The African Union Agenda 2063 Ambassadorial Assembly has appointed Mr Christopher Maikalangu, Chairman, Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), as its Ambassador.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the investiture ceremony, which took place in Abuja on Wednesday, saw the induction of Maikalangu as an AU Agenda 2063 Ambassador.
AU Agenda 2063 Ambassadorial Assembly is a key initiative that promotes and implements the AU’s long-term development plan for Africa.
The assembly is dedicated to motivating and inspiring African states to achieve the ideals of Agenda 2063.
Ahmed Abubakar, an Ambassador of the assembly, who decorated Maikalangu, said that the appointment of the AMAC Chairman as an ambassador of the assembly was because of his outstanding achievement in the council.
“On behalf of the AU Agenda 2063, we are decorating you as an Ambassador because of your competence and to enable you promote the AU-AGENDA 2026 framework as a PAN African leader in order to achieve ‘The Africa we want’.
“It is a well-deserved appointment,” Abubakar said.
Earlier in her welcome address, Mrs Irene Nwagbatal, an Ambassador in the assembly, had said that the event marked a significant moment in the pursuit of Africa’s transformation under Agenda 2063.
She described Agenda 2063 as a strategic framework aimed at fostering inclusive and sustainable development across the continent.
Nwagbatal emphasised the importance of collaboration among African nations to achieve peace, stability and economic growth.
She celebrated Maikalangu for his contributions to the AU’s initiatives which embody the vision of a prosperous and united Africa
Nwagbatal said that the assembly believed that the initiative would foster greater collaboration among African nations, promote peace and stability, and stimulate economic growth and development.
She said that the assembly recognised the crucial role that Maikalangu played in supporting the implementation of AU’s initiatives Agenda 2063 through his various contributions as an individual and as a public servant.
“We believe that by working together with progressive minded individuals, influencers and role models like Maikalangu, we can create a prosperous and Pan Africa that will benefit citizens and transform our continent to the Africa we want,’’ she said.
Aniefiok George, Director, Policy, Planning and Strategy, African School of Diplomacy and International Relations, highlighted the need for a holistic approach to actualising the African vision.
George, who is also an Associate Partner with AU- Agenda 2063, urged Africa to take responsibility for achieving the goals set out in Agenda 2063.
According to her, the investiture of Maikalangu as ambassador is a crucial step in aligning various national agendas such as Nigeria’s , with the broader goals of the African Union Agenda 2063.
She said that the collaborative effort to drive Africa’s development would transform the continent into a global powerhouse by 2063.
In his acceptance speech, Maikalangu commended the assembly for appointing him as its ambassador.
Maikalangu reiterated his commitment to infrastructural development in AMAC.
He urged all elective leaders at the local government level across the country to do the work they were elected to do.
“If all local government councillors and chairmen do their jobs, Nigeria will be transformed in one year.
“Let us focus on giving our people at the grassroots good roads, good schools and good hospitals.
“Let our people be happy, let them feel the impacts of governance. The best we can do for our people is to give them infrastructure,’’ he said.(NAN)
