President Bola Tinubu has called for stronger regional cooperation to tackle insecurity in Africa, describing it as a critical barrier to the continent’s development and growth.
Speaking during a meeting with the newly appointed Ethiopian Ambassador to Nigeria, Legesse Geremew Haile, at the State House in Abuja on Thursday, the President, in a statement by his spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, emphasised that sustainable peace and stability must come from within Africa itself.
“We need to continue pursuing peace on our continent. We need to work hard together to promote peace and stability. Our challenge in Africa is insecurity. Insecurity detracts from development. We do not have anybody that will bring peace to us, except we work for it,” Tinubu said.
The meeting highlighted the need for enhanced bilateral relations between Nigeria and Ethiopia, particularly in mutual cultural exchange and regional security. The Ethiopian Ambassador acknowledged these shared goals, pledging to build on his predecessors’ work. “I am in Nigeria to build on the achievements of my predecessors. We will focus on culture. Our cultural relations are a big industry, already enhanced by the Ethiopian Airline,” he said.
In another diplomatic engagement, President Tinubu received the High Commissioner of Sierra Leone, Dr. Julius F. Sandy, who highlighted Nigeria’s decades-long investment in Sierra Leone’s development. Tinubu reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to supporting progress and peace across West Africa.
“Nigeria’s interest in developing the West Coast and Africa remains a priority,” Tinubu told the High Commissioner. “In Sierra Leone, more Nigerians are doing business than Sierra Leoneans. Most of my teachers in school were Nigerians. There is no difference between a Nigerian and a Sierra Leonean when you are walking on the streets of Freetown,” the envoy said, expressing gratitude for Nigeria’s continuous support.
During talks with Pasquale Salvaggio, Canada’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, Tinubu was briefed on the contributions of Nigerians living in Canada, including their achievements in education, sports, science, and business. Salvaggio praised Nigerians for their responsibility and purposeful pursuit of goals.
“For us, Nigeria is a key partner. You are the largest country in Africa, with one of the largest economies. You are also Canada’s largest trading partner in Africa,” he said, adding that Canada seeks to deepen ties with Nigeria in critical sectors like oil and gas, ICT, and agriculture.
Tinubu welcomed Canada’s intentions to expand relations and commended the accomplishments of Nigerians abroad. “It is good to hear about how Nigerians are doing well in the diaspora again,” Tinubu said, noting that such achievements inspire the younger generation and enhance Nigeria’s global image.
The President also hosted Archbishop Michael Francis Crotty, the Apostolic Nuncio of the Vatican, to Nigeria, during which he acknowledged the Catholic Church’s pivotal role in improving education and alleviating poverty across the country. “We have a lot of value for education in Nigeria, and the Catholic Church has done a lot in that regard, as well as in fighting poverty. Education reduces ignorance and poverty,” Tinubu said.
As African nations grapple with security challenges, Tinubu’s message underscored the urgency of regional cooperation, emphasising that Africa’s future depends on its ability to secure peace internally and collectively drive development forward.
