Africa Progress Group, APG official inauguration was held on Tuesday at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, Abeokuta. The inauguration of the Group whose main objective is to create a blueprint for African governments, private sector and international partners to build an Africa with better opportunities for all, had in attendance eminent African leaders and friends of Africa.
The inauguration was graced by Italy former Prime Minister, President Romano Profi, the initiator of Transparency International, Prof. Dr. Peter Eigen, VC of Chrisland University Prof. Peace Babalola, VC of Bells University, Prof. Jeremiah Ojediran, VC of FUNAAB, Prof. Kolawole Salako. President Nana Akufo-Addo was ably represented by Ghana High Commissioner to Nigeria Alhaji Rasheed Bawa, National Presidents of Students’ Unions of Kenya, Ghana, Liberia and several others.
In his welcome address, former Nigerian President and the Chair of APG, Olusegun Obasanjo stated that the Group was formed to forge a path for a prosperous Africa.
He said, “Africa Progress Group (APG) is made up of eminent former and serving political, public and private sector leaders from Africa and friends of Africa from across the world. Pursuit of the ‘Africa We Want’ is one of the main reasons we are inaugurating the Africa Progress Group (APG) today.
“The main thrust for APG is to pursue an agenda with all African governments, the private sector, international development partners and other actors in ensuring that every African, now and for generations to come, lives in a world in which he or she has a fair chance of leading a healthy, happy, prosperous, and fulfilling life. Africa Progress Group will support inclusive community and share societies, bolster multi-stakeholder initiatives to combat the plunder of Africa’s oceans and minerals, increase annual expenditure on agriculture and infrastructure development particularly rural infrastructure, boost investment in Africa’s energy infrastructure, push for innovation and advancement in science, technology and focus policy changes to benefit the poor, the marginalised and disconnected, work for economic integration in Africa and intra-regional energy trade, combat illicit financial flows and tax evasion, adopt global transparency standards and ensure gender equity and give hope to our youth. APG will harness the vast opportunities in the continent so that its transformation will accelerate, and become a reality for all.
“As part of its major thrust, Africa Progress Group will focus on five main pedestals for progress which I call five “Ps”. The first “P” is politics which is based on sound, good and people-centred governance. The second “P” which is population is to ensure that the population is managed for optimal benefit and fulfillment of the populace beginning with education for all and including full rights with obligation. The third “P” is prosperity. This is to ensure a frontal attack on poverty leading to job creation and employment for all and wealth generation. The fourth “P” is protection, all round security for all in all its ramifications, and the last “P” is partnership within Africa and between Africa and the rest of the world.
Without partnership and cooperation, we cannot take advantage of economy of scale and integrate for collective upliftment.”
