Owing to Nigeria`s hosting of the World Economic Forum, WEF, fresh investment commitment of $68 billion is expected to come to Nigeria and other African countries. Philip Rosler, managing director of the WEF, disclosed during the final session of conference, themed: “Forging Inclusive Growth, Creating Jobs.”
During the three-day forum attended by over 1,500 delegates from about 80 countries, Rosler said holding the conference in Nigeria creates a landmark success in the history of the organisation despite the security challenges the country is currently facing. He made reference to the number of articles written about the forum within its three days, stressing that it is three times higher than that of the last edition which is about 16,000.
“This is a proof that Africa is very important to people of the world.” Rosler said, “We not only want to create a future of interest but we are committed to improving the state of Africa.” The money, which was committed by the Chinese and others for the Africans is meant for infrastructure, health, agriculture and most importantly, education among other projects. Roster further disclosed that the main message from the WEF is to declare that terrorists will not be allowed to dictate the African agenda and all efforts will be put in place to make the projects successful.
In her own speech, Ngozi Okonjo Iweala, Nigerian minister of finance and coordinating minister for the economy, disclosed that President Goodluck Jonathan approved $10 million for the safe school project. This, according to her will be added to the $10 million provided by the Nigeria Business Community on Wednesday towards ensuring safety of all schools to avert cases of abduction and other risks.
Okonjo-Iweala said the forum was a success as it made the international community to rally round Nigeria to ensure that the abducted girls are rescued. She added that the Bring Back Our Girl rally has wooed more investors into the country, which would help create more jobs and enhance inclusive growth.
Gordon Brown, former British Prime Minister and current United Nations` Envoy on Education said terrorists will not be allowed to hinder the growth Africa is presently undergoing. He said all nations are determined to support Nigeria in rescuing the abducted girls and and dialogue is going on with the President to facilitate this.
Brown called on the international community to support this initiative, emphasising that it is an attempt to reassure people that safety is guaranteed in all schools.