Bianca Ojukwu receives new UN Assistant Secretary-General, reaffirms Nigeria's support for women's leadership

Politics

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, has received Ms Ahunna Eziakonwa following her recent appointment as a United Nations Assistant Secretary-General, describing the elevation as a source of pride for Nigeria and the African continent.

During the meeting in Abuja on Friday, the minister reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to promoting women’s political participation, youth inclusion and the development of future African leaders capable of advancing democratic governance, sustainable development and lasting peace across the continent.

In a statement issued after the meeting, Odumegwu-Ojukwu said Nigeria remains steadfast in its partnership with the United Nations to advance the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and other initiatives aimed at improving the lives of Africans.

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“Our nation’s commitment to working closely with the United Nations in advancing the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals, the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and other initiatives aimed at improving the lives of Africans is resolute,” the minister said.

She added that Nigeria would continue to support programmes that expand opportunities for women in leadership and governance while creating pathways for greater youth participation in public affairs.

Responding, Eziakonwa commended Nigeria for its leadership role in shaping Africa’s development agenda and promoting regional integration.

She praised the country’s efforts to advance innovation, entrepreneurship, intra-African trade and regional value chains, describing them as critical to the continent’s economic transformation.

The newly appointed UN Assistant Secretary-General also reaffirmed her commitment to promoting programmes that strengthen women’s participation in governance and public leadership across Africa.

Eziakonwa’s appointment to the senior United Nations position has been widely welcomed as another milestone for Nigeria’s representation in global leadership and multilateral diplomacy.