National News
Europe, Africa Must Maximise Potentials For Transformative Development, Says VP Shettima
Europe, Africa Must Maximise Potentials For Transformative Development, Says VP Shettima
** Urges European Union to be co-creator of continent’s prosperity
By: Our Reporter
The Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, has implored the European Union (EU) and Africa to maximise their potential for the continent’s transformative development.
He described the EU as Nigeria’s natural partner, whose investments in the most populous nation on the African continent have been assisting greatly in realising ongoing reforms by the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Senator Shettima who stated this on Thursday during a meeting with a delegation of the EU led by its Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Ambassador Gautier Mignot, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, called for deeper bilateral ties between Nigeria and the EU, saying the nation’s relationship with the regional body must advance from well-intentioned commitments to transformative results.
Accordingly, he pledged Nigeria’s readiness to continue to leverage Global Gateway, a strategic initiative of the EU to invest in smart, clean, and secure infrastructure as well as connectivity across the world, including Nigeria, by accelerating key projects like the high-speed rail links, improved ports and airports, renewable power plants, and vocational training centers.
Urging the continent and the regional body to maximise their potential, he said, “The EU are our natural allies and natural partners. I am guided by logic, rationality and not by sentiments. We see our relationship with the EU as a long-term goal because we have come a long way, and there is room for improvement.
“Our expectations as Nigerians and as Africans are clear. We want this partnership to graduate from well-meaning commitments to transformative outcomes. We want more joint ventures, deeper trade facilitation under the AfCFTA, unchangeable investments in energy, education and digital inclusion.”
Maintaining that a stronger relationship with the EU is sacrosanct, the VP noted that Nigeria shares many things in common with the EU, including commitment to democracy, freedom of worship, inclusivity and gender empowerment, even as he said it is time to build a future where multilateralism reflects true mutuality globally.
He continued: “We hope to see the EU move from being a donor to being a co-creator of African prosperity. We really want to be partners with the European Union, not as recipients of aid but as co-creators of prosperity and wealth.
“And we have some commonalities that we share – our commitment to democracy, freedom of worship, inclusivity and gender empowerment, green technology initiative and climate adaptability. We are literally on the same page with the EU on so many issues.”
On the efforts of the current leadership of the African Union (AU) Commission, VP Shettima said it has brought a renewed commitment and clarity to the vision of the AU.
“I believe they are poised to reposition Africa not just as a subject of global discussion but as a co-author of the world’s next chapter,” he added.
Earlier, EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot, emphasised the strength and longevity of the relationship between the two continents, which is celebrating 25 years.
Mignot said, “The EU is Africa’s first partner—its first trading partner, first investor, first provider of official development assistance, and first humanitarian donor.”
According to the Ambassador, EU foreign direct investment (FDI) in Africa reached €309 billion in 2022, significantly outpacing both the United States and China.
“It shows the strength of the EU’s commitment to Africa, and we want to enhance this presence,” Mignot added.
He explained that the meeting will also review progress on the Joint Vision for 2030, a shared strategic framework agreed upon at the last AU-EU Summit in 2022. This vision aligns with Africa’s development roadmap—Agenda 2063—and the operationalisation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
President Tinubu Committed To Sustaining Nigeria, Zambia Fraternal Brotherhood – VP Shettima
Meanwhile, Vice President Shettima has said Nigeria and the Republic of Zambia share a longstanding fraternal brotherhood, and the administration of President Tinubu is committed to sustaining the relationship.
The Vice President stated this on Thursday when he received President Hakainde Hichilema of Zambia’s Special Envoy, Dr Samuel Miambo, who was at the Presidential Villa to deliver President Hichilema’s message to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Senator Shettima said Nigeria was proud of its shared heritage with Zambia, especially the country’s contributions to civil liberties liberation during the apartheid era, and its strong democratic heritage and stability since independence.
He assured the envoy of Nigeria’s continued support for the government and people of Zambia, particularly in the pursuit of programmes and policies that target the improvement of lives and livelihoods of the people of both countries.
Earlier, Dr Miambo, who conveyed President Hichilema’s message and special greetings to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, solicited Nigeria’s support for his quest for the presidency of the African Development Bank (AfDB).
He said as a big brother in the continent, Nigeria’s support will be crucial for the success of any presidency of the AfDB and highlighted his vision for the development of the continent anchored on energy security, infrastructure and the construction of an African Centre of Excellence for Energy in Nigeria.
Accompanying the Special Envoy on the visit to the Vice President were the Zambian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Amb. George Imbuwa; Advisers to the Zambian President – Mr Manfred Ndonuie and Mrs Elita Mwambazi.
Europe, Africa Must Maximise Potentials For Transformative Development, Says VP Shettima
Nigeria@65: FG’s programmes improving welfare of Nigerians- NOA
The National Orientation Agency (NOA), on Wednesday said that the Federal Government’s programmes and policies under President Bola Tinubu-led administration were improving the welfare of Nigerians.
Mrs Adaline Patari, the State Director of NOA, Gombe State office, stated this shortly after a road show to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence Day anniversary in Gombe.
Patari said that programmes and policies of Tinubu-led administration had supported many Nigerians from the student’s loan to conditional cash transfer to support to small businesses amongst others.
She stated that the initiatives by the present administration had restored hope and put the country amongst serious countries pursuing better reforms to improve their economy while revamping infrastructure.
According to her, many undergraduates benefitting from the student’s loan scheme which has removed all financial hindrances impeding access to tertiary education now feel a sense of belonging.
She said that the programmes and policies of the Federal Government have benefitted many households and improved their welfare in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu.
“The reforms of the Federal Government are working and many persons are proud to be Nigerians and more persons are now trying to do the right things as Nigerians.
“People are beginning to see themselves as proud Nigerians and that confidence of being a Nigerian is being restored.
“Today, many Nigerians are benefitting from the programmes of the current administration, this means that the country is now working for them,” she said.
While acknowledging that there were still challenges that needed to be addressed, Patari said, at 65, we have made tremendous progress especially working together in peace and unity.
She urged Nigerians to continue to support Tinubu administration’s programmes towards building a better country that works for all Nigerians.
The state director said that with the necessary reforms being carried out and already yielding results in the economic, agriculture, security and other sectors, more Nigerians would be prouder to be Nigerians in the future.
“Today, the country is progressing and we are united; we are now prouder to be Nigerians and I can tell you that the labour of our heroes past, indeed is never in vain,” she added.
Commending the contributions of youths to national development, Patari urged them to have a positive mind-set towards Nigeria and to always express optimism of a better Nigeria for everyone.
Patari also lauded the renewed strength with which NOA under the Director General of the agency, Malam Lanre Issa-Onilu was being driven.
She said that government’s policies and programmes were getting more supports from Nigerians because of the constant engagements of Nigerians by the NOA nationwide.
The event also featured sensitisation of residents on Federal Government’s policies, programmes and the need for the people to support the current administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda
Nigeria@65: FG’s programmes improving welfare of Nigerians- NOA
Nigeria, European Union hold inaugural Trade and Investment Dialogue
By: Michael Mike
Senior Government officials of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the European Union (EU) have today met in Abuja to assess the vibrant economic partnership between the two parties and chart a way forward.
The inaugural Nigeria-EU Senior Officials Trade and investment Dialogue (TID) was anchored by the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment (FMITI), Ambassador Nura Abba Rimi, and Director of the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Trade and Economic Security (DG TRADE), Ms Dora Correia,
The Minister of Industry, Trade and Investments, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, and the EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot,, welcomed the launch of the Dialogue, which they said underscored the growing importance attached to trade and investment in the EU-Nigeria partnership.
This Senior Officials’ meeting marks an important step in strengthening the trade and investment partnership between the EU and Nigeria, and provided opportunity for the officials to exchange views on areas of mutual interest; address potential challenges and explore opportunities for further collaboration.
Discussions focused on a range of issues, including trade and investment policy, cooperation on market access barriers and requirements, preferential trade and investment arrangements, investment, collaboration within the World Trade Organization (WTO), regulatory measures that could impact trade and investment, and the identification of trade and investment-related development cooperation areas.
Both sides expressed their interest to continue the Dialogue, with the second TID billed to take place in Brussels, Belgium, in 2026, on a date to be jointly decided.
Nigeria, European Union hold inaugural Trade and Investment Dialogue
FG Declares Wednesday, Oct. 1 Public Holiday to Marks 65th Independence Anniversary
By: Michael Mike
The Federal Government has declared Wednesday, 1st of October as a public holiday to commemorate Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary.
The Honourable Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government, congratulated all Nigerians both at home and in the diaspora on this historic occasion.
Tunji-Ojo, in a statement by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior, Dr. Magdalene Ajani, enjoined citizens to continue to uphold the patriotic spirit, unity, and resilience that have sustained the nation since independence in 1960.
He urged Nigerians to further keep faith in the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, which is anchored on national rebirth, economic transformation, and collective prosperity.
The Minister expressed confidence that, with the cooperation of all Nigerians, the country will continue to grow stronger in peace, progress, and development.
He wished Nigerians a happy and memorable 2025 Independence Day celebration.
FG Declares Wednesday, Oct. 1 Public Holiday to Marks 65th Independence Anniversary
RHI Flow With Confidence program Launched across Nigeria
Fagbemi Calls for Appellate Mechanism in ECOWAS Court
Trans-Border Security: Zulum travels to Niger Republic Community
Roger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
THE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
POLICE CHARGE ROOMS, A MINTING PRESS
-
News2 years agoRoger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
-
Opinions4 years ago
THE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
-
Opinions4 years ago
POLICE CHARGE ROOMS, A MINTING PRESS
-
News2 years agoEYN: Rev. Billi, Distortion of History, and The Living Tamarind Tree
-
Columns2 years agoArmy University Biu: There is certain interest, but certainly not from Borno.
-
ACADEMICS2 years agoA History of Biu” (2015) and The Lingering Bura-Pabir Question (1)
-
News6 months agoFAILED COUP IN BURKINA FASO: HOW TRAORÉ NARROWLY ESCAPED ASSASSINATION PLOT AMID FOREIGN INTERFERENCE CLAIMS
-
Opinions2 years agoTinubu,Shettima: The epidemic of economic, insecurity in Nigeria
