Former President of Ghana, Nana Addo Akufo-Addo has urged Nigeria’s political and economic elites to take a more assertive leadership role in West Africa and support efforts to strengthen continental unity and intra-African trade.
Speaking on Thursday in Abuja at the launch of A Journey in Service, the autobiography of former military president Ibrahim Babangida, Akufo-Addo emphasised Nigeria’s crucial role in driving regional and continental progress.
Nigeria Role in Africa
Akufo-Addo acknowledged Nigeria’s ongoing challenges but stressed that the evolution of a unified and economically integrated Africa cannot succeed without the country’s firm leadership.
He said; “I cannot forgo the chance of this prestigious platform to mount an important hobby horse of mine.
“I appeal once again to Nigeria’s political and economic elite to aggressively assume leadership of West Africa and Africa’s efforts toward unity and e-commerce.”
He further urged Nigeria to embrace its historic responsibility in fostering an integrated, democratic, and economically vibrant Africa.
“For our prospects of effective integration to materialize, Nigeria must take the lead. This evolution cannot succeed without you, but you will be its greatest beneficiary. I know, like all of us, you face significant challenges that require urgent attention. However, history cannot and does not wait,” Akufo-Addo said.
Strategic Solutions
The former Ghanaian leader underscored the need for well-defined strategies to address contemporary regional and global challenges, stressing that Africa’s collective success hinges on cooperation and decisive leadership.
Reaffirming Ghana’s commitment to regional stability and development, Akufo-Addo pledged his country’s continued partnership with Nigeria in repositioning West Africa and the broader continent for sustainable growth.
“Ghana will always remain a loyal ally and a committed partner in this collective journey of advancing and repositioning our region and continent,” he assured.
A Shared Vision for Africa
Akufo-Addo’s address reinforced the urgency of unity and economic collaboration across Africa.
His call to action places Nigeria at the centre of regional transformation, urging its leaders to embrace their strategic role in shaping the future of the continent.
Mercy Chukwudiebere
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