President Bola Tinubu says peace, stability, and democracy remain the major requirements for Africa’s progress and development.
The President who spoke at the dinner organised in his honour in Malabo by President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo of Equatorial Guinea, noted that Africa has to take charge of solving its own problems, rejecting external expectations of conflict and instability on the continent.
Before the dinner, President Tinubu and his host, Mbasogo had sat for talks and signed agreements in various areas, including petroleum and security, among others.
The Nigerian President while highlighting the need for collective action to address conflicts in regions such as the Congo Republic and the Sahel, appealed to African leaders to prioritise peace, stability, and progress, saying “the time is now” to take action.
Tinubu particularly highlighted the brain drain syndrome and talent loss Africa suffers due to poverty, archaic judicial systems, and tribalism, emphasising that these issues must be addressed to foster development.
He therefore appealed to international organisations to invest more in African research and development as well as put more than half of the results of research and development on the continent, for the benefit of the larger population made up of youths.
President Mbasogo stressed the importance of strengthening constitutional institutions, fighting against injustices, and advocating greater African representation on the global stage, particularly on the UN Security Council.
The Equatorial Guinean leader expressed satisfaction with the growing cooperation between Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea and emphasised the need for African solidarity, calling for stronger regional and international cooperation to address challenges such as maritime crime, security threats, and economic diversification.
President Tinubu is on a three- day official trip to Equatorial Guinea with some top government officials on the invitation of President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo.
(Editor: Terverr Tyav)
