By Patience Okai


As the 51st conference of Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA), Africa region comes to a close in Abuja, the Clerk to the National Assembly of Nigeria (CNA), Arc. Ojo Olatunde Amos, has beconed on Parliamentarians and delegates across Africa, to patronise local products of the Nigerian people.

The CPA conference which lasted for one week in Abuja, was used as an avenue to discuss the impact of COVID-19 on the economies of Members State, as well as the inclusion of women and youths in active politics, amongst other things.

Aside the social interactions and brainstorming on possible ways to reinvigorate the economy of participating nations in a post-COVID-19 era; the conference was also used to showcase the many cultural deposits of Nigeria, with the view to provoking investments.

Arc. Amos, during the closing session of the 51st conference yesterday, praised Nigeria as not only a giant of Africa, but also rich in culture and local delicacies, which he said other countries would always like to patronise.



He said, despite the diversities in religions and tribes, the cultural heritage of Nigeria was also part of her God-given strength and blessings.

"As you know, Nigeria is a very big country, in fact it is not for nothing that we are tagged the 'giant of Africa. In spite of glaring challenges that confront us as a country, our unity is not compromisable nor negotiable.


"Our various diverse cultures are indeed great blessings that the Almighty has endowed us with. I will say clearly here that Nigerians are very proud of their cultural attributes.

"On the lighter mood our country is flowered incredibly with great delicacies that can compete with others from anywhere in the world. Our Black Soup, Pounded Yam and Egusi soup, Bitter Leaf Soup, Plantain and Owho, Starch and Banga, Edikankong, Tuwo Masses, etc are simply unbeatable...", the CNA said.

Speaking on the role of Nigeria in the Society for Clerks-At-The-Table (SoCATT), Amos appreciated the Africa region of CPA for always entrusting the country with much responsibilities.

He said, "I am proud to note that Nigeria was involved in the establishment of SoCATT in Accra, Ghana. During the maiden meeting, we were honoured with the position of Vice-Chairmanship of the society. Subsequently, Nigeria became regional representative for West Africa up to and until this meeting. We appreciate your recognition and do not take it for granted".

Arc. Amos assured the SoCATT, Africa region, that the Nigeria's branch, under his watch, shall fully participate in all activities of the society.

"We are presently challenged with inadequate resources. However, as soon as we stabilize in terms of resources, we shall partner with the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies, Abuja as well as the Steering Committee of SoCATT, to host the Parliamentary Development Seminar (PDS) for Officials of Parliament across Commonwealth Africa", Amos added.

The rest of the world knows we only have rubber stamp national assembly members

Ndi oku ka nma na Onu.