We’ve not been on the payroll of any government but we’ve done so much for Nigeria and cannot afford not to celebrate these feats, especially as Pan-African Festival, PANAFEST’s representatives in Nigeria

Mr. Mirko Manojlovic is presently the Charge d’ Affaires of Serbian Embassy in Abuja Nigeria. Here the smooth talking career diplomat shares stories about his long term diplomatic career, his love for Africa and why Africans including Nigerians should stay united no matter how hard the current economic recession bites as according to him, it would soon be a thing of the past.

Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Coronation Merchant Bank, Mr. Abubakar Jimoh in this interview spoke on how the bank came into existence; its corporate ambition; financial performance; the capital market operations; how the merchant banking services can spur economic development, the future outlook, among others.

There have been a lot of predictions on the economic outlook for 2017. Many experts predicted about 1.0 per cent to 1.1 per cent growth in GDP. The World Bank also predicted 1.0 per cent rise in the economic outlook. These are outlooks that Mutual Benefits have used in benchmarking what we want to do for the year. It is on that premise that we are looking at the current year. However in absolute terms, we also need to look at those things that the government has put in place that will cushion or sort of arrest the recession at hand.

Mr. George Ali was a member of the Benue State House of Assembly. He is currently the Sole Administrator of Otukpo local government area. In this interview, he speaks about governance at the third tier of government, the challenges and prospects.

So, should we continue with this private ownership of buses under which you have these yellow buses, also known as Danfo, since the time of Governor Lateef Jakande over 30 years ago?

This is the story of the National President, Association of Senior Staff of Banks, Insurance, and Financial Institutions, ASSBIFI, Mrs. Oyinkan Olasonoye. With her deep knowledge of the workings of financial institutions in Nigeria and their peculiar dynamics, she talks about unionism, banking and the social relationship between employers and employees. She spoke with Victor Ahiuma-Young & Charles Kumolu

The reason why there is no fight between Hausa, Igbo and Yoruba, Christians and Muslims is corruption. Once corruption is involved, you can never hear any noise. Once there is enough money to be shared among the elites, there wont be problems

On our expectations, Ndigbo expect Ohaneze Ndigbo to lead them and not rule over them. Ndigbo expect the President General of Ohaneze Ndigbo to be steadfast in the pursuit of Igbo objectives

I am not the only one. There is another journalist who has just completed his term as Vice Chancellor. I am talking about Professor Onabanjo who served at Lead City University. I think I am the second. But when you look at it from the angle of long stay in the media and then reaching the very top of it, I think I am the only one because I had served as the Chairman, Chief Executive of the Daily Times before coming into University administration while my colleague just had a stint with the radio before going fully into academics and later rising to become VC.

We drive investments that can benefit Africa for the long-term

For instance, throughout last year we had quite a number of performances such as Eniayan, a dance drama for the 2016 convocation, devised and choreographed by Mrs. Yeside Dosumu-Lawal, a dance lecturer.

I will say that 2015 was the end summer. 2016 was hard winter. 2017 is going to be hard winter as well. But the difference between 2016 and 2017 is that, we have braced ourselves for 2017. No matter what anybody say. And we have to be realistic.

MINISTER for Transportation, Mr Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi, in this interview, talks about the challenges faced by the President Buhari administration and assures that the tide will turn for Nigerians. He also bares his mind on the issues that made him and former President Goodluck Jonathan part ways. He also tackles the Rivers State governor, Mr Nyesom Wike, over allegations levelled against him (Amaechi) while he was at the helm of affairs in the state. You have been in office as Minister of Transportation for about a year and three months. What are the challenges and what would you consider as your greatest achievements?

Nigeria, despite many challenges is known for several things; her tasteful music, deep appreciation of football, extravagant weddings and jollof pride. In this interview, Imoteda, Head Chef, Heels in the Kitchen in her narrative of the Nigerian Fusion Food Tour said that Nigeria could earn foreign exchange from food export. According to Imoteda, what is least talked about is the wealth of incredible recipes and fresh produce the nation is endowed with. For her, it is time the government regulates and support food industry so that the world will get to know Nigerian cuisine.