President Bola Tinubu, yesterday, called on the European Union to assist Nigeria and Africa in strengthening security and economic development to alleviate poverty in the continent.

Tinubu spoke during a telephone conversation with President of the European Council, Mr. Charles Michel. The European Council is the EU institution that defines general political direction and priorities of the European Union.

According to Tinubu, Nigeria and the whole of Africa would require help and partnership of her friends and development partners, like the EU, to address excruciating poverty in the continent.

While requesting the EU to look at specific areas of security challenge, like the Lake Chad and coastal areas, the Nigerian leader promised to remain in contact with the European Union and other member states.

He said poverty and insecurity were priority areas for his administration and he would do all that is required to address them. Michel used the opportunity of the conversation to, once again, congratulate Tinubu on his election.

While pledging commitment of the Council towards stronger cooperation and partnership with Nigeria, based on mutual respect and common interests, he pointed out that Nigeria is important to the EU and the international community.

Michel also urged Tinubu to continue to work with the EU in all relevant areas. Also, the President chaired his first meeting with Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

The meeting commenced at about 12:36 p.m. Governors that attended the include those of Zamfara, Kano, Taraba, Kogi, Ogun, Nasarawa, Bayelsa, Adamawa, Ebonyi, Lagos, Rivers, Osun, Jigawa, Benue, Delta, Enugu, Rivers, Oyo, Plateau, Kebbi, Abia, Kwara, Imo, and Bauchi.

The deputy governors of Edo and Niger represented their states. Tinubu had earlier met with the governors of his ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), known as the Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF), last Friday.

Meanwhile, the President inaugurated Senator George Akume as the 21st Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF). The former governor of Benue State and immediate-past Minister of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs took the oaths of allegiance and office in a ceremony, held at the Council Chambers, State House, in the presence of the President, Vice President Kashim Shettima, and senior government officials.

Speaking to reporters after his inauguration, Akume said: “It is an honour to be chosen to serve in this exalted position out of over 200 million Nigerians. It is a challenge to serve, in line with the oaths I have taken today. I assure Nigerians, I will do my best and I will not disappoint the President.”