Fayemi to speak on Africa’s prospects, challenges at SIRA lecture on Wednesday

Kayode Fayemi, former governor of Ekiti, will speak at the annual lecture of the Society for International Relations Awareness (SIRA) on Wednesday.

SIRA is a non-profit organisation founded in September 2010 to create awareness about international relations in Nigeria and the continent of Africa.

In a statement on Sunday, Ahmed Sajoh, head of Fayemi’s media office, said the annual lecture will be held at the Tafawa Balewa building of the ministry of foreign affairs in Abuja.

Sajoh said Fayemi, who is also the former chairman of the Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF), will be delivering a keynote address on the opportunities and challenges facing Africa as the world continues to evolve.

He said the lecture will focus on the theme “Africa, in the Turbulence of a World in Search of Direction”.

The former Ekiti governor will also discuss how Africa can handle the current changes of the world and find its place.

“The lecture is both timely and significant as it addresses the evolving dynamics that the continent faces in an ever-changing global landscape,” the statement reads.

He said Brownson Dede, former assistant secretary of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), general political affairs and former Nigerian ambassador to Ethiopia and Eritrea, will be the chairperson of the event.

The lecture is expected to have in attendance stakeholders, government officials, academics, diplomats, and members of civil society organisations in Nigeria.

John Shinkaiye, chief of staff to the African Union chairman, will be the guest of honour at the event.

Others to participate as discussants include Jibrin Jibo, an expert in African politics and Freedom Onuoh,  a specialist in security, violence, conflict and resolution.