Nigeria remains driver of Africa’s economic transformation, integration, says Bianca Ojukwu

Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Minister of Foreign Affairs, has declared that unity remains the continent’s strongest tool for overcoming insecurity, economic inequality, and climate-related challenges.

This was as Nigeria reaffirmed its commitment to driving Africa’s economic transformation and continental integration.

The minister stated that the administration of President Bola Tinubu would continue to pursue policies under the Renewed Hope Agenda aimed at strengthening sustainable development and deepening regional cooperation across Africa.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu spoke on Monday night in Abuja during the 2026 Africa Day celebration organised by the Forum of African Missions to commemorate the establishment of the Organisation of African Unity in 1963, now known as the African Union.

The event was held under the theme, “Assuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation System to Achieve the Goals of Agenda 2063.”

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Addressing diplomats, government officials, and stakeholders at the event, the minister said Nigeria was determined to remain at the forefront of efforts to advance Africa’s economic growth, integration, and sustainable development.

She described Africa Day as a significant occasion that reflects the continent’s shared history, collective struggles, and common aspirations for unity and prosperity.

“Africa Day is far more than a ceremonial observance.

“It is a powerful symbol of the enduring vision and courage of our founding fathers, who in 1963 established the Organisation 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”, Odumegwu-Ojukwu said.

According to her, the vision of a united, peaceful, and prosperous Africa remains the guiding principle for the continent’s development agenda.

The minister stressed that African countries must continue to work together in confronting common challenges, insisting that no nation could achieve meaningful progress in isolation.

“Our progress as a continent depends on our ability to act together, to speak with one voice, and to confront shared challenges with shared solutions.

“Unity remains our most powerful tool in addressing insecurity, economic inequality, climate vulnerability, and the persistent injustices of the global order”, she said.

She further noted that stronger collaboration, mutual support, and commitment to Pan-African ideals would enable Africa to maximise its vast economic and human potential.

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Odumegwu-Ojukwu also highlighted the importance of cultural identity in promoting regional integration and peace-building across the continent.

According to her, Africa’s cultural diversity should serve as a bridge for stronger understanding and cooperation among nations.

“In a rapidly changing world, preserving and promoting African culture is essential, not only for safeguarding our identity, but also for empowering future generations with pride, confidence, and purpose,” she said.

The minister devoted considerable attention to the theme of this year’s Africa Day celebration, describing water and sanitation as critical components of human development and economic sustainability.

She noted that access to clean water is essential for public health, food production, industrial development, energy generation, and environmental sustainability, while lamenting that millions of Africans still lack reliable access to potable water and proper sanitation services.

According to her, the situation continues to threaten livelihoods, weaken economic growth, and contribute to social instability across many African countries.

“As Africa confronts the growing impacts of climate change, desertification, pollution, and rapid urbanisation, our commitment to sustainable water management must become more deliberate and coordinated,” she stated.

The minister called for greater investment in resilient water infrastructure and urged African governments to strengthen cooperation in the management of shared water resources.

She also advocated the adoption of innovative technologies and equitable policies capable of guaranteeing access to safe water and sanitation for all citizens.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu said the focus on water sustainability aligns with the aspirations of Agenda 2063, the AU’s long-term blueprint for inclusive growth and sustainable development on the continent.

“This theme aligns directly with the aspirations of Agenda 2063, our continental blueprint for inclusive growth and sustainable development.

“It reminds us that achieving the Africa we want requires practical action, strategic partnerships, and responsible stewardship of our natural resources”, she said.

She urged Africans to renew their commitment to unity, solidarity, and collective progress, while preserving the continent’s cultural heritage and promoting dignity and opportunity for all citizens.

“As we celebrate Africa Day today, let us renew our faith in Africa. Let us strengthen our bonds of unity, cherish and preserve our cultural heritage, and recommit ourselves to building a continent where every citizen has access to dignity, opportunity, and prosperity.

“Together, through unity, solidarity, and purposeful action, we can secure a brighter future for Africa and for generations yet unborn”, the minister added.