The Role of Inter-regional Parliamentary Dialogues in Enhancing Economic Integration and Shared Development Among Global South Countries – With a Focus on Nigeria’s Interventions.

A Presentation by me at the South-South Parliamentary Dialogue Forum in Rabat, Morrocco, today 28th April, 2025

In a world gripped by shifting tides and emerging uncertainties, the Global South stands at a crossroads—not of decline, but of destiny. We are not the periphery of history; we are its next great chapter.

Bound by shared struggles yet endowed with unparalleled potential, the nations of the Global South must now move from dreams to deeds, from promises to partnerships.

Today, we gather with the purpose to write a new story of integration, development, and shared prosperity. Our faith is anchored in the belief that dialogue can be our destiny. Our intent is fueled by the conviction that legislative collaboration can be the engine of transformation.

Let us forge bonds that are stronger than geography, let us shape policies that are larger than politics, and let us build a future brighter than the past. Through sustained interregional parliamentary dialogue, we can be the architects of a new era—an era where no nation is too small to matter, and no dream too bold to pursue.

Opening Context

The Global South must respond to economic and geopolitical challenges through collaboration, not isolation.

Interregional parliamentary dialogue is a vital instrument for synchronizing trade policies, legal frameworks, and institutional cooperation.

Core Arguments

Parliamentary Diplomacy as a Tool: No longer a passive extension of foreign policy, but central to economic integration, conflict resolution, and sustainable development.

Existing Platforms:

Institutions like the Pan-African Parliament, PARLATINO, ASEAN IPA, and BRICS Parliamentary Forum are effective models of regional legislative cooperation.

Nigeria’s Strategic Interventions
Pan-African Parliament: Advocating AfCFTA and shaping trade, customs, and digital laws.

ECOWAS Parliament Leadership: Driving initiatives like the regional electricity market, ECO currency, and infrastructure financing.

Bilateral & Multilateral Legislative Exchanges: Partnerships with Brazil, India, South Africa in agriculture, education, climate action.

Peace through Parliamentary Diplomacy: Addressing conflict in Sahel and Lake Chad regions.

Digital Legislative Transformation: Embracing virtual forums and e-governance to increase participation and transparency.

Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) Reforms: Attracting regional/international investment in transport, housing, energy.

Climate Advocacy: Supporting clean energy laws, sustainable development, and contributing to Africa’s climate negotiation stance.

Proposing a South-South Legislative Council: Institutionalizing collaboration across Africa, Asia, Latin America, Caribbean.

The Way Forward
Deepen and digitize legislative collaborations.

Build capacity and inclusive frameworks for sustained engagement.

Integrate AI, green industrialization, and autonomous financial systems for future-readiness.

Final Thoughts

Economic integration among Global South nations must be intentional—legislated, negotiated, institutionalized.

Nigeria is committed to leading and uniting for a shared future of the Global South.

Conclusion:

Let history record that when the Global South stood at the crossroads of uncertainty and opportunity, we chose unity over isolation, collaboration over complacency, and purpose over despair. Let it be said that through the bridges we built with dialogue and the laws we crafted with vision, we unlocked the gates of shared prosperity for generations yet unborn.

The future we seek is not a distant hope—it is a living possibility, shaped by our courage, our convictions, and our collective will.

Together, through the power of parliamentary cooperation, we will not merely witness change; we will be the architects of it.

My sincere thanks to everyone for your kind attention. God bless us.

Burkina Faso replies US General for saying Ibrahim Traore is using gold reserves for his personal gains

The Burkinabè government isn’t here for any w,ild allegations.

They’ve just clapped back at US AFRICOM Commander General Michael Langley after he boldly claimed during a US Senate hearing that Burkina Faso’s gold revenue is being used to prop up its military-led government — and not to serve the people.

Langley didn’t hold back. “Captain Traoré in Burkina Faso… their gold reserves are just in exchange to protect the junta regime,” he said.

But Burkina Faso said: Nah, that’s not it.

In a statement dated April 16, the country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs called the claims “regrettable” and “gravely inaccurate,” warning that such comments distort the real picture on the ground and undermine the credibility of its leadership.

They slammed the general for making “sweeping claims without evidence” and for ignoring their recent efforts to fight corruption, promote transparency, and fairly distribute national wealth.

Nigeria is the best country in the world. The country is blessed by God with everything except good leadership. Almighty God ,please have mercy on Nigeria for your name sake.

WE HAVE TURNED TO SPIRITUAL MEANS. WE’VE STARTED FROM KOGI AND KWARA - ADEGBENRO OGUNLANA

According to Punch, as insecurity escalates across Nigeria, various forest-based security groups have renewed their call for federal recognition, insisting they can combine traditional spiritual methods with local expertise to combat terrorism. Among them is the Agbekoya Farmers’ Society, whose Secretary-General, Adegbenro Ogunlana, revealed that spiritual interventions have already been deployed in parts of the country, following directives from the Ifa oracle.

He said, "We have turned to spiritual means. We’ve started from Kogi and Kwara."

According to Ogunlana, sacrifices were carried out across Yoruba-speaking regions, including Kogi and Kwara states, to ward off attacks. He claimed some community members aiding terrorists had been apprehended, stressing that the spiritual approach aims to restore peace and combat threats from within.

He lamented the absence of centralized leadership in Yorubaland and expressed concern that state institutions often discourage self-defense, even as terror groups operate using spiritual tools.

Ogunlana emphasized that the intervention became necessary as violent attacks continued to plague Yoruba communities, especially those with significant natural resources.

In response, the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Gani Adams, acknowledged the worsening security situation and noted that discussions were ongoing with senior Yoruba leaders. He pointed to intelligence reports indicating that terrorists have infiltrated strategic areas, particularly mineral-rich communities. Adams warned that the infiltration of Ibadan and other cities suggests a deepening crisis, which the political class is largely ignoring.

Meanwhile, the Commander of Patrol and Guards for the Nigeria Forest Security Service (NFSS) in North-Central, Alhaji Muhammad Ahmed, urged President Bola Tinubu to sign a pending bill that would formalize their operations. He disclosed that the NFSS, formerly known as the Nigerian Hunters and Forest Security Service, already has Senate and House approval and is only awaiting presidential assent.

Ahmed emphasized that real hunters, distinct from administrative personnel, possess spiritual abilities vital to confronting the nation’s security challenges. He claimed these operatives understand the terrain of the forests where terrorists hide and have encountered them on several occasions.
He expressed strong confidence that once the NFSS is legalized, spiritual forces alongside traditional bushcraft will be strategically deployed to neutralize criminal threats. Ahmed believes this dual approach will drastically reduce violence and restore national security.

1. A leader leads from the front not from the back
2. A leader does first before he asks his followers to do not the other way round
3. A leader listens more than he speaks
4. A leader takes responsibility, not excuses
5. A leader corrects in private and praises in public
6. A leader stands strong during chaos, not just in comfort
7. A leader motivates by example, not by pressure
8. A leader protects the weak, not exploit them
9. A leader shows vision, not confusion
10. A leader works with the team, not above the team
11. A leader creates more leaders, not more followers
12. A leader stays calm even when others panic
13. A leader stays focused on the goal, not distracted by noise
14. A leader serves before he commands
15. A leader accepts blame and shares the credit
16. A leader builds trust, not fear
17. A leader values growth over perfection
18. A leader solves problems, not spread blame
19. A leader remains humble no matter how high he climbs
20. A leader respects others regardless of their position
21. A leader keeps learning, even while leading
22. A leader inspires with actions, not just words

23. A leader speaks truth, not what’s convenient
24. A leader admits mistakes, not cover them
25. A leader remains consistent, not double-faced
26. A leader earns loyalty, not demand it
27. A leader walks with integrity, not hidden agendas
28. A leader stays visible when it's tough, not hide
29. A leader builds bridges, not walls
30. A leader lifts others up, not tramples on them

*Encouragement Paragraph:*
True leadership is not about titles or positions — it’s about action, impact, and character. Whether you lead a team, a family, a community, or just yourself, be the kind of leader who leads by example. People follow what they see, not what they hear. So rise, lead with love, strength, and integrity. The world needs more of such leadership.

MBOMUZO IN OKWUOHIA AUTONOMOUS COMMUNITY,
OBOWO L.G.A., IMO STATE, NIGERIA.
Okwuohia is a Community in Obowo
L.G.A., of Imo state, Nigeria, that has enviable rich historical background and deep cultural heritage. Okwuohia is the only community in Obowo and the old ETITI District that has four markets covering the four market days in Igbo calendar, namely: Eke, Orie, Afor and Nkwo. All these have distinct locations and hold accordingly.
The community prides herself with many cultural festivals which include Mbomuzo, Ntumaka, Nrim-ji (Iri ji) among others. But the one that attracts people in their numbers to the community is, "MBOMUZO", a-k-a "NKUISI-MKPURU-UKWA".
MBOMUZO simply means, "clearing of the roads ", otherwise known as environmental cleansing, especially with regard to roads leading to traditional centres and matket places. It is intended to make the roads passable again in order to give proper access to the markets and homes of citizens.
In Okwuohia, all roads are cleared very thoroughly starting from individual homes to the Eke-Okwuohia, Orie-Okwuohia, Afor-Okwuohia and Nkwo-Okwuohia market squares. Also, roads leading to major and significant rivers are cleared. For instance, the Onu-iyi-lolo-nwanyi (Onu-ngele) stream at Umuduru Mgbakam is usually kept cleared for the "AHIA-NGANGA" ceremony by the women of Okwuohia during the same period. It has to be noted that all the road clearing and cleansing must be completed on or before the NKWO market day preceding the EKE market day of the ceremony.
NKUISI-MKPURU-UKWA: As said earlier in this write-up, MBOMUZO Okwuohia is also referred to as NKUISI-MKPURU-UKWA. Why?
Ours, is an agrarian community. In those good old days, our people cultivated yams, coco-yams, maize, cassava and mkpokoro in large scales. Farming was done more at locations far away from homes. Due to this, farmers constructed make-shift structures there in the bush/farms, where they rested and had their meals during the toils of the day. Most times, people returned to their homes very late in the evening. Major foods eaten in the farms those days were bread-fruits (Ukwa), palm kernels, yams and coco-yams. The bread-fruits were eaten whole without removing the the shells or the outer covers. Farming took place between the months of January and May, during which period farmers fed on any available food items. When such farmers returned to their homes from their farms in the month of May, they settled down to enjoy more pleasant and well prepared food. They would no longer eat the bread-fruits with their shells. Also, they cleaned their environments that had been left bushy during the period of intensive farming activities in the farms. From their homes, clearing and cleansing progress to the roads that lead to other homes and traditional centres. At this time, people begin to exchange visits with relatives and friends both far and near to show that they have returned home after the farming period in the bush. Such visits are usually reciprocated. During such visits, entertainments are unlimited based on the dispositions of the parties involved. In Okwuohia, after the entertainment at home, people gather at the designated market square to demonstrate it the more. The venue is usually at the ORIE OKWUOHIA, where the EKWIRIKWE music music is played and danced in an organized manner.
EKWIRIKWE MUSIC AND ORDER OF DANCING:
After the presentation and blessing of kola-nuts by the traditional ruler of Okwuohia, who declares the ceremony open after his speech and brief demonstration of the dance, the ceremony begins. Ofeiyi people, who are the custodians of the EKWIRIKWE do a brief demonstration dance. Thereafter, the traditional order of seniority of the three sections of Okwuohia is strictly observed thus: MGBAKAM, OFEIYI and AMARAMOHIA. Finally, a general dance which is usually longer and more thrilling comes up and marks the end of the ceremony.
The EKWIRIKWE music delivers messages which present Okwuohia as place with people of remarkable mutual respect, prowess and noted for wrestling. EKWIRIKWE music is used to caution Okwuohia people not to eat the bread-fruits with the shells again after the Mbomuzo. Hence, "ONYE ATALA UKWA NA MKPEKELE" and "NKUISI-MKPURU-UKWA". This is demonstrated by hitting one's back-side to symbolically discharge the ones eaten previously. Before the EKWIRIKWE dance arena is approached, people sing various songs and dance along the road according to Age Grades, socicultural groups and sections.
MBOMUZO AND THE PRONOUNCEMENT OF DATE.
Only the Eze of Okwuohia, in consultation with you Traditional Council has the powers to announce the date for MBOMUZO every year. Above all, it is a known fact that Okwuohia community is the first among all the communities in Obowo and even the old ETITI District to perform Mbomuzo every year, thus determining the cultural calendar for other communities that perform the same and or related festivals.
Mbomuzo holds in Okwuohia on the second EKE-Okwuohia market day in the month of June every year. Visitors, friends, in-laws and well -wishers of the community visit the community to enjoy the characteristic hospitality and conviviality associated with the ceremony. Entertainment items are unlimited especially according to the preparedness of the individual families and persons during the period. Such entertainment items include and not limited to polished bread-fruit meals, maize pudding, cassava foo-foo, oil-bean pudding and different kinds of drinks.
PROBLEMS:
The festival has suffered from various problems which include but not limited to wrong perceptions, misrepresentation, misconception, ignorance, ineptitude, iconoclasm and apathy. Many, especially the less informed and the neo-religious groups strongly hold to the perception that that the festival is fetish and wasteful (especially those who are not willing to spend their resources to host guests).
ADVANTAGES:
The period leads to keeping the surroundings clean, re-union of families, friends, in-laws and well -wishers, tourist attraction and advancing our cultural heritage including ensuring the acquisition and development of the EKWIRIKWE playing and dancing skills.
In the good old days, women who earnestly took part in the road and market clearing and cleansing and later took part in the AHIA-NGANGA activities after bathing on serious intents at the Onu-Lolo-nwanyi (Onu-Ngele) stream, would appear at Mbomuzo the following year either pregnant or as nursing mothers if they either prayed for or desired such thereby.
MODIFICATIONS SO FAR:
Since culture is dynamic, efforts have been made by the leadership of Okwuohia community, over time, to modify certain aspects of the festival and programmes there-of in order to exponge some questionable and undesirable aspects of it. For instance, the timing and declaration of the date of the festival are now done by the Traditional ruler of Okwuohia in synergy with the Traditional Council. Also, no shrine or deity is either worshipped or honoured before, during and even after the festival. Most times, the traditional rulership open the festival with Christian thanks-giving worship at an agreed Christian church here in Okwuohia.
CONCLUSION:
In line with the realities of the present moments, efforts should be made to allow for acceptable modifications while there should be insistence on protecting and upholding the soul, spirit and purports of the cultural heritage of our dear Okwuohia community especially as regards affects MBOMUZO.
Written by:
Chief Emma C. Anyanwu, (DIKEMBA),
1st Traditional Prime Minister and Currently the Chairman of Okwuohia Traditional Council,
Being a lecture presented by me at the 2019 edition of MBOMUZO festival, at EKE-OKWUOHIA Market Square.

Baba-Ahmed urges President Tinubu to step aside in the 2027 election, calling for new leadership with fresh ideas to address Nigeria's challenges.

The former adviser criticises Tinubu’s governance, citing ineffective leadership, a lack of progress, and discontent across Nigeria's regions.

Baba-Ahmed warns that focusing on re-election could harm Tinubu’s legacy and calls for more attention to national issues instead of electoral ambitions.

Photo credit - Nurphoto/Getty images

Delta Governor’s aide, Winifred, reportedly k iII ed by husband, Pastor Favour, who's in police custody now

The Special Adviser to the Governor of Delta State on Trade and Export, Chief Mrs Shimite Winifred, has passed away. The renowned Trade and Economic expert allegedly d!ed due to domestic viol ence. She had a confrontation with her husband, Pastor David Favour, which led to her de@th.

Late Shimitte was the Coordinator of the Delta State UNIDO Centre. She was the focal person for the implementation of the Federal Government’s Social Investment Programme in Delta State. She produced and presented “African Pot”, a TV documentary that promoted traditional African cuisine, tourism and culture.

The deceased was a member of the Steering Committee of USAID/NEXTT (Nigerian Expanded Trade and Transport) - Lakaji Trade Corridor. She was a member of the Board of Directors of FESECA - Foundation for Economic Change in Africa. She served as Contributing Editor on Travel and Tourism with Daily Trust, Leadership

Thomas Sankara Predicted the Birth of Ibrahim Traoré
__
When Thomas Sankara was alive, he knew his life was in danger. His bold anti-imperialist policies and actions made him a target. He understood that one day, the imperialists—especially France—would seek to eliminate him.

Sankara rejected foreign aid from institutions like the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank. Instead, he chose self-reliance, making Burkina Faso food self-sufficient. He prioritized agriculture, turning the country into the breadbasket of the Sahel. He slashed the salaries of government officials, including his own, and lived modestly—earning only $450 a month and owning just a car, four bicycles, three guitars, a fridge, and a small house.

Before his assassination—a plot backed by France—Sankara had already foreseen that the struggle would continue beyond his death. He once said, “While revolutionaries as individuals can be murdered, you cannot kill ideas.”

Today, those words ring true. Though they killed Sankara, his ideas live on—reborn in the spirit and leadership of Ibrahim Traoré, who shares striking similarities with Sankara’s revolutionary vision and courage.
Indeed, they cannot kill ideas.

This is why, as a continent, we must embed African history and liberation thought into our school curricula. Our children must learn about the sacrifices of heroes and heroines like Sankara, Lumumba, Julius Nyerere, Amílcar Cabral, Gaddafi, Kwame Nkrumah, Sekou Touré, and many others. We must teach them to carry forward the torch of economic, political, and spiritual liberation.

It's time to move from his-story to our-story. Only then will we truly emancipate the minds of Africa’s youth and secure real independence—not just on paper, but in practice.

YOU DON’T HAVE A S*X PROBLEM — YOU HAVE A SELF-CONTROL PROBLEM

It’s not about women… It’s about the war in your own mind

Let’s settle this once and for all:

S*x is not your enemy. Women are not your downfall.
Your real problem is you can’t tell yourself “NO” — and mean it.

You don’t have a lust problem.
You don’t have a girlfriend problem.
You have a discipline problem.

And here’s how it’s destroying your life quietly — while you think it’s just “normal behavior”…

1. You chase women, but you don’t chase purpose.
You know how to text her non-stop…
But you can’t stay focused on your goals for 3 straight hours.
You have energy for sweet words…
But no energy for self-improvement, study, or money-making.

That’s not a s*x issue.
That’s weak self-leadership.

2. You can delay pleasure with money — but not with women.
You’ll save up to buy a phone.
You’ll wait 3 months to get a new sneaker.
But you can’t even say “no” to your body when it starts calling.
You’re financially wise… but sexually foolish.
And that imbalance is killing your power.

3. You know it’s wrong — but you do it anyway.
You feel guilty after sleeping with her.
You regret it after you masturbate.
You swear it won’t happen again…
But two nights later, you’re back at it.
That’s not just habit — that’s a lack of control.

4. You’re ruled by urges, not purpose.
You wake up with ideas…
But by noon, you’re back in her DMs.
You had plans…
But her body made you forget all of them.
You can’t dominate the world if you can’t even dominate yourself.

5. You call it love — but you’re just addicted to lust.
You don’t love her. You love what she makes you feel.
You love the ego boost. The fantasy. The temporary escape.
And because you can’t detach,
You stay stuck in toxic cycles that waste your time and kill your growth.

6. You ask God for help — but you never say no to temptation.
You pray. You cry. You fast.
But when she texts “come over,”
You forget all your anointing.
It’s not about prayers — it’s about principle.
Until you discipline your body, you’ll keep falling in the same trap.

7. Your energy is leaking through your cravings.
Every time you chase s*x instead of your calling,
You give away your power, your time, your strength.
And it’s why your dreams feel dry.
Because you keep watering women, not your goals.

8. You can't sit in silence without craving pleasure.
You get bored, you want s*x.
You get stressed, you want s*x.
You get lonely, you want s*x.
You’ve made s*x your medicine — and now you’re hooked.
You don’t need more s*x. You need more purpose.

9. You train your brain to give up easily.
Every climax without discipline tells your mind:
“Instant reward is better than long-term success.”
So you stop grinding. You stop building. You start cutting corners.
All because you trained yourself to quit when things get hard — and chase what feels easy.

10. You’re not addicted to her — you’re addicted to escaping yourself.
S*x is your way of avoiding the uncomfortable truth:
That you’re not where you want to be in life…
So you hide in a woman’s body instead of fixing your own journey.

Bro, hear this clearly:

You don’t need more women.
You don’t need another round.
You don’t need late-night texts or temporary highs.

You need control. You need mastery. You need silence, structure, and standards.

Because a man who can’t say no to his urges
Will say yes to every distraction — and miss his destiny.


Danny CEO

Delta Governor’s Aide, Shimite Winifred, Reportedly Dies from Domestic Violence Incident

The Delta State community has been thrown into mourning following the tragic death of Chief (Mrs.) Shimite Winifred, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Trade and Export. She was a respected trade and economic expert, known for her dedication to economic development and women empowerment.

Initial reports suggest that Shimite died as a result of domestic violence. Though details are still emerging, it is alleged that she had a fatal confrontation with her husband, Pastor David Favour, who has reportedly been arrested in connection with her death.

Human rights activist and fellow government aide, Harrison Gwamnishu, confirmed the heartbreaking news in a Facebook post on Monday, April 21, 2025. Another activist, Comrade Victor Ojie, also known as Wong Box, echoed the confirmation, urging people to prioritize their lives over staying in abusive marriages: “Marriage is not by force. It’s better to lose your marriage than to lose your life.”

Shimite’s personal aide, Tameta Sunday, expressed grief and outrage in a tribute, accusing her husband of being responsible for cutting short her life and future plans.

The late Shimite Winifred held several notable positions throughout her career. She served as the Coordinator of the Delta State UNIDO Centre and was the focal person for the Federal Government’s Social Investment Programme in Delta. She also hosted African Pot, a television documentary that celebrated African cuisine, tourism, and culture.

Additionally, she was an influential member of several development and trade bodies, including the Steering Committee of USAID/NEXTT (Nigerian Expanded Trade and Transport) – Lakaji Trade Corridor, and the Board of Directors of FESECA – Foundation for Economic Change in Africa. She also contributed as an editor for Daily Trust and Leadership newspapers on travel and tourism.

Her death has sparked widespread calls for greater awareness around domestic violence and the urgent need for victims to seek safety, regardless of social or economic status.

Delta Governor’s Aide, Shimite Winifred, Reportedly Dies from Domestic Violence Incident

The Delta State community has been thrown into mourning following the tragic death of Chief (Mrs.) Shimite Winifred, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Trade and Export. She was a respected trade and economic expert, known for her dedication to economic development and women empowerment.

Initial reports suggest that Shimite died as a result of domestic violence. Though details are still emerging, it is alleged that she had a fatal confrontation with her husband, Pastor David Favour, who has reportedly been arrested in connection with her death.

Human rights activist and fellow government aide, Harrison Gwamnishu, confirmed the heartbreaking news in a Facebook post on Monday, April 21, 2025. Another activist, Comrade Victor Ojie, also known as Wong Box, echoed the confirmation, urging people to prioritize their lives over staying in abusive marriages: “Marriage is not by force. It’s better to lose your marriage than to lose your life.”

Shimite’s personal aide, Tameta Sunday, expressed grief and outrage in a tribute, accusing her husband of being responsible for cutting short her life and future plans.

The late Shimite Winifred held several notable positions throughout her career. She served as the Coordinator of the Delta State UNIDO Centre and was the focal person for the Federal Government’s Social Investment Programme in Delta. She also hosted African Pot, a television documentary that celebrated African cuisine, tourism, and culture.

Additionally, she was an influential member of several development and trade bodies, including the Steering Committee of USAID/NEXTT (Nigerian Expanded Trade and Transport) – Lakaji Trade Corridor, and the Board of Directors of FESECA – Foundation for Economic Change in Africa. She also contributed as an editor for Daily Trust and Leadership newspapers on travel and tourism.

Her death has sparked widespread calls for greater awareness around domestic violence and the urgent need for victims to seek safety, regardless of social or economic status.