Nigeria lauds EU for support, seeks enhanced partnership to combat malnutrition

*Vice-President (Senator) Kashim Shettima expresses Nigeria’s appreciation to Samuela Isopi, outgoing EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, advocating the strengthening of relations between the country and European Union, especially in addressing malnutrition and other humanitarian challenges in the economy

Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect

The Nigerian Government has commended the European Union (EU) for the organisation’s continued engagement and support for the West African country.

Vice-President (Senator) Kashim Shettima, expressed the country’s appreciation Thursday, August 29, 2024, during an EU delegation’s courtesy visit, led by Samuela Isopi, outgoing EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, in the Presidential Villa, Abuja, FCT

Shettima also advocated the strengthening of relations between Nigeria and European Union, particularly in addressing malnutrition and other humanitarian challenges in the country.

The Vice-President noted the need for continued collaboration between the two partners.

Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Communications (Office of The Vice President), stated Vice-President Shettima expressed deep appreciation for Ambassador Isopi’s especial contributions during her tenure in Nigeria.

“You have contributed significantly to strengthening the relationship between the EU and Nigeria.

“Your assistance in humanitarian efforts in the North East and North West, as well as in trade between our two nations, has been invaluable,” Vice-President Shettima said.

Emphasising Nigeria’s strategic importance to the EU, Shettima said: “Nigeria is the most populous nation on the (African) continent, and is projected to become the third most populous nation globally by 2050, after China and India.

“We appreciate your commitment and involvement in some of the most important programmes in Nigeria.”

He particularly commended Ambassador Isopi’s work in Nigeria, and stated: “You have contributed immensely towards strengthening the relationship between the EU and Nigeria.

“You have midwifed many transactions and assisted in many humanitarian endeavors in the North East and the North West sub-regions.

“You have been around for some of the epochal moments in Nigeria’s political evolution. You were part of the process that midwifed the current transition.”

Shettima further said: “You were actively involved in signing the peace accord with political parties prior to the 2023 (General) Elections. You have been the focal person even in championing humanitarian causes.

“We value the EU’s continued engagement and support, especially in humanitarian efforts and development initiatives.

“We need your support now more than ever, particularly in addressing humanitarian crises and security challenges in the Northwest.”

In her remarks during the visit, Ambassador Isopi reflected on her three-year tenure in Nigeria.

She highlighted the progress and collaborations the EU achieved, declaring that “after three memorable years, it’s time for me to say goodbye.”

Isopi stated: “Nigeria has been busy, and I leave with an even warmer feeling in my heart than when I arrived.

“Nigeria has made great progress, with much more development and improved infrastructure.”

The EU envoy also stressed the continued close collaboration between the EU and Nigeria, particularly with the office of the Vice President.

“We’re proud of our collaboration with the office of the Vice President on many programmes. Your office has led the way, and we’ve been working diligently”.

“We aim to support Nigeria in peace and security. We’re very present and committed in the Northeast, and we’re now looking increasingly at the Northwest.

“We recently launched a new education programme there. We’ll continue to support the government’s efforts in humanitarian assistance, including new development actions in education and health,” Ambassador Isopi said.

Restating the EU’s role in Nigeria’s economic development, she noted: “We’re also very active in economic development, working closely with your office on several initiatives, particularly in agriculture.

“We’re supporting key value chains, especially in the North, as we know that creating jobs for youth is crucial.”

Isopi, therefore, expressed confidence in the future of EU-Nigeria relations.

The envoy stated: “We want to reinstate our continued engagement and renewed determination from the EU to work with Nigeria.

“I’m sure my successor will find in Nigeria a good partner to further develop our relationship.”

Present at the meeting in the Presidential Villa were Zissimos Vergos, Deputy Head of the EU delegation, and Osaro Odewingie, Political Adviser to EU in Nigeria, added the statement.

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