Diri, Muftwang sign MoU on solar power, gas, agric products, others

Two governors, Duoye Diri (Bayelsa) and Caleb Muftwang (Plateau), have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on power, renewable energy, and agricultural products to change the narratives in their respective states for positive growth at the FIN Annual International Business Round Table and Forbes Best of Africa Award Ceremony celebrating outstanding leaders.

The MoU will also allow Baymat Energy and Africa Energy Council to invest in the two states to provide both hydro, solar power, and gas power to help create jobs and alleviate poverty

The event, which took place last Friday in Lisbon, Portugal, also witnessed the conferment of FIN-Forbes Best of Africa Awards on six exceptional leaders from Africa, while recognising their remarkable achievements and contributions to the continent’s growth and development.

The awardees are Governor Mutfwang as Forbes Best of Africa Visionary Leadership Award; Governor Diri as Forbes Best of Africa Outstanding Leadership Award); Amb. Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Federal Republic of Nigeria as Forbes Best of Africa Lifetime Achievement Award in Diplomacy; Mr. Clement Oluranti Buari, Director, Strategy Management, Department of the Central Bank of Nigeria as Forbes Best of Africa Leadership Excellence in Strategy Management Award; Sven Thieme, Executive Chairman & MD of O&L Leisure (Pty) Ltd, Namibia as Forbes Best of Africa Outstanding Corporate Leadership Award); and Beatriz Franck, Founder and CEO of BEFRAN LdaGroup, Namibia as Euroknowledge Outstanding Female Entrepreneur Award.

In the essence of the awards in a statement signed by the FIN’s Director of Investment, Promotion and Strategy, Kenneth Beregha, the organisers disclosed that the six individuals had demonstrated exceptional leadership, vision, and dedication to their respective fields, inspiring positive change and growth in their countries and across the continent.

The statement added that the award ceremony was put in place to celebrate their achievements and reinforce the importance of leadership, entrepreneurship, and diplomacy in shaping Africa’s future.

In her keynote address, the Chairman of Foreign Investment Network (FIN), Mrs Olayinka Fayomi, emphasised FIN’s commitment to fostering global trade, knowledge sharing, and sustainable business practices.

Mrs Fayomi also highlighted FIN’s achievements, including its long-standing relationship with the international media and its appointment as a representative of Forbes in Africa. She announced the upcoming FIN events in 2024.

The chairman encouraged attendees to leverage the platform for networking and building connections, emphasising FIN’s role in unlocking Africa’s potential. Her speech set the tone for a day of insightful discussions, celebrations, and recognition of outstanding achievements in African business.

Diri signed the MoU on behalf of the Bayelsa State Government and Faction AI, represented by the co founder, Max Garza III – Faction AI Smart City for $1 billion while Muftwang signed on behalf of the Plateau State Government and Faction AI, represented by co founder Max Garza III – Faction AI Smart City for $1billion.