TECHDIGEST – The Nigerian High Commissioner to Tanzania Amb. Hamisu Umar Takalmawa has called on African PR practitioners and media to emphasise the benefits of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

The diplomat made the call when a delegation of Public Relations Practitioner from Nigeria paid him a courtesy visit at the High Commission in Dar Es Salaam.

The delegation, comprising communication scholars and Spokespersons communicaton specialistsin the public and private and public sectorsof the economy participated at the annual conference of African Public Relations Association (APRA) which was hosted in Dar Es Salam, Tanzania.

Ambassador Takalmawa observed that while AfCFTA is intended to create a single market and deepen the economic integration of the continent, communicators have greater role to play in promoting the ideals.

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According to him, while the objectives of AfCFTA is also to enhance competitiveness of member states within Africa and in the global market, Takalmawa said there is an urgent need to encourage industrial development through diversification and regional value chain development, agricultural development and food security.

“We don’t even need to compete with others but to develop and explore our natural, human and material resources for the greatness of the African Continent.

“The PR practitioners should tell the truthful and honest stories of Africa, not from sentimental and biased minds but on the positive strides being made in various sector of the continent.

“The media should also engage in responsible reporting for a secure and prosperous continent rather than fake news and hate speech that aggravate situations.

“Our environment, our land, our food our energy and other resources are enough for others to attempt to compete with us.

“I am happy to disclose that we have serious minded Nigerians contributing immensely to the development of Tanzania as a brother nation. Apart from Dangote Factory and Sahara Energy, we also have Nigerian Banks and business men and women contributing to the socio-economic development of Tanzania and also neigbouring countries.

“The High Commission has a well-stocked library and some of the finest books and journals from Nigeria where scholars, students and others apply to access the literatures,” he said.

Speaking on behalf of the delegation, the President of African Public Relations Association, Mr. Yomi Badejo-Okunsanya, said that Dar es Salaam, the largest and business capital city of Tanzania was chosen as the host of the 33rd edition of the Annual African PR Conference which held between May 23rd – 27th, 2022.

He said that the three-day conference consisted of plenary sessions and trending case studies. It also discussed how African PR practitioners could better be equipped to face current challenges and adapt successfully.

Badejo added that the Conference also featured the fifth edition of SABRE Awards Africa for Excellence, showcasing the best in public relations work from across the continent and hosted the 3rd edition of IN2 Summit in partnership with the renowned Holmes Report.

During the visit, the Editor-in-Chief of PRNigeria, Mr. Yushau A. Shuaib, presented some books by Nigerian communicators that won SABRE awards to the High Commissioner. The book included “101 Fake News on EndSARS” by Lawal M. Dahiru and “Digital Innovation for Economic Prosperity” by Inyene Ibanga.

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