AU body calls for partnerships to tackle challenges in Africa

African Union (AU), Economic Social and Cultural Council (ECOSOSCC) has underscored the need for stakeholders and government at all levels to work closely to tackle challenges in the continent.

Dr Tunji Asaolu, First-Nigerian Representative of the Permanent General Assembly of the AU-ECOSOCC, made the call in his address at the inaugural ceremony of a two-day stakeholders consultative meeting in Abuja.

The meeting on the theme “Enhancing efficiency, growth and sustainability towards implementation of AU vision in Nigera” was organised by AU-ECOSOCC in collaboration with Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF).

According to Asaolu, the call has become imperative to enable the continent to achieve set targets.

“The meeting can not have come at a better time than now, considering the insecurity and economic challenges, which have made standard of living difficult for our people, hence, requiring our intervention.

“I, therefore, urge you to deeply be conscious of the importance of the purpose which has brought us here together.

“So, there is need for us to come together to deal with challenges such as poverty, illiteracy, development, conflict and law of integration in the continent.

“Specifically, the scourge which undermine the progress of our people and the continent,” Asaolu said.

In her presentation, Mrs Victoria Agbo, Director, International Organisation Department, Office of the Secretary Government of the Federation (OSGF), assured the meeting that government would work closely with AU-ECOSOCC to improve the wellbeing of Nigerians.

“The role of government in popularising the activities of the AU in Nigeria is key so that they can provide advisory support, including interactions with other nations in the continent.

“In this wise, government will continue to provide the required support within its resources and mandate of advisory bodies to ensure that we get the best out of our membership in the continental body,” Agbo said.

Similarly, Mr Anamero Dekeri, Managing Director of Gulf Treasures Limited and Danko Investment stressed the need for deeper relations between the AU body and government.

Dekeri, who was conferred with the award of excellence for his contribution to development in the continent, expressed appreciation to both AU-ECOSOCC and OSGF.

“I want to appreciate AU body for considering me for the award, which I do not think I really deserve.

“It is indeed an honour that I shall never take for granted,” Dekeri said.

ECOSOCC is an advisory body set up to give Civil Society Organisations a voice within African Union institutions and the decision-making processes.

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