Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening its longstanding partnership with the United Nations to promote sustainable democratic governance and regional prosperity across Africa.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, made the pledge on Tuesday in Abuja while receiving the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Regional Director for Africa, Ms. Ahunna Eziakonwa.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued by the ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu congratulated Eziakonwa on her recent appointment as United Nations Assistant Secretary-General, describing the achievement as a source of pride for both Nigeria and the African continent.
She reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to initiatives that promote women’s political participation, leadership development, and youth empowerment.
“Nigeria firmly supports programmes that promote women’s political participation, leadership development, and youth empowerment,” the minister said.
She added that investing in the next generation of African leaders is critical to achieving sustainable peace, democratic governance, and inclusive development across the continent.
The minister also reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to working closely with the United Nations to advance the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the African Union’s Agenda 2063, and other initiatives aimed at improving the lives of Africans.
Earlier, Eziakonwa commended Nigeria for its leadership in promoting regional economic integration, describing the country’s active role as indispensable to the success of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
She praised Nigeria’s contributions to shaping Africa’s development agenda and reaffirmed the UNDP’s readiness to support the Federal Government in promoting inclusive economic growth, entrepreneurship, innovation, and policies that strengthen regional value chains and boost intra-African trade.
Eziakonwa also invited Odumegwu-Ojukwu to serve as a mentor and speaker at upcoming engagements with UNDP fellows, as well as at a high-level programme aimed at bringing together women leaders from across Africa to strengthen women’s participation in governance and public leadership.
Source: NAN
