Abuja — Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, has reaffirmed the country’s commitment to serving as a catalyst for Africa’s economic transformation and continental integration, stressing that unity remains the continent’s strongest tool for progress.
Speaking at the commemoration of the 2026 Africa Day in Abuja, Odumegwu-Ojukwu declared that there is no viable alternative to African unity if the continent is to overcome its socio-economic and political challenges.
The event, organised by the Forum of African Missions, marked the historic formation of the Organization of African Unity, now known as the African Union.
The minister said Nigeria, under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, would continue to champion policies that promote sustainable development and strengthen regional cooperation across Africa.
Highlighting the theme of this year’s celebration, “Assuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation System to Achieve the Goals of Agenda 2063,” she called for urgent investment in water infrastructure and equitable access to sanitation services.
According to her, millions of Africans still lack access to clean water and proper sanitation, a situation that threatens public health, economic productivity, and social stability.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu described Africa Day as more than a ceremonial observance, noting that it symbolizes the enduring vision of the continent’s founding fathers who sought unity, sovereignty, and economic liberation.
She emphasized that cultural diversity across Africa should serve as a bridge for deeper cooperation, adding that culture remains a vital instrument for peace-building, integration, and sustainable development.
The minister further stressed that Africa’s progress depends on collective action, urging countries to speak with one voice in addressing insecurity, inequality, climate change, and global injustices.
“As Africa confronts the growing impacts of climate change, desertification, and rapid urbanisation, our commitment to sustainable water management must become more deliberate and coordinated,” she said.
She called for increased investment in resilient infrastructure, technological innovation, and stronger regional collaboration over shared water resources, noting that these efforts align with the aspirations of the Agenda 2063.
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Odumegwu-Ojukwu urged Africans to renew their faith in the continent and recommit to unity, solidarity, and purposeful action toward building a prosperous and inclusive future.
The Africa Day celebration commemorates the founding of the OAU in 1963 and serves as a reminder of Africa’s shared history, struggles, and aspirations for unity and development.
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