In a keynote address at the 9th Tokyo International Conference for African Development (TICAD9), President Bola Ahmed Tinubu praised Nigeria’s Armed Forces for their victories against insurgency and criminality. He also emphasized the need for innovative international partnerships and enhanced African representation at the United Nations.
Speaking at the plenary session on Peace and Stability in Yokohama, Japan, Tinubu reiterated his administration’s commitment to tackling the root causes of insecurity through economic reforms and strengthening security forces. He highlighted Nigeria’s greatest strengths as inclusivity, diversity, and the rule of law.
According to a statement by Special Adviser Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu commended the Nigerian Armed Forces, describing their current momentum as a springboard for national development and stability.
He emphasized the importance of addressing underlying causes of insecurity, saying, “Nigeria’s brave armed forces can win any number of battles, but we do justice to their heroism only when we, as government, are courageous in tackling not just terror, but also the underlying causes.”
Tinubu stressed the need for a stronger international partnerships, particularly with Japan, to drive economic growth and stability in Africa. He however lamented the ongoing conflicts in many African countries which according to him stands as a great obstacle in the economic growth of the continent, despite recorded progress.
Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba emphasized mutual understanding, local solutions, and collaborative efforts for Africa’s development. He announced a collaborative economic framework between Japan and the African Development Bank, with a potential $5.5 billion disbursement to Africa.
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