By Zainab Bakare
Nigeria has called for stronger partnership with the African Union Development Agency-New Partnership for Africa’s Development, AUDA-NEPAD, to expand economic opportunities for young people and women.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, made the call during a bilateral meeting with AUDA-NEPAD Chief Executive Officer, Nardos Bekele-Thomas, on the sidelines of the African Union Executive Council meeting in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
In a statement by the Special Assistant on Communication and New Media to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Magnus Eze, the minister said Nigeria’s youthful population presents a major opportunity for economic transformation.
“More than 70 per cent of Nigeria’s population comprises young people, making greater investment in youth-focused programmes imperative,” Odumegwu-Ojukwu said.
She urged AUDA-NEPAD to prioritise Nigeria in the implementation of the African Demographic Dividend Programme and other development initiatives.
The minister also called for increased support for women empowerment and private sector development, describing them as critical drivers of inclusive growth.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu commended AUDA-NEPAD’s mobilisation of 100 million dollars for the African Demographic Dividend Programme, describing it as a major boost to Africa’s development agenda.
Responding, AUDA-NEPAD Chief Executive Officer, Nardos Bekele-Thomas, said the agency was ready to deepen its partnership with Nigeria.
“As Africa’s premier development agency, we are excited to deepen our collaboration with Nigeria, working together to create new economic opportunities, empower communities and translate the aspirations of Agenda 2063 into tangible benefits for the people,” she said.
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation towards sustainable development and inclusive economic growth.
