The President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio has solicited collaboration and unity among African countries to enable them tackle challenges
Akpabio who spoke while addressing
the Ivoirien Parliament during the opening session of the 2025 first Ordinary Session of the National Assembly of Côte d’Ivoire in Abidjan.
He said the “future of west Africa rests upon us. Therefore, let us not be complacent. The challenges before us are vast – youth unemployment, human trafficking and security threats.
“Yet, so too are the opportunities. Parliamentary cooperation should lead the way to deeper executive collaboration and unity.”
According to the Senate President, “We must set the tone for African parliamentary engagements and cooperation.
“The colonialists may have cut Africa into geopolitical chunks, but we must unite and stitch the torn fabrics of our heritage and teach the world that blood is still thicker than water.
“Let us envision of a region where borders are bridges of unity, not walls of division, where trade flourishes, cultures blend and progress becomes the right of every citizen.
He lauded the African Continental Free Trade Area(AfCFTA), a framework that demands collective commitment to foster innovation and cooperation adding “AfCFTA is not just a policy, it is a call to arms – a summons to tear down the barriers that divide us and build bridges that unite us.”
“Let us strengthen our trade, share our knowledge and expand our horizons. Let us ensure that the children of Cote d’Ivoire and Nigeria in particular and Africa in general inherit a continent where dreams are not just possible but inevitable.
He called for the strengthening of the bilateral relationship between Nigeria and Cote d’Ivoire in all sectors including – trade, education, agriculture and energy – to ensure that fruits of our partnership uplift every citizen in both nations.
As an African proverb reminds us, “The river is swollen with rain, but no single drop claims responsibility.” We are all stewards of the progress we seek and it is only through unity that we shall achieve it,” he said.
He commended the Speaker of the Ivoirien National Assembly, Hon. Adama Bictogo for his leadership which he described as a symbol of reconciliation and unity.
He urged all the Honourable members of the Assembly to work hand in hand to tackle the scourge of human trafficking, enhance security cooperation and invest in the future of the youth.
Paying tribute to Ivoirien President Alassane Ouattara for the great work he has done in his country, he congratulated him and the people of Cote d’Ivoire on hosting, with grace and dignity, the 2024 African Cup of Nations.
“Your victory over my country Nigeria, a global football powerhouse in that tournament was not just sporting glory, it was a proclamation to the world that Cote d’Ivoire rises to every challenge.”