In order to tackle the humanitarin issues in the country, specifically, the issue of malnutrition , Vice President Shettima requires that the European Union and Nigeria work more closely.
This was mentioned at the presidential Villa, Abuja. Samuela Isopi , the outgoing ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS along with her delegates paid a courtesy visit to Vice President Shettima.
Zissimos Vergos, the deputy head of the delegation and Osara Odewingwe, political adviser to the European Union were present during the meeting.
Vice President Shettima lauded the achievements of Samuela Isopi during her three year tenure . He expressed,
” You have contributed significantly to strengthening the relationship between the EU and Nigeria. Your assistance in the humanitarian efforts in the North East and North West, as well as in trade between our two nations, has been invaluable.
You have contributed immensely towards strengthening the relationship between the EU and Nigeria. You have midwifed many transactions and assisted in many humanitarian endeavors in the North East and the North West subregions.”
“You have been around for some of the epochal moments in Nigeria’s political evolution. You were part of the process that midwifed the current transition. You were actively involved in signing the peace accord with political parties prior to the 2023 elections. You have been the focal person even in championing humanitarian causes.
He went further to identify Nigeria’s population and how the European Union was committed in undertaking some responsibilities. He demands continuous collaboration. In his words,
“Nigeria is the most populous nation on the continent and is projected to become the third most populous nation globally by 2050, after China and India. We appreciate your commitment and involvement in some of the most important programmes in Nigeria.”
“We value the EU’s continued engagement and support, especially in humanitarian efforts and development initiatives. We need your support now more than ever, particularly in addressing humanitarian crises and security challenges in the Northwest,” he added.
Samuela Isopi accounted her achievements and stated that it was time for her to leave office. In her words,
“After three memorable years, it’s time for me to say goodbye.”
“Nigeria has been busy, and I leave with an even warmer feeling in my heart than when I arrived. Nigeria has made great progress, with much more development and improved infrastructure”, she added.
She expressed herself further,
“We’re proud of our collaboration with the office of the Vice President on many programmes. Your office has led the way, and we’ve been working diligently”.
“We aim to support Nigeria in peace and security. We’re very present and committed in the Northeast, and we’re now looking increasingly at the Northwest.
“We recently launched a new education programme there. We’ll continue to support the government’s efforts in humanitarian assistance, including new development actions in education and health.”
Finally, she concluded by identifying the European Union’s role in the economic development of Nigeria. She observed,
We’re also very active in economic development, working closely with your office on several initiatives, particularly in agriculture. We’re supporting key value chains, especially in the North, as we know that creating jobs for youth is crucial.”
She believed in the future of EU-Nigeria relations. she said,
“We want to reinstate our continued engagement and renewed determination from the EU to work with Nigeria. I’m sure my successor will find in Nigeria a good partner to further develop our relationship.”
