Nigeria Will Remain Catalyst for Africa’s Economic Integration and Water Sustainablity– Odumegwu-Ojukwu
Oru Leonard
Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to driving Africa’s economic transformation and regional integration, with the Federal Government declaring that there is no alternative to African unity in confronting the continent’s challenges.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, made the declaration during the commemoration of the 2026 Africa Day celebration held in Abuja on Monday night.
The event, organised by the Forum of African Missions, marked the anniversary of the establishment of the Organization of African Unity, now the African Union, founded in 1963.
Speaking on the theme, “Assuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation System to Achieve the Goals of Agenda 2063,” the minister said the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu would continue to pursue policies that strengthen sustainable development and deepen regional cooperation under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
According to Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Africa Day remains a significant reminder of the continent’s shared history, collective struggles, and aspirations for unity, peace, and prosperity.
“Africa Day is far more than a ceremonial observance,” she stated. “It is a powerful symbol of the enduring vision and courage of our founding fathers, who in 1963 established the Organization of African Unity, now the African Union, with the noble objective of promoting solidarity, safeguarding sovereignty, and advancing the political and economic liberation of our continent.”
The minister stressed that Africa’s development depends largely on unity and collective action, insisting that the continent must speak with one voice in addressing insecurity, economic inequality, climate change, and global injustices.
She noted that Africa’s cultural diversity should serve as a bridge for stronger cooperation among nations, while preserving the continent’s identity and empowering younger generations.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu also drew attention to the importance of sustainable water management, describing water as central to human survival, public health, food production, industrial growth, and environmental sustainability.
She lamented that millions of Africans still lack access to clean water and proper sanitation, warning that the challenge threatens lives, livelihoods, economic development, and social stability across the continent.
“As Africa confronts the growing impacts of climate change, desertification, pollution, and rapid urbanization, our commitment to sustainable water management must become more deliberate and coordinated,” she said.
The minister called on African countries to invest in resilient infrastructure, strengthen cooperation over shared water resources, embrace innovation and technology, and implement policies that guarantee equitable access to water and sanitation services.
She further noted that the Africa Day theme aligns with the aspirations of Agenda 2063, the continent’s blueprint for inclusive growth and sustainable development.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu urged Africans to renew their faith in the continent, strengthen unity, preserve cultural heritage, and work collectively toward building a prosperous future for generations to come.
