- Addresses World Leaders on Friday 23
By Hillary Asemota
Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Abdulrasheed Bawa, will on Friday, September 23, address world leaders on issues of food security response, illicit financial flows and asset returns, at the ongoing 77th United Nations General Assembly, UNGA, holding in New York, United States of America (US).
Nigeria and several other African countries are said to lose over $50 billion out of the continent through Illicit Financial Flows (IFFs). Bawa’s paper at the meeting is expected to address the nexus between corruption in the continent and food security.
In statement signed by Mr. Wilson Uwujaren, Spokesperson for the Commission, he said Bawa, will specifically, be speaking on: “Food Security Response: Combating Illicit Financial Flows and Securing Asset Returns for Sustainable Development”, organised by the EFCC and African Union Development Agency, AUDA-New Partnership for Africa’s Development, NEPAD/African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM).
Uwujaren, stated that the event is being organised as a valedictory session for President Muhammadu Buhari, in consolidation of his legacy as the African Anti-corruption champion and other achievements in his tenure.
This high level side event is expected to feature the participation of global and African Heads of State, ministers, heads of ministries, departments and agencies, captains of industries, representatives of national and international anti-graft agencies, representatives of national and international revenue and tax authorities, officials of AUDA-NEPAD/APRM member states, ministers, coordinators and other relevant African Union Agencies.
Others expected are, representatives of relevant United Nations Agencies, financial institutions and development partners, representatives of Inter- Governmental Organisations including the European Union, EU, and representatives of Civil Society Organizations, CSOs.
The 77th UNGA, themed: “A Watershed Moment: Transformative Solutions to Interlocking Challenges”, presents opportunities for unprecedented and urgent global cooperation among nations, where world leaders debate and consider global actions for collective and sustainable solutions to common problems, particularly food insecurity, humanitarian and climate change challenges as well as worsening inequality in per capita income.”