News
Okonjo-Iweala Calls for Unity as Global Trade Faces Rising Challenges
Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala highlighted some pressing issues at the International Monetary and Finance Committee (IMFC) meeting of the World Bank-IMF annual meetings in Washington DC.
She shared her views on the significant challenges that global trade faces, such as rising protectionism and increasing fragmentation, pointing out the concerning trend of trade-restrictive measures.
These are not isolated occurrences but part of a wider shift in how nations interact on the world stage.
Countries are adopting more self-protective stances, limiting imports, raising tariffs, and creating barriers that ultimately hurt the flow of goods and services across borders.
Despite these challenges, Okonjo-Iweala stressed the importance of the multilateral trading system, which has served as the backbone of international trade for decades.
She believes that this system, grounded in collaboration among nations, is essential for maintaining global stability and growth.
Safeguarding it is crucial, as it supports the exchange of goods, innovation, and economic resilience worldwide.
Joining the discussions were prominent figures like UK Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves, First Deputy Managing Director of the IMF Gita Gopinath, and Nigeria’s Finance Minister Wale Edun.
Rachel Reeves, with her deep experience in British economic policy, discussed how the UK views trade issues within the context of a more divided world.
Gopinath, known for her expertise on global macroeconomics, likely contributed insights on how rising barriers and fragmentation could impact economic growth worldwide, a critical topic as many countries are still trying to recover from the economic strains caused by the pandemic.
Meanwhile, Wale Edun, representing Nigeria, brought in the perspective of a developing economy, which often faces unique challenges in the global trade landscape, from currency fluctuations to limited access to financing for growth.
APC chieftain Joe Igbokwe has pointed fingers at Nigerian traders for the continued surge in food prices across the country. In a Facebook post on Saturday, the outspoken supporter of President Bola Tinubu’s administration accused traders of being too greedy to reduce their prices.
He added that even as statistics suggest that the cost of food is starting to drop, traders have refused to comply. Furthermore, he expressed frustration, saying the refusal to lower prices shows a deeper problem of selfishness among citizens. According to him, Nigerians are their own worst enemies, driven by greed and a habit of taking more than they need.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is set to travel to Rome this Saturday to attend the inauguration of Pope Leo XIV, the new leader of the Roman Catholic Church. The invitation came directly from Pope Leo XIV, who emphasized the importance of the president’s presence during this significant moment for the Church and a world facing many challenges.
Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, will be officially installed as the 267th Bishop of Rome on Sunday, May 18, at St. Peter’s Square in the Vatican.
President Tinubu will be accompanied by key Catholic figures, including the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Archbishop Lucius Ugorji of Owerri, Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama of Abuja, Archbishop Alfred Martins of Lagos, and Bishop Mathew Hassan Kukah of Sokoto.
Notably, Pope Leo XIV has a special connection to Nigeria, having worked at the Apostolic Nunciature in Lagos during the 1980s. After the ceremony, President Tinubu is expected to return to Abuja on Tuesday, May 20.
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has urged Nigerians to preserve their culture and ensure it doesn’t fade away with time. Speaking through his deputy, Barrister Adebayo Lawal, at the 2025 World Egungun Festival grand finale held in Ibadan, Makinde emphasized the importance of keeping traditions alive.
The event took place at Obafemi Awolowo Stadium in the Oke Ado area and was graced by top dignitaries including Chief Lekan Alabi, who represented the Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, Osun State’s Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Hon. Ojo Abiodun, Prince Adeola Adelakun of Oje Parapo Worldwide, and Oyo State’s own Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr. Wasiu Olatunbosun.
Makinde stressed that culture and tourism are key focus areas for his administration, and his government is committed to supporting efforts that will keep local traditions thriving. He added that by investing in cultural events and heritage, the state can boost its economy through tourism and increase revenue. He said, “We must not let our culture die. I’m glad to see young people taking part in this celebration, not just the elders.”
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