African Unity Emphasized as President Tinubu Calls for Strategic Efforts
Malabo, Equatorial Guinea – Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has urged African leaders to make strategic and deliberate efforts in addressing the exodus of skills and talent from the continent. The President made this call during a dinner held in his honor in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea.
President Tinubu emphasized that developing the continent’s resources and finding home-grown solutions to its challenges will bring about progress. He decried the fact that African professionals and experts are leaving the continent due to lack of opportunities and expressed frustration at the continent’s perceived stagnation.
“Why are we complaining about healthcare problems if our doctors cannot have a home in our continent? If our nurses are faced with destitution, and if our judicial system is archaic?” Tinubu asked.
The President also commended the people of Equatorial Guinea and his host, President Mbasogo, for their warm welcome, calling it a “homecoming”. He stressed the importance of unity, calling the continent “a single family” and urging leaders to foster collaboration and peace.
“We say no to conflicts, and we welcome a future of peace, stability, and democracy. We have agreed on that with President Mbasogo and other leaders,” Tinubu stated.
In his remarks earlier, President Mbasogo had welcomed Tinubu and his delegation to Equatorial Guinea, expressing his nation’s gratitude for the visit.
As part of the visit, both presidents signed an agreement on the Gulf of Guinea Gas Pipeline Project, as they strengthened their bilateral relations through increased cooperation in areas such as education, mining, defense, security, and agriculture. Tinubu emphasized the need for Africa to tackle its own problems, rather than outsourcing them, and called for a continued focus on research and development.
“We definitely will continue to promote peace and stability throughout the continent, and we will work together with like-minded countries to address the challenges ahead,” Tinubu said in closing.
The visit solidifies the growing partnership between Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea, as they work to leverage each other’s strengths and address mutual interests.
