By Our Correspondent
The European Union (EU) Heads of Mission and their development partners have concluded a multi-day strategic visibility and public diplomacy mission to Kano State aimed at strengthening partnerships, promoting inclusive development and enhancing engagement across Northern Nigeria.
The high-level delegation, led by the EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot, comprised Heads of Mission and Deputy Heads of Mission from EU Member States, alongside representatives of UNICEF, the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), Plan International Nigeria, UN-Habitat and other development partners.
During the visit, the delegation met with the Deputy Governor of Kano State, Murtala Sule Garo, who represented Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf. Discussions focused on urban development, youth empowerment, social inclusion and opportunities for sustainable growth.
Speaking during the engagement, Garo reaffirmed the state’s commitment to fostering strong partnerships for development.
He said Kano State, under the leadership of Governor Yusuf, remains committed to creating an enabling environment that encourages responsible investment, promotes transparency and accountability, and strengthens collaboration with international partners to achieve shared development objectives.
The state government also presented its Urban Development Strategy, developed with technical support from UN-Habitat, which seeks to guide sustainable urban growth, improve resilience, strengthen infrastructure planning, promote social cohesion and unlock economic opportunities across the metropolitan area.
Reflecting on the mission, Ambassador Mignot said the visit underscored the EU’s commitment to maintaining a visible and active presence in Northern Nigeria.
“This visit underlines the European Union’s commitment to being visibly present and engaged in Northern Nigeria. By connecting directly with communities, young people and local institutions, we are strengthening partnerships that support inclusive growth, stability and opportunity for all,” he said.
The delegation also visited Bayero University, Kano, where they held an interactive session with students on youth participation and locally driven solutions to development challenges.
Country Director of GIZ Nigeria and ECOWAS, Dr Markus Wagner, stressed the importance of supporting women and young entrepreneurs.
“Investing in women and young entrepreneurs is key to building resilient communities. Through skills development and support to local enterprise, we are creating opportunities that strengthen local economies across Northern Nigeria,” he said.
On education, Plan International Nigeria Country Director, Dr Charles Usie, highlighted the need for sustained investment in learning opportunities, particularly for girls and vulnerable children.
He noted that quality education goes beyond access to classrooms and requires strong partnerships to ensure that every child has the opportunity to thrive and shape their future.
The delegation toured several EU-supported and partner-led projects, including an accelerated education programme implemented by Plan International and a Qur’anic education centre supported by UNICEF. The initiatives are designed to expand access to inclusive education and strengthen child protection systems.
UNICEF Representative in Nigeria, Wafaa Saeed, said investments in education, health and child protection remain essential to securing a better future for vulnerable children and young people.
The delegation also visited a facility producing ready-to-use therapeutic food for malnourished children and engaged with stakeholders in the Kannywood film industry, highlighting the role of local storytelling in promoting social change and public dialogue.
As part of the visit, the EU delegation participated in the Northwest Governors’ Forum Policy Dialogue on Reducing Multidimensional Poverty.
The mission concluded with a renewed commitment by the European Union and its partners to deepen collaboration across Northern Nigeria, expand opportunities for women and young people, and support inclusive and resilient systems that respond to local needs and aspirations. :::
