THE WHISTLER Publisher James Ume Bags Weldios University Honorary Doctorate Degree
The Founder of Unubiko Foundation and Publisher of THE WHISTLER newspaper, Chief James Chijioke Ume, has been conferred with an Honorary Doctorate Degree in Philanthropy and Human Investment by the Weldios University of Management and Technology, Benin Republic.
Chief Ume was also recognized as Africa’s Patriotic and Philanthropic Personality of the Year at the third symposium of the All-Africa Students Union (AASU) of the university held on Sunday, August 4, 2024, at the Hilton Garden Hotel in Windhoek, Namibia.
Chief Ume, who was represented by the former Chief Press Secretary to the Cross River Governor, Mr. Emmanuel Ogbeche, expressed his profound gratitude.
Ogbeche said, “Chief James Chijioke Ume strongly believes that, for prosperity to spread, people must have the opportunity of education. The proverbial teaching of a child how to fish rather than providing fish for the child is a principle he holds dear. Because of him, many dreams and aspirations are being realized across Nigeria. At the last intake for university undergraduates in Nigeria, over one thousand students were admitted into his fully funded scholarship scheme.
“It is not just in education but also infrastructure. He has built schools, hospitals, and women’s development centers in Abia State. He continues to inspire the young youths of Nigeria across the southeast and south-south regions, that they can be anything they want to be. He is profoundly grateful for this award and said it will inspire him to do even more.”
The awards ceremony featured a key keynote addresses by Prof. Emmanuel Ibe Kachikwu, Nigeria’s former Minister for State Petroleum and former President of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), and by Hon. Nunu Jenna Kumb, Speaker of the National Legislative Assembly of South Sudan
Prof. Kachikwu who spoke on the theme ‘Building Bridges for Africa’s Economic Prosperity,’ emphasized the challenges and potential solutions for Africa’s economic development.
Prof. Kachikwu said, “Nearly 600 million Africans lack access to electricity, hampering economic activities and essential services. Renewable energy presents a significant opportunity, yet substantial investments and innovation are needed to harness these resources. Similarly, digital infrastructure is critical for integrating Africa into the global economy, but internet penetration remains low, particularly in rural areas.”
He added, “Africa’s infrastructure deficit, notably in transportation, significantly impedes economic growth, reduces by an estimated 2% annually. As effective leadership and governance are pivotal in creating an environment conducive to investment and sustainable development. However, political instability and corruption remain significant obstacles.”
Kachikwu further highlighted the importance of strategic solutions, including comprehensive infrastructure plans, stakeholder engagement, and the integration of smart technologies. He advocated for public-private partnerships (PPPs) to leverage private sector strengths for high-quality projects, and emphasized the need for investments in education and training to build local expertise.
“comprehensive infrastructure plans, stakeholder engagement, and smart technologies integration are essential. Public-private partnerships (PPPs) can leverage private sector strengths for high-quality projects, while investments in education and training can build local expertise.
“Promoting sustainable infrastructure, renewable energy, and robust governance will ensure long-term development. Regional integration through initiatives like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) can enhance economic cooperation and growth. Ensuring inclusive growth by reducing poverty and inequality is vital for a just and equitable society,” Prof. Kachikwu said.
According to him, Africa’s journey toward economic prosperity requires a multifaceted approach to build a future of inclusive growth and shared prosperity.
On her part, the second keynote speaker, Hon. Kumb, highlighted the low percentage of intra-African trade and the barriers impeding it. She pointed out that intra-African trade accounts for only 15% of the continent’s total trade, which is significantly lower than other regions such as Europe and Asia.
“Intra African trade only accounts for 15% of the continent total trade, significantly lower than other region such as Europe and Asia. This low percentage can be attributed to various factors or trade barriers within Africa, and they include: Lack of harmonization trade-policies a rose the continent, gender disparity, inadequate infrastructure, logistical challenges, cost of travel within the continent, weak capacity of the labour force, inadequate technology, civil wars and communication barriers,” said kumb.
“The world bank estimate that by removing these barriers, African can increase its intra trade by up to 50% by 2030.
“Furthermore, the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNICA) has highlighted that trade facilitation can boost Africa’s GDP by $100 billion annually,” Hon. Kumb stated.
She urged lawmakers to ensure that trade policies and legislation align with the goal of promoting intra-African trade and economic prosperity.
“Our lawmakers should ensure that our trade policies and legislation aligned with a goal of promoting intra Africa trade and economic prosperity,” she added.
The event drew attendees from across the globe, including representatives from Nigeria, Namibia, Equatorial Guinea, Sierra Leone, South Sudan, Botswana, the United Kingdom, Zambia, and Ethiopia, among others.
Below is a list of 20 Honorary Awardees at the event;
11 Dr. Olumide Adeniran, CEO, Compugeen Africa—NIGERIA
Award—Weldios Honorary Doctorate Degree PhD (Honoris Causa) in Financial Technology.
16 . Dr. James Alic Garang, Governor, Bank Of South Sudan—SOUTH SUDAN
Award—Weldios University Doctorate Degree PhD (Honoris Causa) in Modern Banking Policy.
