The Greatness Of Africa Lies Within Its Ability To Encourage Internal Trade - Akpabio
President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has said that the future of the African continent lies in each of the countries inside it, trading and doing other businesses with one another.
Akpabio stated this while receiving in courtesy, Akwa Ibom and Cross River states indigenes resident in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea, on Friday The President of the Senate is in the country to attend the 11th Annual Retreat of the Association of Senates Shoora Equivalent Council in Africa And the Arab World (ASSECAA).
According to a statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Jackson Udom, Akpabio said, "there is the need for Africans to work with Africans.
The National Assembly is looking at the possibility of making it compulsory for any Nigerian child in school, to learn one or more international languages through, legislation.
This, according to Akpabio, "is to ensure that there are no language barriers within the continent while trying to trade or do businesses within the continent and even in the tourism sector, adding, "what will help Africa is us trading within ourselves.
We have the market and the population for that and we should maximize it through the removal of language barriers."
Admonishing the visitors, Akpabio said, "let me tell you that as long as you are living here, you must obey the laws of your host and you must also love the country.
You must be seen as law abiding people, flying the flag of Nigeria out side the country of your birth with honor and pride.
In my brief interactions with some government officials of Equatorial Guinea, I have not been told anything bad or untoward about you people here.
"Please continue to be good ambassadors of our states and country. I will make sure that your needs and welfare are addressed, just channel them through the embassy here.
Continue to be peaceful, law-abiding and resourceful. But remember your home in Akwa Ibom and Cross River Do not forget where you came from."
Earlier in his speech, the leader of the group, Mr Antai Okon from Mbo, in Akwa Ibom State, thanked the President of the Senate for finding out time to receive them.
He, on behalf of others, lauded Akpabio for all what he did as Governor of Akwa Ibom State between 2007-2015, particularly, in the area of education and human capital development.
"God will continue to lift you from one level of authority to the other because of the people of Akwa Ibom and Cross River states.
Your presence here today, is a blessing to our people in Equatorial Guinea.
Liberating us from the shackles of illiteracy through your free and compulsory education, made most of our sons and daughters educated and currently making waves in several human endeavors.
You were the best Governor in your days", he declared.
