 12 at ECOWAS secretarial conference hall in Abuja, Nigeria.

The Murtala Muhammed Memorial Lecture series on leadership in Africa commemorates the life and legacy of General Murtala Muhammed and convenes leading African and global voices to examine the future of governance, leadership and continental agency.

This year, the Murtala Muhammed Foundation held commemoration of 50 years after his assassination and his defining “Africa has come of age” address at the Organization of African Unity (OAU) summit in Addis Ababa.

President Olusegun Obasanjo, former president of Nigeria and Chairman of the Murtala Muhammed Foundation said this year’s conference revisits the meaning of Africa sovereignty, discipline in public service and principled leadership in a rapidly changing world.

In her address, the former Malawi leader said time has come for Africa to embrace unity and speak with one voice in a quest to move from aid to trade and achieve infrastructural as well as economic transformation for African nations.

Leaders from across Africa including the fourth president of Malawi were speaking through keynote reflections and practical dialogue that aimed to translate legacy into action, strengthen institutions, renew leadership standards, and position Africa confidently on the global stage.

Apart from Dr. Banda, other leaders present were Good luck Jonathan and Olusegun Obasanjo, Former Presidents of Nigeria, John Kufuor Former President of Ghana, João Lourenco, President of Angola, Ernest Bai Koroma, former president of Sierra Leone, former vice president of Nigeria professor Yemi Osinbanjo, His Highness Emir Mahammudu Sanusi II, Emir of Kano, Diplomatic community, scholars, the military and many others.

Before attending the Murtala Muhammed commemoration, Dr. Banda travelled to Warri Kingdom, Delta State to visit His Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse III and His Queen, the Olu of the Warri Kingdom.

She had discussions with the King and the Queen on issues bordering on economic transformation for women and the youth, philanthropy and education for the marginalized.

Public Relations Executive Assistant to former President Arnold Mnelemba confirmed the development saying the fourth Malawi leader had a successful mission in Nigeria.