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President Danny Faure, Mr Maithripala Sirisena, President of Sri Lanka hold bilateral talks.
On the final day of his working visit in Sri Lanka, President Danny Faure held bilateral talks with Mr Maithripala Sirisena President of Sri Lanka. President Faure expressed satisfaction on the outcome of his visit and averred that the talks with the different ministers were highly successful and spoke of the need to build on the momentum in order to elevate the bilateral relationship to a new height.
He thanked Sri Lanka for the services being rendered by its professionals towards the development of Seychelles. In particular, he mentioned the teachers, doctors, legal and judicial personal amongst others.
President Faure expressed the need to pursue and develop cooperation in the fields of tourism, agriculture and fisheries. In the agricultural sector, Seychelles will be learning from the knowhow of Sri Lanka as well as strive for increased trade and commerce in the context of the South-South Cooperation.
At that juncture, Minister Benstrong will remain in Sri Lanka to pursue discussions with the relevant authorities in Sri Lanka particularly in the areas of quarantine and bio security. The Minister is also to discuss cooperation in the fisheries sector in particular aquaculture and to work on a framework regarding the purchase of fishing vessels by Seychellois investors.
The President stated that Seychelles wishes to enhance cooperation in the fields of judiciary and legal affairs. A new policy frame work will be put in place to enhance legal cooperation.
“President Faure expressed the need to pursue and develop cooperation in the fields of tourism, agriculture and fisheries”.
On a very important note, the President sought the cooperation of Sri Lanka in the fight against the transnational drug problems which is affecting both countries and severely impacting on the economic and social development of our countries and the region.
On the medical side, President Faure stated his desire to expand cooperation in this sector. He noted the significant number of Seychellois seeking medical assistance in Sri Lankan hospitals including Hemas and Lanka.
On his side, President Sirisena expressed his wish to work and to pay greater attention to the relationship with Seychelles. He also stated that as two neighbouring states in the Indian Ocean, with many similarities, there are so many things that could be done in order to enhance partnership between Seychelles and Sri Lanka.
He expressed his wish to support Seychelles in working together to achieve objectives for the common development of the two countries.
He fully supported President Faure on the urgent need to work together in order to eradicate the drug problems.
Both leaders are of the view that working closely together Seychelles and Sri Lanka can be a strong voice in the regional and international arena.
Finally, President Faure invited President Sirisena to Seychelles on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Seychelles and Sri Lanka in October 2018. President Sirisena graciously accepted the invitation.
Former Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Prof. Adeolu Akande, has extended warm felicitations to Barrister Sarafadeen Ali, the Senator representing Oyo South Senatorial district, on the occasion of his 61st birthday.
In a statement released on Saturday in Ibadan, the Oyo state capital, on Saturday, Akande lauded the lawmaker, describing him as a luminary whose life has been marked by distinguished service to the nation.
“Today, I join the world in celebrating you on your special day, as you mark 61 years of God’s abundant love and glorious impact on humanity,” the former NCC gaffer expressed.
He added, “I wish you many more years of God’s grace in your life.”
The headquarters of Heritage Bank at Victoria Island, Lagos, was besieged on Thursday by members of the labour union, protesting the recent dismissal of 1,000 support workers.
The National President of the National Union of Banks, Insurance and Financial Institutions Employees, Comrade Anthony Abakpa, led the demonstration, condemning the bank’s management for what he deemed a lack of adherence to due process in the termination of employment contracts.
Speaking during the protest, Comrade Abakpa asserted that the leadership of Heritage Bank failed to follow established protocols before executing the mass layoffs.
He emphasised the union’s commitment to pursuing justice for the affected workers, vowing to escalate their demands until the bank’s management rectifies the situation.
“We will intensify our demands for justice,” declared Comrade Abakpa, urging the bank’s management to take corrective action to address the grievances of the dismissed workers.
The Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Olayemi Cardoso, clarified that Nigeria is not utilising its foreign reserves to bolster the naira, despite recent fluctuations in reserve levels.
Speaking from Washington DC, where he is attending the International Monetary Fund-World Bank Spring Meetings, Cardoso highlighted the influx of $600 million into Nigeria’s reserves account within the past two days.
While the naira has experienced a notable appreciation against the dollar in recent weeks, climbing over 40% from approximately N1,900/$ to about N1,000/$1, Nigeria’s foreign reserves have been dwindling. As of April 15, reserves dropped to approximately $32.29 billion, marking the lowest level in over six years.
Cardoso emphasised that the shifts in reserves are typical for any country, where various financial obligations, such as debt repayments, necessitate withdrawals.
He stated, “What you’ve seen with respect to the shift in our reserves is normal in any country’s reserves where, for example, debts are due and certain payments need to be made. They are made because that is also part of keeping your credibility.”
Continuing, Cardoso underscored the dynamic nature of the market, advocating for a system driven by willing buyers, willing sellers, and price discovery.
He emphasised, “The shift in our reserves has really little or nothing to do with defending the naira, and that is certainly not our objective.”
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