Maiden Annual Lecture Series of Prof. Ngozi Egbuna International Center for Regional Integration and Trade Research, ICRITR, Nnamdi Azikiwe University

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The Maiden Annual Lecture Series of Prof. Ngozi Egbuna International Center for Regional Integration and Trade Research, ICRITR, Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka sponsored by 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 on Friday, April 5, 2024, attracted 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 tof he ICRITR domiciled in Nnamdi Azikiwe University will help to redefine people's understanding of trade in Africa. "We will bring trade on 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 that require 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, the 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 of, the 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 generations of African traders to understand the challenges, prospects and opportunities in shared prosperity in the continent.

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High point of the event was the main paper presentation by the guest speaker, Mrs. Kanayo Awani, the Executive Vice President, Afreximbank, Cairo, Egypt who lamented the urgent need for a center for research in Continental trade in Africa, where economic and trade integration can escalate the region's 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.