Despite the security challenges in parts of the country, President Goodluck Jonathan on Thursday reassured the global community of the safety of all participants at the forthcoming World Economic Forum on Africa being hosted by Nigeria.
The event, which will bring together regional and global leaders to discuss innovative structural reforms and investments that can sustain the continent’s current growth trajectory and create jobs, will hold between May 7 and 9 in Abuja.
According to a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, the President gave the reassurance while speaking with China’s new Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Gu Xiaojie, who was at the Presidential Villa to present his letter of credence.
Abati quoted Jonathan as promising the new ambassador that the security challenges being experienced in parts of the country would have no adverse effect on the safety of participants at the forum.
He expressed delight at the confirmation by China that its delegation to the WEF would be led by Premier Li Keqiang.
Jonathan was quoted as saying,
“I am quite pleased that the Premier of the People’s Republic of China has confirmed that he is coming. We will be addressing the World Economic Forum on Africa together. We will also sit down together to discuss shared national interests.
“We will give all participants a good reception in Abuja. We have faced challenges in the area of security, but we will overcome the situation so that our economy can move forward faster. Participants will not have a problem with security during the summit.”
The ambassador assured Jonathan of the Chinese President’s confidence in Nigeria’s security measures and the country’s ability to host the WEF successfully.
“From our assessment, we are confident that all is under control and we have relayed that to our people,” Keqiang was quoted as telling the President.
