• Organizers Call for Calm in the Land
• Begs Youth and Government to Sheath the Sword and Embrace Dialogue
• Commiserates with those who have Lost Lives, Limbs and Properties.
The 7th edition Trek Africa National Discourse and Awards is a huge conversation for action with the theme ‘Lofty Heights Attain: Nigeria’s Call beyond COVID-19’ to focus on four major national issues; politics, economy, security and media especially as we continue to manage the impact of the COVID-19 global pandemic on Nigeria’s economy and governance.
Previously, deliberations and outcomes of the conference drove a national discourse but it is clear that holding the award event this Sunday October 25th without taking adequate cognizance and due consideration of recent developments across the country that have accentuated the need to amplify the voices of our youth for the reform our institutions and improve governance will be insensitive and inappropriate.
McKinggs Media, the Publishers of Trek Africa Newspaper and organizers of Trek Africa National Discourse and Awards 2020 wishes to announce a change in the date of the annual discussion and continental awards event billed to hold this Sunday 25th October, 2020 to Sunday 22nd November, 2020. This is in response to the sociopolitical unrest in the country that has led to the death of peaceful protesters and other citizens, several cases of injury and harm done to lawful members of the public; and wanton destruction of national assets and private investments by hoodlums taking place in many parts of the country.
Speaking on behalf of the organizers of the conference, Abayomi Oyelami the editor of Trek Africa Newspaper used the opportunity to ‘inform the chairman of the occasion, all seasoned speakers, panelists, esteemed awardees, corporate business partners, media associates and the general public that though there is a change in date for the conference, the venue Golden Gate, Ikoyi, Lagos and time 2.00pm remain unchanged. We sincerely apologize any inconvenience that this rescheduling or change in date may cause every expected attendee of Trek Africa’s flagship conference and awards.’
It is apparent that the #EndSARS protest which began two weeks ago as a demonstration of free speech by Nigerian youths has been hijacked by unscrupulous elements. The process started by our youths intended to #EndPoliceBrutalityInNigeria and #EndBadGovernmentInNigeria has not done any advantage by the hijackers of this protest whether they are politically motivated or not.
The theme of the conference ‘Lofty Heights Attain: Nigeria’s Call beyond COVID-19’ is even more fitting in the light of this current situation. The four pivotal areas – politics, economy, security and media – that were meant to be discussed at the conference have been greatly affected. Law courts, public transport companies, national security outfits, police installations, media stations, business concerns, and many others were torched in the process. It is time for the country to have a rethink and act differently so as to achieve new results.
The editor of Trek Africa Newspaper, Abayomi Oyelami urges the government to listen to the demands of the youth as it represents the yearnings of the entire citizenry. He also encouraged youths to offer the government a benefit of doubt. He also advised them to ‘be careful what you share, be careful what you post, and be careful what you believe’ so as not to further heat up the tense situation in the country with unverified news and stories.
