World Economic Forum on Africa 2014 to go ahead as planned

Inspite of two incidents of bombing in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital city, by suspected insurgents in recent weeks, the World Economic Forum (WEF) yesterday assured that the forum would go ahead with its summit as planned, but amid tightened security.

Oliver Cann, Associate Director, Media Relations of the WEF said in a statement yesterday, that the World Economic Forum has received assurances from President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, that security arrangements in Abuja will ensure a smooth and successful meeting next week.

“The World Economic Forum on Africa 2014 will go ahead as planned next week following assurances by Nigeria’s President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan and his government, on the robustness of the security arrangements that are being put in place for the meeting.”

The 24th World Economic Forum on Africa comes at a crucial time for the continent. Taking place under the theme, Forging Inclusive Growth, Creating Jobs, it will bring together over 1,000 leaders from across politics, business and civil society, including Premier Li Keqiang of China and eleven African heads of state and government, as well as President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan and senior members of the Nigerian government.

The 24th World Economic Forum on Africa will take place in Abuja, Nigeria, on 7-9 May 2014 convening over 1,000 leaders from politics, business and civil society.

DANIEL OBI