Nigeria will welcome delegates from at least 35 countries for the 61st Africa Day celebration in Abuja from May 24th to 27th, focusing on continental unity and development
[dropcap]N[/dropcap]igeria is preparing to host a significant gathering of nations as it welcomes delegates from no fewer than 35 countries for the 61st Africa Day celebration, scheduled to take place in Abuja from May 24th to May 27th.
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Mr. Young Piero, Coordinator and Director of Parliament, Africa, Caribbean and Pacific Joint Sessions, Africa Union Simulation, announced the details of the upcoming event at a news conference held in Abuja on Wednesday.
Africa Day commemorates the formation of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU), the precursor to the African Union (AU), in 1963.
The annual celebration serves as an opportunity for Africans to acknowledge the progress made and to reflect on the shared challenges within the global landscape.
Mr. Piero stated that the discussions during the 61st edition will center on crucial themes such as continental unity, the vision of a borderless Africa, the promotion of intra-African trade, fostering cultural exchange, and the AU’s Vision 2030 initiative aimed at creating a single African passport.
“The 61st Africa Day celebration aims to create a unified continental voice that drives meaningful development and promotes a more united and progressive Africa,” said Mr. Young Piero, Coordinator and Director of Parliament, Africa, Caribbean and Pacific Joint Sessions, Africa Union Simulation.
He further highlighted that the event will also place a strong emphasis on the inclusion of youth and women, the cultivation of patriotism, and the promotion of core African cultural values.
“The 61st Africa Day celebration aims to create a unified continental voice that drives meaningful development and promotes a more united and progressive Africa,” Mr. Piero emphasized.
He added that this year’s celebration will adopt a unique approach through collaboration with various organizations across Nigeria and Africa that are making significant strides in their respective fields towards building the Africa envisioned by its people.
Mr. Piero also noted that the event will provide a platform for the continent to celebrate its rich heritage, originality, and to instill a strong sense of “Africa first” among its populace.
“Africa is where the treasure lies, and we are building Africa that will become a global powerhouse of the future,” he asserted.
Echoing this sentiment, the President of the Afro-Caribbean Chamber, Quadri-Adu Kehinde, announced that a liberation walk would precede the 2025 Africa Day celebrations to underscore the enduring importance of freedom.
“The time of slavery is gone, and this is a time that we need to move together and work together. That is the essence of the liberation walk,” Mr. Kehinde explained.
Mr. Kehinde outlined other key activities planned for the event, including in-depth discussions on Africa’s development trajectory and dedicated sessions for youth, women, and other key demographic groups.
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The Chairman of the Planning Committee, Phil Roberts, commended the Nigerian government for its invaluable support in hosting the prestigious event and stressed the critical role of patriotism in Africa’s ongoing journey towards progress and prosperity.
Quadri Olaitan is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, public affairs, and human-interest stories.
