FG invites 28 world leaders to Abuja security summit

President Goodluck Jonathan has invited 28 heads of state from Africa and other parts of the world to an international security conference billed to hold in Abuja next Thursday.

Information Minister Labaran Maku disclosed this in Abuja yesterday while briefing newsmen on the outcome of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting chaired by President Jonathan.

Maku, who noted that this was part of the activities marking the nation’s centenary celebration, said all the heads of state invited had already indicated interest in participating in the conference.

The conference, whose theme is “Human Security, Peace and Development: An Agenda for Africa,” will take place at the International Conference Centre in Abuja.

According to the minister, the conference becomes necessary because of the security challenges and conflicts ravaging several African nations.

Maku said the conference was specifically aimed at focusing the attention of African leaders on the need for concerted efforts towards tackling insecurity on the continent.

Also speaking, Foreign Affairs Minister Viola Onwuliri said the conference would guide Nigeria on her journey to the United Nations (UN) Security Council, adding that Jonathan would sign bilateral agreements with other leaders at the conference.

Secretary to the Government of the Federation Anyim Pius Anyim said there would be a live concert in the evening to showcase Nigeria’s history and the achievements recorded in the last 100 years.

Anyim, who stressed that all the programmes for the centenary celebration would be sponsored by the private sector, said there would be a dinner at Eko Convention Centre in Lagos to raise funds.