By Business A.M.
The Initiative for Research, Innovation, and Advocacy in Development (IRIAD)- The Electoral Hub has called for sustainable political and socio-economical development where diversity is embraced and collective efforts and participation are harnessed towards shaping the future of Africa. It also called on the government to develop strategies for the effective implementation of Agenda 2063 in Nigeria.
The electoral hub made the call in a statement by Princess Hamman-Obels in commemoration of the Africa Day 2023, with the theme, “Our Africa our Future”, which it said, embodies the need to reflect on Africa’s collective history and future direction as a continent.
The statement read partly, “Reflecting on our history, we realise that we have come a long way in the past 60 years. From the period of colonial subjugation through the era of autocratic military regimes, we have transitioned into a period of democratic dominance across the continent.
Our clamour for freedom and autonomy has been the impetus for successive transitions. This progress arose largely from two factors: the collaboration among diverse parts of the continent under the collective auspices of the Organization of African Unity and the Pan-African Movement. The formation of the OAU on May 25, 1963, now the African Union (AU), is very remarkable in our history as it connotes Africa’s freedom and that date has been imprinted in the sands of time to be celebrated annually.”
It however, noted that behind the veil of democratic euphoria exists the harsh realities of political instability and conflicts caused by the crisis of economic underdevelopment and the phenomena of social inequality, exclusion, and bad governance.
Owing to this,the hub said it is necessary for all Africans to re-channel their course toward shaping a better future for the continent, noting that it is only through this that the vision of transforming Africa into the global powerhouse of the future can be achieved.
IRIAD noted that the growing demand for social and economic development, continental and regional integration, democratic governance, peace, and security, among others, was the momentum for drafting Agenda 2063.
“The Agenda 2063 is Africa’s 60-year implementation plan for transformational socio-economic and political development and growth. The first ten years of the Agenda 2063 are expected to provide: improvements in standards of living; transformed, sustainable, and inclusive economies; integrated Africa; empowered women, youth, and children; and a well-governed, peaceful, and culturally centric Africa in a global context,” it said.
As this year marks the wrap-up of the first ten years implementation plan, the organisation said Africans must take a retrospective stance and reflect on how progressive the journey to the aspired future has been.
“Going forward, there is a growing demand for the different states sub-regions, regions, and the continent as a whole to raise more awareness about the Pan African ideals, embrace regional and continental integration, collaborate, and render collective support toward delivering Africa’s aspired future,” it added.
IThe electoral hub reiterated its commitment to promoting public accountability and advocacy for social inclusion, noting that it amplifies the demand for ethical governance characterized by credible, accountable, and transparent political processes, social integration, and inclusion.
It also maintained that the goal of improving the lives of every man and woman of Africa must be pursued relentlessly by all stakeholders across countries and regions on the continent.
Therefore, it made a strong call to the governments to stay true to their commitment to increasing gender parity in public representation, promoting free, fair, and credible institutions, processes, and accountable leaders, reducing all forms of violence against women and children, reducing unemployment through youth and women’s inclusion and empowerment, and ensuring an impartial and independent judiciary.
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