By Abiola Olawale
At a high-level roundtable held during the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 80), about 100 great minds, global thought leaders, policy makers, private sector icons, and civil society leaders convened to chart an enduring way forward for the Gulf of Guinea, one of Africa’s most strategic regions.
Chaired by eminent Scholar-Diplomat and former Nigerian Foreign Affairs Minister, Professor Ibrahim Agboola Gambari, the conversation came up with far-reaching resolutions on unlocking the full economic potential of the Gulf of Guinea region.
With a pivotal theme: “Unlocking Energy, Oil & Gas, minerals and maritime opportunities in the Gulf of Guinea: A Roadmap for Peace and Security”, the High-level forum came up with multi-dimensional, novel submissions on unlocking the region, propelling economic growth, and accelerating peace and sustainable development.
The New Diplomat reports that the high-level roundtable was convened by journalist-diplomat, Ambassador Oma Djebah, former Nigerian Ambassador to Thailand with concurrent accreditation to the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) in Bangkok, and chairman of The New Diplomat.
The roundtable drew active participation from H.E. Ghada Fathy Waly, former minister of Social Solidarity of Egypt and currently, Executive Director, United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime(UNODC)/ D-G UN office at Vienna, Austria; H.E. Senator Douye Diri, Governor of Bayelsa State; H.E. Governor Dauda Lawal, Governor of Zamfara State; Mr Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, Attorney General of the Federation and minister of Justice; Dr Dele Alake, Honourable Minister of Solid Minerals Development; H.E. Emmanuella Blatmann, former France Ambassador to Nigeria and currently, Head, Africa Division at France’s MFA; H.E. Rita Laranjinha, Portugal’s Special Envoy to Africa and former Portugal’s Ambassador to Denmark; Admiral Awwal Z. Gambo, 21st Chief of the Naval Staff of the Nigerian Navy; Mr Solomon Ewanehi, Group CEO of Solewant Group; Amb Nura Rimi, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment; Ambassador Kio Solomon Amieyeofor, former Deputy Director General at the Presidency; Mr Johnson Babalola, Corporate and Immigration Lawyer, Canada; Amb Gabriel Aduda, erstwhile Permanent Secretary ministries of Petroleum, Defence, Foreign Affairs, Youths and Sports, Amb Nicholas Ella, erstwhile Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum Resources, Amb Samson Itegboje, Charge d’ Affairs, Permanent Mission of Nigeria to the United Nations, Mr Laolu Akande, journalist and former presidential aide, SFC Kingsley Dike(Rtd), amongst others.
The New Diplomat also reports that the high-level roundtable convened during the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 80) laid the groundwork for enhanced economic collaboration and security in the Gulf of Guinea.
At the end of the high-level event, an outcome report was presented, which focused on how to forge “pragmatic, enduring partnerships” to unlock the full economic potential of the Gulf of Guinea, one of Africa’s most strategic regions.
The gathering came up with significant resolutions, including the following: “Proposed Establishment of the Gulf of Guinea Business Council (GoGBC): This council aims to foster collaboration between the private sector and governments in the Gulf of Guinea, along with development partners, to create jobs, improve infrastructure, and unlock the region’s full economic potential.
“Creation of the CMTF – GoG Mission Steering Committee (MSC): This committee is designed to bring together regional blocs and stakeholders.
“Broad Support for Nigeria’s Bid to Host the Combined Maritime Task Force (CMTF-GoG) in Lagos, Nigeria: The roundtable participants expressed strong support for Nigeria’s ambition to host the CMTF-GoG, reflecting the region’s commitment to maritime security.”
