Asantehene chairs lecture in Lagos

Accra, Oct. 12, GNA - The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II was on Tuesday invited as the Royal Guest of Honour for the seventh session of the Emmanuel Onyechere Osigwe Anyiam-Osigwe Memorial Lectures to be held on November 17, this year, in Lagos, Nigeria.

The keynote speakers for the session are Emilio Cordosa, Former Brazilian President and Mrs Shirley Al Gore, wife of the Former Vice President of the United States.

Mr Michael Anyiam-Osigwe, Coordinator of the Osigwe-Anyiam-Osigwe Fundation, who announced the invitation at a press conference in Accra, said the ideals of Anyiam-Osigwe were based on a concept that sought to evolve "A holistic approach to human existence and development". The lecture, which was instituted seven years ago by the family of the late Anyiam-Osigwe, an industrialist and philanthropist is to honour his conviction in the economic, spiritual, and the political well-being of man.

The theme for this years lecture is: " The Mindset factor in creative transformation: All minds at work, all hands on deck". Some of the eminent personalities who have delivered papers at the annual lectures included Archbishop Anthony Obinna, Catholic Archbishop of Owerri, Mr Fredrik W.De Klerk, the last Apartheid President of South Africa, Mr John Major, former British Prime Minister, Mr Shimon Peres, former Prime Minister of Israel and Dr Helmut Khol, former German Chancellor.

Mr Anyiam-Osigwe said Otumfuo was invited because, at every session eminent traditional leaders was requested to deliver the closing remarks and summarise what has been said with their personal comments. He said the Asantehene is one of the most respected traditional leaders in West Africa, his presence would add to the Fundation's values of being interpreted in purely Africa medium.

Mr. Anyiam-Osigwe said Otumfuo is also expected to do a royal entry into the conference hall, seating about 1,500 dignitaries with horn blowers, kwadworm and kete group as well as chiefs and officials. He said whiles in Lagos the Asantehene would pay courtesy call on the Oba of Lagos and Governor of Lagos State.