Minister of State for Budget and National Planning, Prince Clem Ikanade Agba has applauded the diligence deployed in negotiating the new Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS)-European Union (EU) Partnership Agreement.
He spoke last weekend in Luanda, Angola where he led a Nigerian delegation, on behalf of President Muhammadu Buhari to the 10th Summit of Heads of State and Government of the OACPS.
Agba noted that efforts should be deployed in training key actors on the modalities of cooperation between both parties, “as we await the signing ceremony.”
In a series of tweets on his Twitter handle, Agba said he noted and commended the convening of the Diaspora Forum.
He stated that “it creates an opportunity for us to recognize the important role that our nationals play in the socio-economic development of our countries and how we can harness their resources in improving the welfare of our people.”
He also highlighted efforts taken in recent years by the Nigerian Government to strengthen democracy in the country, promote the rule of law and peaceful democratic transitions in the sub-region.
On the sidelines of the ongoing summit, Agba participated in discussions on promoting the competitiveness of Nigeria’s SMEs in the global market, the role of the youth in road safety and the OACPS’ 1st Diaspora Forum where he noted that remittances from the Diaspora had helped in stimulating Nigerian economy, reducing poverty in rural areas and enhancing social cohesion.
The minister applauded the creation of a Diaspora Centre of Excellence to be hosted in Abuja and the designation of Dr Abike Dabiri Erewa, the CEO of Nigeria Diaspora Commission as the OACPS Champion of the Diasporas.
