THE MANIFESTO. Y o u n g D e m o c r a t i c P a r t y. The Light Has Come

THE MANIFESTO Y o u n g D e m o c r a t i c P a r t y

TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction Party formation resolution 1. Allegiance to sovereignty of peoples of Nigeria 2. Political Objectives 3. The indivisibility of the Nigeria polity 4. Judiciary 5. Economy 6. Agriculture 7. Rural Development 8. Industrialization 9. Health 10. Education 11. Science and Technology 12. Defence 13. Transport 14. Communication 15. Internal Security 16. Energy 17. Water Supply 18. Labour Employment and Wages 19. Natural Mineral Industries 20. Youth and Sports 21. The Nigerian Culture 22. Women 23. Human Rights 24. Environment 25. Civil Service 26. Traditional Rulers 27. Housing 28. Tourism 29. Foreign Policy

Introduction The formation of Young Democratic Party has become inevitable and pertinent in this part of the African Continent, for a true leadership founded upon social democratic principles considering Nigeria s position in the comity of nations. As a country, we are currently experiencing a purported civil rule governed by tyrannical leadership, having survived British imperialism and the disorganization of the civil society and democracy by military rule. The need for a true and people-inclusive governance devoid of tribal and sectional sentiments, unequal distribution of socio-economic opportunities, and lack of precise social economic welfare development plan has been conceived by Young Democratic Party, to end the derailment of the sequence for growth and political stability of our beloved nation. We, members of Young Democratic Party, have resolved to put aside all perceived differences and work together within one strong political party to fulfil the yearnings of the people for the restoration of democracy and the establishment of good governance to salvage the Nigerian nation from impending collapse and international alienation. Consequently, leaders and members of Young Democratic Party held a well-attended meeting in Abuja on Friday, 27th December, 2013, and passed the following resolution to give effect to their agreement:

PARTY FORMATION RESOLUTION PASSED IN THE FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY ON FRIDAY 27TH DECEMBER, 2013. Considering the dwindling democratic culture and practice in our country, we resolutely wish to readdress and enthrone a viable social democratic system which will accommodate an active and participating civil society. We hereby call on all patriotic citizens of Nigeria to come together to rebuild the foundations of civil society, to strengthen democracy, human rights and social justice. We hereby resolve: 1. To rescue our political system by ensuring an all- inclusive people's government in Nigeria. 2. To explore and harness the high productiveness in the pool of our human resources for nation building. 3. To enhance and encourage a rapid and sustainable growth in the agricultural sector through mechanized and traditional methodologies for food production in view of expanding national food reserve as well as making food affordable and promoting export.

4. To facilitate rapid and sustainable development of science and technology by harnessing the wealth of intellectuals among citizens of Nigeria. 5. To take advantage of all values of our mineral resources for economic diversification, growth and social welfare. 6. To engage our diversities for high moral values, unity, respect for rule of law and rights of citizens to build a quality society. 7. To promote national consciousness by the pursuit of a culture of excellence. 8. To facilitate a rapid and sustainable developmental process through sound education; basic healthcare; rapid industrial growth; good housing; employment; improved infrastructure; efficient transportation system; power supply; and basic services. 9. To revolutionize, promote and encourage entrepreneurship to foster a sustainable economy in Nigeria. 10. To promote and encourage Made in Nigeria Products. We hereby solemnly RESOLVE to form a credible, nationwide people-oriented and principled political party, enjoying the widest support of the masses throughout the Federal Republic of Nigeria, so help us God. So resolved!

1. ALLEGIANCE TO THE SOVEREIGNTY OF THE PEOPLE OF NIGERIA We of the Young Democratic Party, avow our trust in the supremacy of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, its relevant provisions and the sovereignty of the Nigerian people. As a political party, we shall obey the rules by strict execution to the spirit and letter of the provisions. DIRECTIVE PRINCIPLES AND MISSION STATEMENT Young Democratic Party shall remain strongly committed to: 1) Democracy and good governance 2) Freedom, human rights and human dignity; 3) Justice, equity, and the rule of law; 4) Integrity and transparency in the conduct of public affairs. Mission Statement Faced with the tragic consequences of poverty and under-development, the mission of Young Democratic Party shall be to qualitatively transform the Nigerian economy and society. Therefore, we shall tirelessly work for:

a) The creation of a dynamic economy designed to serve the people s interest, and in which market forces are combined with the forces of partnership, solidarity and cooperation to create and produce goods and services for all; b) The establishment of free and democratic society, in which the powers and actions of Government are accountable; c) Building a just society which provides basic needs, ensures equal opportunities for self-development through education and gainful employment; defends the dignity of the human person; provides security; and delivers the masses from the tyranny of poverty, oppression and abuse of power; d) Sustained implementation of people-oriented programmes with particular emphasis on: i. War Against Insecurity ii. Integrated rural development iii. Rapid Industrial Growth iv. Excellence in Education, Science and Technology v. Rebuilding and Expanding Basic Infrastructure.

The Party shall be committed to the following principles: A. Participatory democracy that lays emphasis on the welfare of our people B. Social justice and the equality of opportunities for all citizens; c Promoting public accountability in order to restore confidence in institutions of government through leadership by example and personal integrity in the conduct of public affairs. C. Ensuring that those put in positions of power, including the President, will regard themselves as holding such power in trust for the people.. D. Fostering the spirit of oneness among our people by treating all Nigerians fairly through equitable distribution of common wealth, regardless of their social, political or economic status. E. The preservation of Nigeria as a secular state whilst guaranteeing freedom of religion and good conscience.

Our strategies for achieving the above objectives shall include: i. Participating fully in free and fair electoral processes; ii. Upholding the sanctity of elections and the supremacy of the will of the people; iii. Being responsive to public opinion; iv. Operating the politics of inclusion by accommodating people of diverse opinions and political inclinations in governance; v. Providing honest and transparent governance in the country while in power; vi. Supporting and accepting peaceful changes in government through the electoral process; vii. Respecting and defending democratic institutions in the country.

2. POLITICAL The political objectives of Young Democratic Party are as follows: A. To seek political power for the sole purpose of promoting the security, safety and welfare of all Nigerians. B. To promote and establish political stability and foster national and international integration. C. To promote good governance and set a pattern of political management which enthrones probity and emphasizes participatory democracy. D. To guarantee human rights and fundamental freedoms of all citizens and persons resident in Nigeria. E. To promote and nurture democratic ideals and traditions. F. To provide the political environment that is conducive for economic growth and national development through private initiative and free enterprise. G. To afford equal opportunities to hold the highest offices in the country to all citizens. H. To protect, defend and safeguard the interests of the minorities. Strategy The Party shall: i. Endeavour to seek political power by sponsoring its members for elective and appointive political offices in healthy, fair and free competitions devoid of rancour. ii. iii. iv. Be magnanimous in victory and gallant in defeat; and reject the politics of winner-takes-all; Establish a code of conduct on public affairs for all its e ers particularly public office holders and enforce the code through clearly defined sanctions; Encourage mass participation of Nigerians in the management of public affairs.

3. THE INDIVISIBILITY OF THE NIGERIAN POLITY A. YDP believes in the perpetual unity of Nigeria under a true Federal system of government. It shall therefore, continually promote political tolerance, national integration, religious harmony, as well as inter-ethnic and intra-ethnic accommodation and co-operation. B. The party shall be sensitive to the principle of power balancing among political entities at all levels. Strategy The YDP in government shall: i. Respect the rights of all political and ethnic entities at all levels to power in line with the constitution. ii. iii. Operate the federal-character principle with inclusive meritocracy; Pursue programmes that shall guarantee the socio-political and economic rights of all Nigerians.

4. THE JUDICIARY A. Uphold the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria; B. Uphold the principles of separation of power as enshrined in the constitution; C. Uphold the Independence of the Judiciary; D. Defend and enforce fundamental human rights and the rule of law without let or hindrance; and E. Pursue the efficient dispensation of justice at all times through full automation of the judicial process. Strategy YDP government shall at all times be guided by the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as it relates to the Judiciary. Towards this end, the party shall: i. Ensure that only Nigerians of proven integrity with relevant professional qualifications and track records are appointed to serve in the nation s judiciary; ii. iii. iv. Protect the absolute independence and integrity of the judiciary by avoiding interference in its financial and administrative management. Provide adequate office and residential accommodation and other facilities that will ensure and guarantee q and fair dispensation of justice; Ensure probity and public accountability in the administration of justice.

5. ECONOMY The economic objectives envisaged by the party will strive to achieve a self-reliant economy that will depend on the strength of the atio s resources and on the efforts of our peoples. Consequently, the following shall be the party s objectives; exchange earnings from a uni to a multi driven economy; E. Improve on the tax and internally revenue generated management systems; and F. Increasing and strengthening the Middle Class Bracket to strengthen democracy. A. The state will play a leading role in the economy through development of viable economic policies to achieve a self-reliant and sustainable society. B. The policy of privatization in the Nigerian economy shall be encouraged and expanded at all levels; C. Promote deliberate policies on growth of small and medium scale enterprises for poverty mitigation as well as provision of employment opportunities; D. Diversification of the foreign

6. AGRICULTURE Our agricultural objectives shall aim at: A. Self-sufficiency in food production throughout the year; B. Making agriculture attractive and profitable; C. Encouraging the integration of ICT and Innovative Sciences in agricultural practices; D. Promoting value addition of agricultural products to support industrialization and boost exports; E. Creating and strengthening necessary institutions; and F. Making welfare of farmers the priority of government. Strategy YDP government shall: livestock breeds; ii. Encourage plantation agriculture, especially in the area of arable and economic tree crop production. iii. Encourage geo-economic zones that transcends geo political boundaries iv. Stimulate the massive production of farm animals; v. Embark on massive irrigation schemes by emphasizing small scale dams to provide irrigation water; vi. Stimulate agricultural research through a package of incentives to the Universities of Agriculture as well as other agricultural research institutions; i. Facilitate the access to cheaper and better agricultural inputs, including farm tools, chemicals, fertilizers, improved seedlings, and

vii. viii. ix. Facilitate the access of farmers to agricultural loans; Increase the supply of agricultural extension System services through massive training and encouragement of extension personnel; and Revitalize and modernize the farm settlement System to increase agricultural productivity.

7. RURAL DEVELOPMENT The Party shall be committed to the following objectives: Integrated Rural Development; A. Reduction in the level of rural poverty; B. Reversal of Rural-Urban Migration; C. Re-introduction and expansion of extension services in the rural areas; and D. Expansion of mass literacy programmes, development of rural roads, water supply, community health-care, electrification and communication.

Strategy The Party shall: i. Encourage the establishment of small-scale and cottage industries; i. Increase funding for integrated rural development programmes; and ii. Cooperate with NGOs and multi-lateral agencies in the empowerment of rural communities.

8. INDUSTRIALIZATION Our objectives shall emphasize: A. Private entrepreneurship; B. Small and Medium Scale industries; C. Appropriate policy formulation that will enhance industrialization at all levels; D. Provision of industrial infrastructure and other enabling environment; and E. Promotion of industries using locally available raw materials.

Strategy YDP government shall embark on the following industrial programmes and schemes: i. Privatization of those public enterprises, for which private entrepreneurship, technical capacity and capital are locally available; ii. Establish and Fortify a Directorate for Small and Medium Scale industries; iii. Banking policies that encourage an industrial investment climate and ease of doing business for startup and growing businesses; iv. Provision of tax incentives for newly established industrial ventures that explore local raw materials or located in non-industrial zones; v. Creation of special industrial layouts across the country to stimulate economic development; vi. Encourage design and production of heavy industrial equipment manufacturing plants locally by private entrepreneurs; and vii. Promotion of local technology and labour-intensive industries in order to reduce unemployment.

9. HEALTH OBJECTIVE The party shall present a comprehensive health-care policy for the country, the essential aim of which shall be: A. Affordable Health-care access for all citizens; B. Affordable medical services in all institutions of learning; and C. Available medical services to the children, aged and the physically challenged.

Strategy YDP in government shall: i. Ensure that all Nigerians, particularly the young and the aged, have access to affordable medical services; ii. Provide free immunization to all children; iii. Progressively strengthen and establish functional Primary Health Centers, within the reach of every Nigerian, particularly the rural dwellers. iv. v. Progressively provide General Hospitals in all Local Government headquarters and Specialist hospitals in all State Capitals. vi. vii. Encourage research into traditional medical practices and integrate these practices into the orthodox medical system. viii. ix. Equip and expand the teaching Hospitals in the country; x. Build the capacity of Health Human Resources to provide the health needs of the populace;

xi. xii. xiii. xiv. xv. Provide special incentives for medical practitioners and other medical Personnel with particular emphasis on those located in remote areas; Stimulate the local production of medical drugs and other supplies; Encourage family planning by providing family planning services and materials free of charge; Regulate private hospitals, medical clinics, and pharmacies to protect Nigerians against exploitations; and Make and enforce stringent laws against the manufacturing and sale of fake and adulterated drugs; and promote a healthy physical environment by intensifying the present periodic environmental sanitation exercises.

10. EDUCATION The party in government shall: A. Ensure that the educational system is improved upon at all levels; B. Ensure rights to of every child to education; and C. Strategic reengineering of our educational system to accommodate our culture, history and political realities within the framework of our constitution. Strategy YDP in government shall pursue the following: i. Provision of: a) Free and compulsory primary education; b) Free and compulsory junior secondary education; and ; c) Affordable qualitative senior secondary education. ii. Expansion of the Unity School system as models and as instruments of fostering national unity;

iii. iv. Greater involvement of private individuals and agencies in the delivery of education services subject to government regulation; Establishment of adult and continuing education centers to promote mass literacy among Nigerians. v. Promote technical education; vi. Encouragement of the establishment of private universities, polytechnic and colleges of education subject to government regulation; vii. Adequate funding of primary, secondary, tertiary education and research; viii. Developing capacity of educational personnel and provision of competitive conditions of service; ix. Encourage merit based support for all; x. Encourage true autonomy of xi. tertiary institutions; Aggressive training of teaching personnel and enforcement for the requirement that the National Certificate in Education shall be the minimum qualification for primary school teachers; and xii. Provision of special facilities for the schooling of the children with special needs.

11. SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY The objectives of the party shall be: A. Creation and sustenance of an enabling environment for rapid technological development; B. Promotion of scientific and technological literacy among Nigerians; Strategy The strategies shall be to: i. Provide facilities and create conducive environment for the promotion of scientific and technological literacy among Nigerians; ii. Encourage existing scientific and technological research institutions to develop simple tools for industrial plants using locally available raw materials; and iii. Promote i e ti e pro ess i all le els of the atio s edu atio al syste s.

12. DEFENCE The party s o je ti es shall e o siste t ith the pro isio s of the Co stitutio i this regard. Specifically, our objectives are: A. National security in all its ramifications; B. Maintain an armed forces capable of discharging the afore-stated responsibility, and also supporting our foreign policy objectives; and C. Recruitment into the Armed Forces shall reflect the Federal Character while not jeopardizing merit. Strategy The party shall: i. Ensure a high standard of professionalism through constant training; ii. Pursue, as a deliberate policy of self-reliance, local production of arms, military equipment and command, control and communication systems; iii. Reequipping the Armed Forces to levels commensurate to minimum world standards; iv. Reassessing Nigeria s defe e i tera tio s ith her neighbours' to strengthen border areas

13. TRANSPORT The objectives of the party shall be to: A. Provide efficient transportation system throughout the country; and B. Upgrade all existing modes of transportation in the country (Road, Rail, Air and Water). Strategy Our strategy in each subsector shall be as follows: i. Road Transportation YDP in government shall: a) Introduce and sustain the culture of road maintenance by establishing a system of routine maintenance of roads; b) Embark on an aggressive development of roads; highways and feeder roads; c) Improve and expand Mass Transit Programmes.

ii. iii. iv. Water Transportation a) Facilitate water transportation by embarking on dredging channelization and canalization; and the construction of weirs; b) Ensure the easy availability of water transportation vehicles and spare and parts; c) Provide adequate and well-maintained modern seaport facilities that are economically viable. Air Transportation a) Promote a national carrier and make it efficient and Commercially viable; b) Encourage private investment in the air transport subsector; c) Provide state of the arts facilities and equipment in all the airports in the country; and d) Provide regular maintenance of the airports, equipment and facilities in safe and secure mode. Railways a) Revitalize and adequately fund the railway system; and b) Involve the private sector in the delivery of railway services;

14. COMMUNICATION A. Total re-orga izatio of the ou try s postal syste ith a ie of guaranteeing its efficiency; B. To make telecommunication more affordable and accessible down to the grassroots; and C. To ensure optimal quality of telecommunication services. Strategy The party shall: i. Ensure the commercialization of the sector; ii. Encourage Global competitiveness in software development; iii. Advance our global presence in space management; and iv. Promote digital literacy amongst all Nigerians.

15. INTERNAL SECURITY A. Promotion of policies aimed at guaranteeing security of lives and safety of property; B. Ensuring discipline, probity and accountability among security agents; C. Improve police-community relations and support State Policing; D. Promotion of professionalism within the police, prison security and other para-military agencies; and E. Provision of a more reformative prison system. Strategy YDP Government shall: i. Equip the relevant security agencies with modern equipment; ii. Provide more professional training opportunities; and iii. Ensure provision of enhanced conditions and environment of service.

16. ENERGY YDP shall optimize the exploration of all energy resources to enhance national development. Strategy i. Decentralize sourcing and distribution of energy resources; ii. iii. iv. Provide adequate and efficient energy at the least cost to every Nigerian; Promote the supply of energy through all energy sources; and Intensify the implementation of rural electricity supply schemes.

17. WATER SUPPLY Our objectives shall be: A. To provide potable water in urban, semi-urban and rural areas; and B. To ensure synergy between agencies relevant to the provision and usage of water sources. Strategy YDP government shall adopt the following strategies: i. The protection of domestically usable surface water against pollution and contamination; ii. Ensure the supply of potable water to all urban and rural communities in the countries; iii. To maintain and construct dams for irrigation, hydro electric energy and treatment plants; iv. To ensure the improvement of water sanitization programme throughout the country; and v. Encourage the local production of water treatment chemicals.

18. LABOUR EMPLOYMENT AND WAGES YDP shall vigorously strive: A. To improve the working conditions of the Nigeria labour force; and B. To ensure that workers are reasonably remunerated by the public and private sectors. Strategy The following steps will be taken: i. Review of the current monthly minimum wage in line with the prevailing economic realities; ii. Review of the current remuneration of workers, including fringe benefits; iii. Enforcement of labour discipline and productivity; iv. Overhaul of the Industrial Arbitration Court. v. Ensure Social Security Cover for all workers; and vi. Review of the pension rate of retired workers.

19. NATURAL MINERAL INDUSTRY YDP government shall: A. Ensure judicious exploitation of Nigeria s natural mineral resources; and B. Promote resource control at all levels. Strategy YDP Government shall: iv. Speed up the process of converting the country s wasting natural gas to productive and commercial use; v. Encourage participation of local industries; and vi. Fortify the Iron and Steel Industry to help galvanize heavy and light equipment. i. Identify all solid-minerals deposit in Nigeria and ascertain the commercial quantity; ii. Involve the private sector in the exploitation of the country s mineral resources; iii. Reorganize and strengthen the oil and gas sector;

20. YOUTH AND SPORTS A. Make Nigerian youths realize their maximum potentials; B. Promote interaction among youths for national understanding and integration; and C. Enact laws against child abuse and child labour. Strategy: YDP in government shall: ii. iii. iv. of post-secondary institutions; Promote and encourage societies/clubs for the physical and intellectual development of the members; Promote the culture of community service; and Promote and encourage the private sector involvement in the development of sports. i. Reorganize the National Service Programme to embrace all graduates

21. THE NIGERIAN CULTURE Our party shall: Recognize our culture, customs and traditions as an integral part of our collective identity. Strategy YDP government shall: i. Progressively integrate the diverse culture of the people of Nigeria. ii. Promote only those aspects of our culture that are conducive to fostering national unity and gradually phase out all of its unfavourable aspects; iii. Employ culture as an instrument for mounding Nigeria s social and political behaviour; iv. Employ culture to promote the ou try s traditional values of honesty, integrity and hospitality;, as well as intra and inter-ethnic understanding, religious harmony and socio-political solidarity; and v. Internationalize the ou try s cultural values and hence, the political values arising therefrom, particularly within the continent of Africa.

22. WOMEN Women are an important group of Nigerians whose participation in national politics has been minimal due largely to cultural inhibition and barriers. The relevance of women, their numerical strength and their multiplier effects in the mass mobilization of the Nigerian people for the attainment of educational, health, and socio-economic objectives are recognized by the party. Accordingly, our party in government shall pursue globally accepted policies that promote the rights of women.. Strategy Our government shall: i. Ensure gender equality in employment and socio economic advancement, and promote greater women involvement and effective participation in politics; ii. iii. iv. Embark on an aggressive crusade of greater political awareness and mass mobilization of Nigerian women for participation in a sustainable national development; Ensure adequate women representation in all the organs and institutions of the party and of its government through encouraged participation of women in electoral contests and through political appointments; and Strengthen women societies to enable it become more effective in engineering the process of economic and political empowerment of Nigerian women.

23. HUMAN RIGHTS YDP recognize that the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria guarantees the fundamental human rights of every Nigerian citizen. This includes: 1) Right to life 2) Right to dignity of human persons 3) Right to personal liberty 4) Right to fair hearing 5) Right to private and family life 6) Right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion 7) Right to freedom of expression and the press 8) Right to peaceful assembly and association 9) Right to freedom of movement 10) Right to medical consultation 11) Right to freedom from discrimination 12) Right to education 13) Right to acquire and own immovable property anywhere in the Federation 14) Right to personal liberty 15) Right to vote and be voted for in any given election

YDP shall respect these rights. In doing so, however, we shall ensure that every Nigerian enjoys and exercise these rights within the limits imposed by the laws of Nigeria. Strategy YDP government shall: iii. the event of the violation of any of the rights; and Support the Human Right organizations in Nigeria to enable them complement the efforts in promoting human rights awareness, education and in checking human rights abuses. i. Ensure that every Nigerian enjoys his or her fundamental rights without undue government interference; ii. Simplify the processes of seeking redress in

24. ENVIRONMENT It shall be our policy to ensure that every Nigerian lives in an environment which is conducive to good health and soundness of body and mind. The party shall in particular address ecological challenges in the country. Strategy YDP government shall: i. Encourage periodic environmental sanitation exercise in Nigeria; ii. Promote the habit of conscious waste disposal by people; iii. Ensure the regular and proper disposal of household and industrial wastes; iv. Establish and implement programmes aimed at checking environmental pollution and degradation; v. Ensure adequate funding for related environmental agencies; and vi. Improve environmental la ds ape of Nigeria s ur a and rural communities.

25. THE CIVIL SERVICE YDP shall improve conditions of service, and also promote efficiency, dedication and loyalty in the civil service. Strategy i. Our government in office shall: ii. ensure competitive condition of service; and iii. Ensure security of service to the Nigerian Civil Service system.

26. TRADITIONAL RULES YDP regard the authorities and influence of traditional rulers as complementary to governance. Strategy Our party in government shall: i. Support the roles assigned to traditional rulers in the Nigerian constitution;

27. HOUSING The Party shall ensure the rights of every Nigerian to shelter according to the provisions in the constitution of the federal republic of Nigeria. Strategy i. The party shall: Simplify process of acquiring land for residential building purpose; ii. Promote sourcing and use of local building materials; iii. Provide home ownership guaranteed loans at single digit interest rates; iv. Encourage corporate bodies, companies, industries and parastatals to provide housing for their staff on owner-occupier basis with liberal terms for repayment; and v. Implement and strengthen a resettlement policy to take care of people displaced either as a result of government projects, natural disasters or ecological factors.

28. TOURISM Our party in government shall give pride of place to the exploitation of our tourist potentials in the country. Strategy Empower appropriate agencies to take our tourism potentials to its peak.; i. Encourage the active participation of private entrepreneurs and nongovernmental organizations in the development of our tourist industry; and ii. Harmonize the activity tourism operators to evolve a coherent national policy dealing with all aspects of tourism in the country.

29. FOREIGN POLICY Our government shall pursue a foreign policy aimed at protecting Nigerians and Nigeria s interest, boosting her international image and promoting her economic independence. Strategy YDP government shall: i. Protect and promote the interest of every Nigerian in any part of the world ii. Commit to the principles of ECOWAS, OAU and United Nations Charters, as well as those of other international organizations of which Nigeria is a member; iii. Commit to the political and economic emancipation of Africans in the diaspora; iv. Promote greater economic and political cooperation and interdependence among neighbouring countries; and v. Provide diplomatic and economic leadership in Africa in general and West African in particular.