Addis Ababa, June 10, 2025 – Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, has joined counterparts and dignitaries from across the continent to commemorate the annual Africa Day celebration, reaffirming the nation’s commitment to regional unity, peace, and sustainable development.
Held at the African Union (AU) Headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, the 2025 edition of Africa Day marked the 62nd anniversary of the founding of the Organization of African Unity (now African Union). This year’s theme focused on “Education, Innovation, and African Renaissance”, aligning with the AU’s Agenda 2063 blueprint for inclusive growth and transformation.
Ambassador Tuggar, speaking on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the people of Nigeria, emphasized the importance of pan-African cooperation, youth empowerment, and collective action to address challenges facing the continent, including insecurity, climate change, and economic inequality.
“This day is a powerful reminder of Africa’s resilience, diversity, and the strength that lies in our unity,” the Minister said. “As we celebrate our shared heritage, Nigeria remains committed to advancing the African agenda through diplomacy, innovation, and solidarity.”
He also used the occasion to advocate for deeper regional integration through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), and called for stronger investments in education and technology to harness the continent’s demographic advantage.
The event featured cultural displays, keynote addresses by AU leaders, and panel sessions on Africa’s future in global geopolitics. Nigerian cultural ambassadors were also on ground to showcase the nation’s rich heritage through music, dance, and fashion.
Africa Day, celebrated every May 25 but often marked with extended ceremonies across the continent, serves as a unifying reminder of the liberation struggles of African nations and the ongoing pursuit of prosperity, peace, and global relevance.
