Prof. Ngozi Egbuna International Center for Regional Integration and Trade Research, UNIZIK Awka Partners Afreximbank to Promote Regional Trade

By Njide Ezeonyejiaku

The Maiden Lecture Series of Prof. Ngozi Egbuna International Center for Regional Integration and Trade Research, ICRITR, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka in collaboration with the African Export-Import Bank, Afreximbank has ended with a call on African countries to seek for sustainable partnership for a trade balance, responsible stewardship and regional infrastructural development.

The event held at the ASUU Secretariat, UNIZIK Awka attracted the key members of Nnamdi Azikiwe University management, officers of Afreximbank and members of the University community.

The Vice-Chancellor, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka Prof. Charles Okechukwu Esimone, FAS, represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Administration, Prof Joseph Ikechebelu described lecture theme: “Unlocking Africa Trade for Shared Prosperity Through the AFCFTA: Challenges, Prospects and Opportunities” as very significant considering the place of trade in Onitsha, Anambra State and Igbo land in general.

Prof. Esimone stated that the ICRITR domiciled in Nnamdi Azikiwe University will help to redefine people’s understanding of trade in Nigeria.

“We will bring trade to a digital level where people can sit in the comfort of their homes and trade at a global scale” he opined.

Earlier, the Chairman of the occasion, Prof. Eric Ofoedu in his opening remark called for the implementation of the policy ideas arising from the lecture, noting that the current trends in global economic and regional trade relations have become an eye opener which requires no further delays in keying into the new knowledge emanating from the event.

On his part, the Director, International Linkages Programs, UNIZIK Awka, Prof. Uche Nwogwugwu expressed appreciation to Afreximbank and the Vice-Chancellor for providing the framework and a conducive environment that birthed the International Center for Regional Integration and Trade Research in UNIZIK, praying that the centre becomes an international hub for trade research.

Contributing, the Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences, Prof. Frank-Collins Okafor congratulated the Centre Director, Prof. Ngozi Egbuna and the Vice-Chancellor for blazing the trail in regional trade research.

Also speaking, the Director, International Center for Regional Integration and Trade Research, Prof. Ngozi Egbuna expressed appreciation to all who participated in the maiden lecture series, which she said was to build the capacity to empower present and future generation of African traders to understand the challenges, prospects and opportunities in shared prosperity in the continent.

High point of the event was the paper presentation by the guest speaker, Mrs Kanayo Awani, the Executive Vice President, Afreximbank, Cairo, Egypt who lamented the urgent need for a centre for research in Continental trade in Africa, where economic and trade integration can escalate the regions’ economic prosperity and ensure sustainable trade balance.

According to the Afreximbank Vice President, who also represented the President and Chairman, Board of Directors, Afreximbank, Prof. Benedict Oramah, a well structured intra-regional trade will positively impact the SMEs, promote cohesion among the African nations and drive development in many sectors.

Presentation of awards and cultural dance by the African International Troupe, UNIZIK, Awka added colour to the event.