Business
Obasanjo Tasks African Export-Import Bank On Continental Growth
Nigeria’s former President, Olusegun Obasanjo has tasked the African Export-Import Bank to support the growth of inter-African trade.
He also called for the growth of inter-African trade from its current 12 per cent “to at least 25 per cent by 2020 and 50 per cent by 2030”.
Obasanjo made the remarks in Addis Ababa when he chaired a lecture session of the bank, delivered by its founding President, Mr Christopher Edordu.
The occasion was part of activities to mark the bank’s 20th anniversary celebration hosted by the Ethiopian Government in Addis Ababa.
In a lecture entitled “Afrexim Bank: History, founding philosophy, objectives and establishment, challenges and future prospects”, Obasanjo called for a boost in intra-African,
He said: “Let intra-African trade move up to 25 per cent by 2020 and by 2030 to 50 per cent.”
“ Let us all take advantage of the window of opportunity that opens for investment in Africa and consequently increase in trade within Africa.“
He commended the bank for surviving all odds and challenged it to act as the arrowhead to enhance intra-African trade which currently stood as low as 12 per cent.
“ I will like to restate your vision and mission to the people of Africa and the global community at large which is to stimulate a consistent expansion, diversification and development of African trade.
“While at the same time operating as a first class, profit-oriented, socially responsible financial institution and centre of excellence in African trade matters,” Obajanjo said.
According to him, the bank formed part of the essential instruments needed by Africans to bond together, as they strive take on their destiny in their own hands and develop something credible in terms economic development framework for themselves.
Obasanjo said, “Africa must be the architect of its own future, and finance and credit are the life blood of trade that Africa must work to enhance.”
He said the bank was set up 20 years ago to help in dealing with the challenges of trade financing, which “stunted growth, development, innovation and entrepreneurial spirit and endeavour”.
He urged African leaders, whom he said have recently showed political will and wisdom through the AU, to demonstrate the will by concrete actions and to remove financial and regulatory obstacles to trade and ensure fast and unimpeded movement of good, services and people across borders in Africa.
Nkpemenyie Mcdominic
Reports say that the training is designed to equip youths with practical technical skills for employment in the oil and gas and construction sectors, with emphasis on employability, safety, competence and self reliance.
In attendance at the flag-off ceremony this week, at the Petroleum Training Institute (PTI) Conference Hall, Effurun, were stakeholders, dignitaries, and political representatives, among others.
Dafinone, represented by his Chief of Staff, Adelabu Bodjor, said the initiative reflects a deliberate political investment in human capital development across Delta Central.
He explained that the training focuses on rigging and scaffolding, noting that “both are essential technical competencies required in industrial operations, construction projects, and oil and gas installations”.
Bodjor added, “The programme is intended to reduce dependency among youths by providing job-ready skills capable of supporting long-term economic opportunities and self-sufficiency. The initiative aligns with Senator Dafinone’s broader development agenda, which prioritises practical skill acquisition as a pathway to sustainable empowerment.”
Also addressing the participants, the NCDMB, Felix Omatsola Ogbe, represented by Mr. Teddy Bai, commended Dafinone for sponsoring the programme, describing it as “a timely response to critical manpower gaps in the industry”.
Bai explained that rigging and scaffolding remain safety-sensitive skills required across fabrication yards, offshore platforms, and construction sites, stressing that the programme bridges the gap between certification and practical competence.
He also charged the training consultant, OROH Contractors Limited, to maintain strict standards of professionalism, safety, and discipline, while urging participants to remain committed, focused, and disciplined throughout the exercise.
The Senate Liaison Officer for Sapele Local Government Area, Chief Patrick Akamuvba, , described the programme as a major step in strengthening human capital development in Delta Central.
Akamuvba said scaffolding and rigging skills are in high demand across residential, commercial, and industrial construction projects, noting that the training offers real employment opportunities for beneficiaries
He urged participants to prioritise knowledge and certification over short-term material expectations, stressing that discipline and seriousness would determine their long-term success.
He also cautioned youths against social vices and distractions, advising them to remain focused to maximise the opportunities provided by the programme.
