Ms Isopi noted how much Nigeria has progressed under president Tinubu's administration, including policies that have strengthened the nation's economic and political landscape
Abuja, Nigeria – The outgoing EU Ambassador to Nigeria, Samuela Isopi, has commended Nigeria’s progress since President Bola Ahmed Tinubu assumed office, citing a series of significant developments.
Speaking at a diplomatic meeting officiated by vice president Kasim Shettima at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, the outgoing EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Samuela Isopi, highlighted the administration’s commitment to revitalizing the Nigerian economy, improving security, and fostering national unity.
Ms Isopi noted how much president Tinubu’s administration and policies have strengthened the nation’s economic and political landscape.
She pointed to policy reforms and initiatives that have been implemented over the past months, which she says have set Nigeria on a path toward making significant progress that will outpace past administration’s.
“Nigeria has been busy, and I leave with an even warmer feeling in my heart than when I arrived. Nigeria has made great progress, with much more development and improved infrastructure,” she said.
Isopi described her stay of service in Nigeria as “three memorable years”, adding “it’s time for me to say goodbye.”
She reiterated the EU’s firm collaboration and support for the Nigeria’s many initiatives, commending vice president Kasim Shettima for the dedicated role played by his office up until her retirement as the EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS.
“We’re proud of our collaboration with the office of the Vice President on many programmes. Your office has led the way, and we’ve been working diligently,”ms Isopi said.
“We aim to support Nigeria in peace and security. We’re very present and committed in the Northeast, and we’re now looking increasingly at the Northwest.
“We recently launched a new education programme there. We’ll continue to support the government’s efforts in humanitarian assistance, including new development actions in education and health.”
“Nigeria is the most populous nation on the continent and is projected to become the third most populous nation globally by 2050, after China and India. We appreciate your commitment and involvement in some of the most important programmes in Nigeria.”
Shettima lauds the outgoing EU Ambassador to Nigeria, Samuela Isopi, for her agency’s support to the current administration
The Vice President praised her efforts while serving as an European Union (EU) ambassador to and ECOWAS, noting that throughout her tenure, Isopi has demonstrated a profound understanding of Nigeria’s unique challenges and opportunities, and she has worked tirelessly to promote collaboration on key issues.
“You have contributed immensely towards strengthening the relationship between the EU and Nigeria.You have midwifed many transactions and assisted in many humanitarian endeavors in the North East and the North West subregions,” Shettima lauded the outgoing EU Ambassador.
“You have been around for some of the epochal moments in Nigeria’s political evolution. You were part of the process that midwifed the current transition.”
He also stated that throughout Isopi’s stay as the EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS humanitarian crisis, especially in the Northwest, has improved.
“You were actively involved in signing the peace accord with political parties prior to the 2023 elections. You have been the focal person even in championing humanitarian causes.
“We value the EU’s continued engagement and support, especially in humanitarian efforts and development initiatives. We need your support now more than ever, particularly in addressing humanitarian crises and security challenges in the Northwest,” he added.
