A high-level delegation of European Union (EU) Member States Heads of Mission and their Deputies has concluded a strategic visibility and public diplomacy mission to Kano State, reaffirming the bloc’s commitment to strengthening partnerships, promoting inclusive development, and expanding opportunities for young people and vulnerable communities across Northern Nigeria.
The delegation was led by the EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot, and included representatives of UNICEF, the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) on behalf of the German Government, Plan International Nigeria, UN-Habitat, and other development partners.
The multi-day mission focused on enhancing engagement with government institutions, youth groups, educational institutions, and local communities while showcasing ongoing development initiatives supported by the European Union and its partners.
During the visit, the delegation met with the Deputy Governor of Kano State, Comrade Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, who represented Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, to discuss issues relating to urban development, youth empowerment, social inclusion, and sustainable economic growth.
Speaking during the engagement, the Deputy Governor emphasized the importance of international partnerships in advancing the state’s development agenda, noting that the Kano State Government remains committed to creating an enabling environment for responsible investment, transparency, accountability, and collaboration with development partners.
The state government also presented its Urban Development Strategy, designed to guide sustainable urban growth, improve resilience, strengthen infrastructure planning, promote social cohesion, foster peace and regional integration, and unlock economic opportunities within the metropolitan area with technical support from UN-Habitat.
Reflecting on the mission, EU Ambassador Gautier Mignot said the visit underscored the European Union’s determination to remain actively engaged with communities and institutions across Northern Nigeria.
According to him, direct engagement with young people, community leaders, and local stakeholders is essential to building stronger partnerships that support stability, inclusive growth, and shared prosperity.
The delegation also visited Bayero University Kano, where members interacted with students during an engaging session focused on youth participation, civic engagement, and locally driven solutions to development challenges.
The discussions highlighted the critical role young people play in shaping the future of their communities and reinforced the need to support youth-led initiatives that contribute to democratic governance and sustainable development.
Country Director of GIZ Nigeria and ECOWAS, Dr. Markus Wagner, stressed the importance of investing in women and young entrepreneurs, noting that skills development and support for local enterprises remain key to building resilient communities and strengthening local economies.
Similarly, Country Director of Plan International Nigeria, Dr. Charles Usie, emphasized that quality education goes beyond classroom access and requires sustained investment and strong partnerships to ensure that all children, particularly girls and marginalized groups, have equal opportunities to succeed.
Across various programme sites, the delegation observed EU-supported initiatives, including an accelerated education programme implemented by Plan International and a Qur’anic education centre supported by UNICEF, both aimed at improving access to education and strengthening child protection systems.
UNICEF Representative in Nigeria, Wafaa Saeed, said investments in children’s education, health, and protection are essential to ensuring that every child, especially the most vulnerable, can thrive and contribute meaningfully to society.
The mission also featured visits to a facility producing ready-to-use therapeutic food for children suffering from malnutrition and to media and creative industry platforms, including Kannywood, highlighting the importance of local storytelling and media in promoting social change.
The visit concluded with the delegation’s participation in the Northwest Governors’ Forum Policy Dialogue on Reducing Multidimensional Poverty, where the European Union and its partners renewed their commitment to supporting inclusive and resilient systems that respond to the aspirations and needs of communities across Northern Nigeria.