- Government functionaries thronged airport to welcome the President
- Tinubu reaffirmed Africa’s unity and strength at AU
- Tinubu revealed intentions to strengthen ECOWAS Standby Force at AU
President Bola Tinubu has returned to Abuja, the nation’s capital after attending the 5th Mid-Year Coordination Meeting of the African Union, AU, which took place in Kenya at the weekend.
His flight touched down at the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport at 4:20 p.m. on Monday.
Among government functionaries who thronged the airport to welcome him included the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume.
Others were the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; Imo Governor, Hope Uzodinnma, and former Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.
President Tinubu was at the meeting in his capacity as the Chairman of the Authority of the Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
He had embarked on the journey to Kenya on Saturday.
Top among deliberations at the Nairobi meeting saw Tinubu reaffirming Africa’s unity and strength, and rejection of a new scramble for Africa.
Tinubu had also revealed intentions to strengthen the ECOWAS Standby Force in a bid to deter coups and terrorism in the continent.
He also showcased his commitment to strengthening the ECOWAS Stand-by Force, with the aim to deter coups and combat terrorism in the sub-region.
Meanwhile, African Heads of State and Government have declared their commitment to advancing integration, development and cooperation within the continent.
The leaders, representing the Bureau of the Assembly of the African Union (AU) and Chairpersons of the eight Regional Economic Communities (RECs) as well as Regional Mechanisms (RMs), concluded the Fifth Mid-Year Coordination Meeting of AU in Nairobi, Kenya, yesterday, with the adoption of a draft declaration.
According to a statement by presidential spokesman, Dele Alake, the meeting chaired by President Azali Assoumani of Comoros and the chairperson of the African Union was attended by President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria and the chairperson of ECOWAS, as well the presidents of Kenya, Egypt, Gabon, Djibouti, Libya, Senegal and DR Congo.
The leaders expressed their support for initiatives aimed at boosting connectivity and tourism within Africa, including the implementation of E-visa facilitation.
They also pledged to champion the ratification of the Protocol on Free Movement of Persons to effectively support the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agenda.
The leaders vowed to support the operationalisation and expansion of key initiatives such as the AfCFTA Adjustment Facility, Payment and Settlement System, and Guided Trade Initiative, aiming to enhance trade facilitation and economic cooperation.
Earlier at the meeting, President Tinubu, in his capacity as the chairperson of ECOWAS, presented a comprehensive report on the progress and challenges faced in regional integration.
He emphasised ECOWAS’ commitment to promoting stability, democracy, and economic growth in Africa, underscoring the sub-regional organisation’s dedication to good governance, rule of law and democratic values.
Tinubu reaffirmed ECOWAS’ readiness to actively combat security challenges, working towards the integration and prosperity of the region.
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