All government offices and schools within the Federal Capital
Territory will be closed from May 7 till May 9 as part of arrangements
for hosting the World Economic Forum on Africa.
President
Goodluck Jonathan has approved the measures, making exception only foк
institutions on essential services. He also recommended large private
organizations to follow suit,
The directive was contained in the
statement by Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Anyim Pius
Anyim, and is aimed at ensuring free flow of traffic in the centre of
Abuja, as well as enabling the participants to carry out their assigned
roles in the WEC agenda.
Nigeria will become the first West African country to host the event. The theme for the 24th edition of the forum is
Forging Inclusive Growth, Creating Jobs. It
will attract participants from over 80 countries, including heads of
governments and statesmen, CEOs of global firms, leading financiers,
policy and development technocrats.
Security concerns
Some
observers, however, suggested that the development follows recent
devastating activity by insurgents
in the very heart of Nigeria, its
capital. It will be recalled that at about 8 p.m. a suicide bomber
Speaking in the wake of
yesterday's bombing in Nyanya, Abuja's suburb, Finance Minister Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, was quik to assure that the FG would provide adequate security for participants.
Mr.
Eze Onyekpere, an economist, and Catholic Bishop of Sokoto State, Most
Rev. Mathew Kukah, both agreed that the FG should not cancel the event
despite recent tragic events. This would demonstrate Nigeria's will to
conquer terrorism and show that there are people in charge of the
security situation in the country.
READ MORE: http://news.naij.com/65641.html
Social Plugin