Deputy Speaker says Africa-Europe partnership key to shared progress

By Oluwakemi Kindness

The Deputy Speaker of Nigeria’s House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, has led a delegation of the Pan African Parliament (PAP) to the European Parliament in Brussels, Belgium.

The visit aims to strengthen cooperation and share experiences between the two parliamentary bodies.

During the meeting with the Democracy Support and Election Coordination Group of the European Parliament on Monday, Kalu emphasizes the importance of collaboration.

The Deputy Speaker who chairs the Monetary and Financial Affairs Community of PAP assured that the delegation would give the partnership all the attention it deserves to ensure a mutually beneficial outcome.

He said: “The strength of Africa is the strength of Europe and vice versa. And, to leave us behind is a disservice to Europe. So, this is a step towards the right direction, and we want to assure you that it will be worth it. The step you are taking is quite commendable and we are not taking it lightly. We will give it all the attention it deserves to make sure that the expected outcome of this exchange will be rewarding to you as well as to us”.

Kalu highlighted Nigeria’s efforts to democratize the electoral space for young parliamentarians, including the establishment of the Young Parliamentarians Forum in the Nigerian Parliament.

According to a statement on Monday by his Chief Press Secretary, Levinus Nwabughiogu, Kalu also discussed the challenges of promoting gender representation in Africa, citing cultural and religious obstacles.

He however noted that Nigeria has made progress in “unbundling that myth” by showcasing the value of women in value addition to leadership, to good governance.

The one-week program will enable the PAP delegation to understudy the European Parliament’s methods and processes, with the goal of enhancing cooperation and promoting development in Africa.