The European Union (EU) Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot has said the secret behind the prosperity of many nation’s in the world was massive empowerment of women and girls.
Mignot argued that every nation that has been able to empower its women and girls in their political, social, and economic life, and protect them from abuses and violence, has seen significant progress towards achieving sustainable development.
Speaking during the EU Delegation’s visit to Skyline University in Kano State, the EU Ambassador advocated deeper cooperation
between the EU, Nigeria, and Africa, stressing that cooperation, shared interests and values remains key in helping the country achieve sustainable development in its key sectors including energy, agriculture, education, health, and digital.
He said, “At the end of the day, the future of Nigeria lies in the hands of Nigerians, not in the international community. You, as future professionals, can make a difference. For this, education is key. It is an investment in the nation’s future.
“For all the young women and men, one of the secrets of the prosperity of a nation is its capacity to empower women and girls. If you look at the most prosperous nations in the world, particularly in Europe, these are nations which have been able to do that, to empower women and girls, and to give them a say in political life, in socioeconomic life, and to protect them from abuse and violence.
“The most efficient group is not the group composed of only men or only women, but a group composed of both men and women. That is what our society should aim at, and Nigeria is still lagging behind on this. It is very important to make progress in this regard. It is not about dropping traditional and religious values but about giving women and girls their full place in this context.”
Speaking about the EU development initiatives in the state, especially in the broader regions of the Northwest and Northeast, Amb. Mignot pointed out that while the regions are facing specific challenges of insecurity and poverty, the EU sees their great potential.
“This city of Kano, in particular, is a great development platform for not only Northern Nigeria but the Sahel region as a whole. Kano is really a place to be when it comes to West Africa. It is a very important state, beyond the borders of Nigeria. We want to increase our presence and support to the Northwest and the Northeast.
“We are launching packages of new partnership projects in the Northwest and Northeast, around €300 million, also with funds from our Member States, such as Germany, on education, health, deradicalisation of foreign fighters, sustainable energy, opportunities for farmers in agricultural value chains.”
He assured the Kano State Government and the entire Northwest and Northeast regions of the EU’s continued and reliable partnership for sustainable development.
“What we want is not a relationship based on donor-beneficiary relation; we want a relationship based on partnership and mutual interests, and based on investments in particular.”
The Registrar, Skyline University, Ahmed Abdullahi emphasised the importance of dialogue, collaboration, and mutual understanding in a constantly evolving global landscape. He assured the EU of the cooperation of Skyline University and the academic community in the state.
“This occasion is a testament to the enduring and fruitful partnership between the European Union and our academic community, reinforcing the importance of dialogue, collaboration, and mutual understanding in a constantly evolving global landscape.
“The presence of the European Union Ambassador and other distinguished guests on our campus today underscores the significance of global cooperation and shared commitment to strengthen connections.”
