The African Union (AU) Ambassadors have said corruption and unemployment will continue to pose significant threats to Africa’s development if leaders do not take urgent action to address the social malaises.
They stated this at the 2nd Investiture of Ambassadors of the Order of the AU Agenda 2063 in Abuja where Vivian Elegalam and Orok Orok were coordinated.
Elegalam noted that unemployment was a serious issue in Africa, particularly in Nigeria where many youths were unemployed and advised young people not to wait for government jobs but to take initiatives to do something for themselves.
She stressed the need for African governments to address corruption, describing it as a major hindrance to development and urged leaders to prioritise citizens over personal gain as corruption leads to suffering and hunger.
Elegalam said: “Corruption is a major issue hindering development in Africa. Leaders need to prioritize citizens over personal gain. In Nigeria, corruption is rampant, and it leads to suffering and hunger. Leaders are there to serve, not to exploit.
“Unemployment is another significant issue in Africa, especially Nigeria, where many youths are unemployed. The government seems to be falling short of providing lasting solutions.
As an AU ambassador, my advice is for the youth not to wait for government jobs, as not everyone can be employed by the government.”
In his remarks, the chairman of the Governing Council of the African Union Agenda 2063 Ambassadorial Assembly, Dr Tunji Asaolu said though corruption and bad leadership are the bane of the continent’s development but they were not unique to Africa.
Asaolu, who is the Deputy Secretary-General of African Affairs of the International Society of Diplomats reiterated the need for patriotic Africans to be committed to the cause of achieving the goals of Agenda 2063.
He said: “Agenda 2063 is a 50-year plan for development, aiming for a united Africa with one passport and currency by 2063. We need like-minded individuals to promote this agenda and make it understandable to the public.
“Corruption and bad leadership are issues, but they are not unique to Africa. With patriotic Africans committed to this cause, I believe we can achieve our goals.”
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