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AU Agenda 2063: Nigeria Recommends Key Implementation Strategies, Capacity Building

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By Gloria Ikibah
Nigeria has recommended some strategies to support the realization of the African Union’s (AU) Agenda 2063, ans among these are the creation of regional centres of excellence to strengthen technological capacity, development of innovative financial models, and introduction of incentives to encourage public-private partnerships (PPP) for infrastructure development.
These were the suggestions highlighted by the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Benjamin Kalu, during his speech at the 12th Annual Conference of Speakers of National and Regional Parliaments held at the Pan-African Parliament (PAP) in Midrand, South Africa.
Naijablitznews.com reports that Agenda 2063 is a 50-year strategic plan aimed at transforming Africa into a global powerhouse, adopted in 2013 and it outlines the continent’s aspirations for inclusive and sustainable development. The agenda also identifies key flagship programmes designed to accelerate Africa’s economic growth and transformation.
Kalu stressed the importance of making Agenda 2063 widely recognized across Africa and highlighted the need for sufficient funding to ensure its success.
“We are pursuing this agenda, but there are challenges, especially around financing. The question is, how do we make Agenda 2063 a household project without adequate funding?” Kalu remarked.
He emphasized that Africa cannot rely solely on external sources and must take ownership of financing the agenda.
The Deputy Speaker also proposed that Africa explore public-private partnerships (PPP) to raise funds for infrastructure projects aligned with Agenda 2063, possibly offering tax incentives to participants. He also suggested that Africa establish centres of excellence across the regions to build capacity in technology and knowledge, ensuring that the continent can fully own and implement the project.
Furthermore, he pointed out the potential overlap between Agenda 2063 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in areas such as healthcare, and urged that Africa prioritize objectives outside the SDGs to enhance efficiency.
“To drive Agenda 2063, we must have the necessary capacity. We cannot borrow knowledge from outside the continent to implement our own agenda,” Kalu added.
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Ooni of Ife Named Grand Patron of Traditional Institutions in Africa Ahead of Africa Day

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By Gloria Ikibah 

The African Union Simulation has officially named the Ooni of Ife, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, Ojaja II, as the Grand Patron of Traditional Institutions in Africa. 

This recognition comes ahead of the Africa Day celebration scheduled to take place in Abuja.

A delegation led by Ambassador Dr. Young Piero Omatseye, Africa Coordinator of the African Union Simulation, visited the Ooni at his palace in Ile-Ife on Friday, May 9, 2025, to present the honour and formally invite him to the upcoming event.

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“We are here today on behalf of youths and leaders across 54 African countries to inform His Majesty that Africa Day will be commemorated through a blend of cultural traditions, training expeditions, and youth empowerment initiatives. Ooni of Ife, being a natural symbol of tradition, unity, and visionary leadership, has been unanimously nominated as the Grand Patron of the traditional institution in Africa,” Ambassador Omatseye said.

He added that the event will bring together African Heads of State, ministers, ambassadors, global partners, and experts in agriculture, energy, economy, innovation, and technology, all focusing on youth empowerment.

Ambassador Omatseye also recalled the participation of Her Regal Majesty, Amb. (Dr.) Temitope Enitan Ogunwusi, in a similar event at the African Union Headquarters in Addis Ababa last year, highlighting her role in promoting unity and youth development across the continent.

In her response, Her Majesty expressed her appreciation for the honour, praising the African Union Simulation for recognising her husband’s work in uplifting young people.

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“My husband’s throne has become a platform for youth transformation across Africa. This prestigious nomination affirms the values he champions for the betterment of young Africans. We deeply appreciate this recognition,” she said.

The Ooni, in his remarks, thanked the delegation for the honour and promised his support.

“I thank the entire delegation and African youth who have traveled from across the continent to present this honour. I pray for the success of the Africa Day celebration and assure you of my support and presence, God willing,” he said.

The visit ended with the presentation of a plaque, officially confirming his role as Grand Patron of Traditional Institutions in Africa.

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Insecurity! Gunmen kill police inspector in highway ambush

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A police Inspector, Christian Gbaratee, was killed after gunmen ambushed a team of police officers on Tuesday along the Port Harcourt–Aba Road.

A counter-insurgency expert, Zagazola Makama, disclosed this via his X handle on Thursday.

Quoting police sources, Makama stated that the incident occurred around 8:30 p.m. while the officers were returning from a trip in Rivers State.

He also disclosed that the armed assailants, numbering five, were dressed in combat attire during the ambush.

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He wrote, “A team of officers, including ASP Victor Eze and Inspector Nwanochi Ndubuisi, were returning from Port Harcourt, Rivers State, when they were intercepted by five armed assailants dressed in combat attire. The attack took place on a narrow road after a filling station along the Port Harcourt–Aba Road, Asa.

“During the confrontation, Inspector Christian Gbaratee was shot dead, while Inspector Ekoro Isong went missing. The gun stolen from Gbaratee during the attack, as well as the suspect who had been in custody, were taken by the assailants.”

He further disclosed that a prompt response by the police led to the recovery of a Toyota Corolla and other items, including expended ammunition, a laptop, and three travel bags.

“Additionally, Inspector Isong later surfaced unharmed. The body of the late Inspector Gbaratee has been deposited at the Euro Allied Medical Centre Mortuary for autopsy.

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“A search operation in collaboration with military personnel is ongoing to track down the attackers and recover the stolen firearm,” he added.

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Tinubu to establish child protection, development agency

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By Francesca Hangeior

President Bola Tinubu has stated that the Federal Government is taking concrete steps to protect the dignity and future of every Nigerian child, even as he said plans have been concluded to establish a Child Protection and Development Agency to coordinate all issues affecting Nigerian children in a unified and focused manner.

Tinubu spoke on Thursday during the first regional meeting of the Africa Pathfinder Countries of the Global Alliance on Ending Violence Against Children.

The event was held at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. The president was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima.

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Tinubu said his administration is taking concrete steps to protect the dignity and future of every Nigerian child.

“Our legal frameworks reflect our conviction. From the Child Rights Act to the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act, Nigeria has laid down the statutory foundation for the protection of children.

“But legislation alone does not shield the vulnerable — it is the will behind those laws, and the systems that enforce them, that make the difference.

“That is why our national strategy also embraces prevention and early intervention.

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“We are strengthening families and communities through programmes that promote positive parenting, challenge harmful social norms, and provide targeted support to vulnerable households. But we must be honest with ourselves. We cannot protect the child by merely reciting the anthems of their struggles or romanticising their vulnerability, Tinubu said.

He stated that the real hope lies in action — concrete, deliberate action.

“Our commitment must run deep, reaching into the very architecture of our education and health systems. This is the soul of our human capital development strategy,” he said.

Tinubu added that every Nigerian child should grow and learn in a safe environment.

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“We aim to ensure that every Nigerian child has the opportunity to grow, learn, and thrive in a safe and nurturing environment. This is not simply a policy objective; it is a moral obligation.

“We are investing in safe schools and embedding socio-emotional learning into our national curriculum.

“We are rolling out the National Guidelines on Alternative Care to ensure that even children without parental care are raised in love, safety, and stability,” he said.

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