KANO – NIGERIA
A high-level delegation of European Union (EU) Member States Heads of Mission and their deputies, have concluded a strategic visibility and public diplomacy mission to Kano State, reaffirming commitment to youth empowerment, inclusive development, and stronger partnerships across Northern Nigeria.
The delegation, led by EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot, undertook a multi-day engagement 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 Kano State Deputy Governor, Murtala Sule Garo, who represented Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf. Discussions centred on urban development, youth opportunities, social inclusion, and sustainable growth in the state.
Speaking during the engagement, the deputy governor reiterated the state government’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for responsible investment, transparency, accountability and collaboration with international development partners to achieve shared goals.
The Kano State Government also presented its Urban Development Strategy, developed with technical support from UN-Habitat.
The strategy is designed to guide sustainable urban growth, improve infrastructure planning, strengthen resilience, promote peace and social cohesion, and unlock economic opportunities across the metropolitan area.
EU Ambassador Gautier Mignot said the visit demonstrated the European Union’s determination to maintain a visible and active presence in Northern Nigeria through direct engagement with communities, young people and local institutions.
According to him, such engagements are vital for strengthening partnerships that support inclusive growth, stability and economic opportunities.
The delegation also engaged students at Bayero University Kano in an interactive dialogue focused on youth participation, innovation and locally driven solutions to development challenges.
The discussions highlighted the importance of empowering young people to contribute meaningfully to societal development.
As part of the mission, the team visited several EU-supported and partner-led initiatives, including an accelerated education programme implemented by Plan International Nigeria and a Qur’anic education centre supported by UNICEF.
The projects are aimed at expanding access to inclusive education and strengthening child protection systems.
Country Director of Plan International Nigeria, Dr Charles Usie, stressed the importance of quality education in shaping children’s futures, particularly for girls and other vulnerable groups who continue to face barriers to learning and opportunities.
Similarly, UNICEF Representative in Nigeria, Wafaa Saeed, emphasized the need for sustained investments in education, health and child protection to ensure that every child can survive, learn and thrive.
The delegation further visited a facility producing ready-to-use therapeutic food for malnourished children, underscoring ongoing efforts to tackle child malnutrition in the region.
The team also toured Kannywood media platforms, recognizing the role of local storytelling and creative industries in influencing public discourse and driving social change.
In addition, the EU delegation participated in the Northwest Governors’ Forum Policy Dialogue on Reducing Multidimensional Poverty, where stakeholders explored strategies for addressing poverty and improving livelihoods across the region.
The mission concluded with a renewed commitment by the European Union and its partners to deepen collaboration with governments and communities in Northern Nigeria, expand opportunities for women and young people, and support resilient systems capable of responding to local needs and aspirations.
Aisha Ahmed writes
