President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has said that Africa should seek home-grown solutions to its myriads of socio-economic and political challenges.
He called for closer collaboration and solidarity in the continent, saying that partnership among the countries are critical to problem solving and development.
President Tinubu, who is on a three-day official visit to Equatorial Guinea, said the exodus of skills and talents from Africa should also bother its leaders.
He was accompanied by Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar; Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN); Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, Minister of State, Petroleum, Gas, Ekperikpe Ekpo, Minister of Defence Abubakar Badaru and Minister of Youth Jemila Bio-Ibrahim.
Nigeria and the Republic of Equatorial Guinea signed an agreement on a Gulf of Guinea pipeline project in Malabo, the federal capital
While President Tinubu signed on behalf of Nigeria, President Teodoro Mbasogo signed for his country.
President Tinubu said the deal would open up new opportunities for gas exploration and employment.
Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, said the agreement covers legislative and regulatory measures for the gas pipeline establishment and operation, natural gas transit, ownership and general principles.
Speaking at a dinner in his honour at the People’s Palace in Malabo, the President said research and development must be encouraged.
He queried: “Why are we complaining about healthcare problems if our doctors cannot have a home in our continent; if our nurses are faced with destitution, and if our judicial system is archaic?
President Tinubu, who said “tribalism has no place in our nation or region,” urged African leaders to strengthen the continent, cultivate one another and ensure peace.
He said: “We have to develop our resources for our progress; find solutions among ourselves and focus incisively on research and development, and reward those research and development programmes. We must bring out the results ourselves. We must not outsource them or sell them out.
“To the international organisations, we are partners. We will continue to be partners, but we must implement more than half of the results of the research established here. We have many youths to take care of. Millions yearning for progress.”
