In commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of the Commonwealth Youth Program in this year’s Commonwealth Year of Youth Event, the All-Stars Ensemble – a global music group was unveiled in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, amid glitz and fanfare.
Speaking at the event held at the Rivers State Ecumenical Centre, Prince Iwefa Aganaba (PIA), the Nigerian Youth Representative in the Commonwealth and Chief Executive Officer of Prime Savvy Global Consult, said the All-Stars Ensemble whose musical performance lit up the occasion, is now set to embark on a global tour. PIA said the group is poised to captivate audiences worldwide, transcending borders and cultural differences through the universal language of music.
In his welcome address, the convener thanked the head of the Commonwealth Secretariat Rt. Hon. Patricia Scotland for giving him the mandate to host the event in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. He reiterated the multilateral agenda of the Commonwealth binding 56 nations, which is treatise on the Commonwealth Youth Program designed by Forum of Commonwealth Ministers on Youth Development in London, United Kingdom.
Aganaba eulogized the norms of peace and serenity and the ambience of the Port Harcourt city which was suitable for hosting of the hybrid conference with attraction of in-person participation of multinational stakeholders and members of the diplomatic community. He added that one of the expected outcomes of the conference is driven by the resolve to change the negative narratives that once characterized the Niger Delta region. “By the decision to hold this event in this great city of Port Harcourt, the old narrative has been re-written,” he said.
Former President of Nigeria, H.E. Dr. Goodluck Jonathan (GCFR) headlined dignitaries at the event. As Chairman of the occasion, Jonathan who was ably represented by Amb. Dr.Godknows Igali, former Secretary to the Government of Bayelsa State and former Nigerian Ambassador to Sweden, gave the opening remarks.
Other dignitaries were former Vice President of Nigeria H.E. Prof. Yemi Osibanjo represented by Pastor Chukwugoziam Onianwah, H.E. Sir. Siminalaye Fubara Governor of Rivers State, ably represented by Dr. Chisom Kenneth Gbali, the Rivers State Commissioner for Youth Development. First Class Traditional Rulers, His Imperial Majesty Ogiame Atuwatsi (III), the Olu of Warri Kingdom and King Dandeson Douglas Jaja (V), the Amanyanabo of Opobo were also present.
Also, the Lead Pastor of Salvation Ministries Worldwide, David Ibiyeomie who was the keynote speaker, was ably represented by Pastor Abiye David Pastor of the Salvation Ministries Lagos State. Mr Moses Siloko Siasia, Founder of the Nigerian Young Professionals Forum (NYPF) was also on ground.
Keynote speakers included: Prof. Tunji John Asaolu, Vice President, United World Congress of Diplomats and Former Chairperson African Union Economic and Social Council (AU ECOSSOC), Prof. Ahmed Adamu, Pioneer Chairperson of the Commonwealth Youth Council (CYP). Ayodele Dele Olawande, the Minster of Youth Development conducted the unveiling of All-Stars Ensemble.
56 nations of the world makes up the Commonwealth of Nations. They are mostly former British colonies, but now independent states from different continents.
The Theme for this year’s conference which held on October 16, was: “Global Youth Enlightenment, Climate Change and Peace for All Nations”.
