The Goodluck Jonathan Foundation (GJF) has tasked African leaders to prioritize the peace and prosperity of its citizens on the occasion of Africa Day 2023. The organization also called on respective leaders to redouble their efforts to ensure that the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is effectively implemented across the continent.
Communications Officer of the Foundation, Wealth Dickson Ominabo, in a news statement, quoted Ann Iyonu, the Executive Director of GJF, as saying that the promises of freedom, peace, unity, and prosperity and the defining virtues that make the Africa Day celebration significant.
It, therefore, calls for peace and a quick return to democratic order in Sudan, Chad, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Guinea.
“On Africa Day 2023, we celebrate the shared values and common heritage that define us as a people. We appreciate the enormous contributions and sacrifices that Africans worldwide have continued to display to make Africa a better place.
“This year’s celebrations coincide with the 60th commemoration of the establishment of the Organisation of African Unity, now Africa Union. This forum has helped foster political freedom, growth, and economic development in the continent.
“We support the African Union idea of “One African market” as it offers a sure route towards economic prosperity and self-sufficiency for our people and provides concrete steps towards attaining economic goals captured in the Africa Union Agenda 2063.
“We call on African leaders to redouble their efforts to ensure that the African Continental Free Trade Area (AFCTA) is implemented in our countries in line with this year’s theme: “Acceleration of AFCTA Implementation.”
“The promises of peace, freedom, and unity are prosperity and the reasons we celebrate today. We call for peace and a quick return to democratic order in Sudan, Chad, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Guinea.
“We urge leaders and all stakeholders to commit to the ideals of freedom, democracy, peace, unity and shared prosperity on Africa Day 2023.”