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63rd Independence Anniversary: Fulfilling founding fathers dreams through 24 years uninterrupted Democracy, – says Akobundu

Published

3 years ago

October 2, 2023

…Urge other African countries to emulate the good example

Joel Ajayi

As Nigerians celebrates her 63rd Independence anniversary on 1st October 2023, the National Coordinator and Chief Executive Officer AUDA-NEPAD/APRM Nigeria, Princess Gloria Akobundu, fsi has described the 24 years of uninterrupted Democracy of Nigeria as a fulfillment of the dreams of Nigerian founding fathers, urges other African countries to emulate the good gesture.

Akobundu stated this in her Independence Day message to Staff and Stakeholders of the Agency in marking the day.

She said Nigerians have every reason to celebrate despite the few challenges facing the Nation which the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR) has shown strong commitment to tackling since the assumption of office.

According to Akobundu, Nigerians, particularly the youths should not give up on the nation, noting countless opportunities that abound in the country

which can be explored to make a good living for all.

“Youths of any nation is her strength and therefore Nigeria is blessed to have nearly 65 percent of her population as youths.

“President Tinubu has shown his great disposition to working with youth through his appointment of youths into key and sensitive positions in recent times.

“I also call for concerted effort from all Nigerians in supporting the Renewed Hope Agenda which encapsulates the 8-point Agenda of Mr President aimed at building the Nigeria of our dream,” she said.

“No nation can develop without the full cooperation and contributions of her citizens,” Akobundu added.

The Agency boss said AUDA-NEPAD Nigeria, in line with its mandate, would continue to attract partnerships, investment opportunities, resource mobilization, and other goodwill from well-meaning organizations, countries, and partners, desirous of contributing to the growth of the Nation.

Akobundu recalled that at the just concluded United Nations General Assembly, the Agency was able to secure a partnership deal between Nigeria, Princeton University, and the African School of Economics leading to the signing of an MOU by the Minister of Education on the sidelines of the UNGA

Again it held a high-level investment summit with investors and partners in collaboration with the AUDA-NEPAD Continental secretariat with a view to attracting investments in land restoration programmes of the government.

She said with the huge interest shown by investors, partners, and other participants at the event, Nigeria would soon start reaping the benefits.

Akobundu hinted that the Smallholder farmers project initiated by the Agency had been attracting a lot of interest from local and foreign investors, adding that the agency would continue to implement with vigor, all its flagship programs.

It will be recalled that the Agency successfully conducted Nigeria’s APRM Second Peer Review and it’s recommendations and findings report was adopted as a guide to other African nations with similar challenges at the 2022 African Union Summit.

The Review preferred solutions on five thematic areas namely: Economic Governance and Management; Democracy and Political Governance; Socio-economic Development; Corporate Governance; and Cross-cutting Issues.

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Foreign news

Algeria’s Glorious Revolution: Embassy Marks 72nd Anniversary in Abuja

Published

3 days ago

November 12, 2026

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

The Embassy of Algeria in Nigeria has commemorated the 72nd anniversary of the country’s Glorious Revolution of November 1, 1954, with a reception in Abuja, highlighting Algeria’s liberation struggle and strengthening diplomatic relations with Nigeria.

The event, held on November 9, 2026, at Continental Suites Hotel, attracted prominent personalities, including the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dr Tajudeen Abbas, members of the Federal Government, senior government officials, heads of diplomatic missions and other friends of Algeria.

Speaking at the reception, Algeria’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Hocine Mezoued, welcomed guests and paid tribute to the country’s freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives during the struggle for independence.

He described the November 1, 1954 revolution as the foundation of modern Algeria, noting that the sacrifices of the nation’s martyrs made it possible for the country to reclaim its sovereignty.

On Algeria’s development agenda, Mezoued said President Abdelmadjid Tebboune’s administration had continued to pursue economic reforms, diversification and national development under its New Algeria vision.

He noted that the country was recording progress in non-hydrocarbon exports, while improvements in the business environment had boosted investor confidence and attracted significant foreign investments.

On foreign policy, the ambassador reaffirmed Algeria’s commitment to non-interference, respect for national sovereignty, peaceful conflict resolution and the right of peoples to self-determination.

Addressing security challenges in the Sahel, he stressed that lasting peace could not be achieved through military measures alone, insisting that economic development, inclusive dialogue and peaceful resolution of disputes remained essential.

Turning to Nigeria-Algeria relations, Mezoued described the partnership as one founded on shared values and the commitment of both countries’ leaders to advancing African development.

He identified the Trans-Saharan Highway, Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline and Trans-Saharan Fibre Optic Backbone as major strategic projects receiving attention from both countries.

The ambassador also disclosed that Algeria had continued to provide scholarships to Nigerian students to strengthen human capital development and capacity building.

He further announced that Air Algérie expanded its Nigerian operations on October 26, 2026, with the introduction of two weekly flights to Lagos, expressing confidence that the service would boost trade and tourism.

Looking ahead, Mezoued said 2027 would offer fresh opportunities to deepen bilateral cooperation, particularly through the fifth Joint High Bi-National Commission scheduled to hold in Abuja.

He expressed optimism that the meeting would provide an opportunity to assess existing partnerships, identify new areas of cooperation and move Nigeria-Algeria relations towards a more practical and results-driven phase.

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