By Ahmed Rufa’i
The European Union (EU) and its development partners have reaffirmed their commitment to supporting inclusive development, expanding opportunities for women and young people, and strengthening resilient systems that respond to local needs and aspirations across Northern Nigeria.
The commitment was renewed at the Northwest Governors’ Forum Policy Dialogue on Reducing Multidimensional Poverty, marking the climax of a strategic visibility and public diplomacy mission undertaken by a high-powered delegation of European Union Heads of Mission and their Deputies to Kano State.
The delegation, led by the EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot, included representatives from UNICEF, the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), Plan International Nigeria, UN-Habitat, and other development partners.
During the multi-day engagement, the delegation met with Kano State Deputy Governor, Murtala Sule Garo, who represented Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf. Discussions focused on urban development, youth empowerment, social inclusion, and strengthening collaboration between Kano State and international development partners.
Speaking during the meeting, the Deputy Governor reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to promoting responsible investment, transparency, accountability, and partnerships that drive sustainable development.
The Kano State Government also showcased its Urban Development Strategy, developed with technical support from UN-Habitat, aimed at promoting sustainable urban growth, enhancing infrastructure planning, improving resilience, fostering social cohesion, and unlocking economic opportunities across the metropolitan region.
EU Ambassador Gautier Mignot said the visit demonstrated the European Union’s determination to maintain a strong presence in Northern Nigeria and engage directly with communities.
“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,” Mignot stated.
The delegation also visited Bayero University Kano, where members held interactive discussions with students on youth participation, leadership, innovation, and locally driven solutions to societal challenges.
Highlighting the importance of economic empowerment, GIZ Nigeria and ECOWAS Country Director, Dr. Markus Wagner, stressed the need for increased investment in women and young entrepreneurs to build resilient communities and strengthen local economies.
Education featured prominently during the mission, with visits to an accelerated learning programme supported by Plan International Nigeria and a Qur’anic education centre supported by UNICEF.
The initiatives are designed to expand access to quality education and reinforce child protection systems.
Plan International Nigeria Country Director, Dr. Charles Usie, emphasized that quality education requires sustained investment, particularly for girls and vulnerable children who continue to face barriers to learning.
Similarly, UNICEF Representative in Nigeria, Wafaa Saeed, noted that investments in education, healthcare, and child protection remain essential to ensuring children and young people achieve their full potential.
The delegation also toured a facility producing ready-to-use therapeutic food for malnourished children and visited Kannywood media platforms to appreciate the role of local storytelling in shaping public discourse, promoting social cohesion, and driving positive social change.
The mission culminated in the Northwest Governors’ Forum Policy Dialogue on Reducing Multidimensional Poverty, where the EU and its partners reiterated their support for policies and programmes that foster inclusive growth, reduce poverty, and improve livelihoods across Northern Nigeria.
