‘Future of West Africa rest on us’, Akpabio charges Ivoirien Parliament
… harps on collaboration, African unity
By Tunde Opalana
The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio said the parliament of each member nation of the Economic of West African States (ECOWAS) has rolecto play in future development of the West African region.
This as he harped on collaboration among nations to further strengthens African unity.
The Senate President gave the charge on Monday while speaking at the opening session of the 2025 first Ordinary Session of the National Assembly of Cote d’Ivoire in Abidjan, Akpabio also called for strengthening of bilateral ties between Nigeria and Cote d’Ivoire.
In an address titled: “Strengthening Ties, Building the Future Together” he told the Ivoirien lawmakers that Cote d’Ivoire and Nigeria are not merely neighbours but partners in the grand endeavour of African progress.
“The future of west Africa rests upon us. Therefore, let us not be complacent. The challenges before us are vast – youth unemployment, human trafficking and security threats.
“Yet, so too are the opportunities. Parliamentary cooperation should lead the way to deeper executive collaboration and unity.
“We must set the tone for African parliamentary engagements and cooperation. The colonialists may have cut Africa into geopolitical chunks, but we must unite and stitch the torn fabrics of our heritage and teach the world that blood is still thicker than water.
“Let us envision of a region where borders are bridges of unity, not walls of division, where trade flourishes, cultures blend and progress becomes the right of every citizen.
“This vision is brought closer to reality by the African Continental Free Trade Area(AfCFTA), a framework that demands our collective commitment to foster innovation and cooperation.
“AfCFTA is not just a policy, it is a call to arms – a summons to tear down the barriers that divide us and build bridges that unite us.
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“Let us strengthen our trade, share our knowledge and expand our horizons. Let us ensure that the children of Cote d’Ivoire and Nigeria in particular and Africa in general inherit a continent where dreams are not just possible but inevitable.
“Let us strengthen the bilateral relationship between Nigeria and Cote d’Ivoire. Our collaboration must deepen across all sectors – trade, education, agriculture and energy – to ensure that fruits of our partnership uplift every citizen in both nations.
“As an African proverb reminds us, “The river is swollen with rain, but no single drop claims responsibility.” We are all stewards of the progress we seek and it is only through unity that we shall achieve it,” he said.
He specifically commended the Speaker of the Ivoirien National Assembly, Hon. Adama Bictogo for his leadership which he described as “a symbol of reconciliation and unity.”
He urged all the Honourable members of the Ivorien Assembly to work hand in hand to tackle the scourge of human trafficking, enhance security cooperation and invest in the future of the youth.
