The European Union (EU) has engaged Teniola Akpata, a.k.a Teni, and Eniola Adeoluwa, brand influencer, popularly known as Eni, as ambassadors of a campaign to promote its partnership with Africa.
The EU ambassador to Nigeria and Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Ms Samuela Isopi, said this at a press conference on Thursday in Lagos.
She said the campaign tagged, ‘We See Africa,’ would strengthen the EU’s long-standing partnership with Africa to transform lives and inspire hope across the continent.
She said the campaign would run simultaneously in Nigeria, Cameroon, Congo, Tanzania and Zimbabwe, and build on the success of a previous one conducted across seven other African countries from 2020 to 2021.
She said the campaign reflected some of the initiatives that would position the two continents as model, reliable, ambitious and dynamic partners.
“It also highlights the strength of the partnership, which has brought together peoples and institutions of both continents in pursuit of common goals for a better world.
“We will work with national influencers to express our shared values and aspirations; showcase local success stories generated by our partnership; and connect with a new audience of young Africans, leveraging the pop culture,” said Isopi.
She said the initiative was the biggest of its kind undertaken by the EU outside its borders.
“Africa shares a rich history with the EU, its closest neighbour. Collaborating with Africa to find solution to common challenges is, more than ever before, a key priority for the EU.
“By strengthening their multi-dimensional cooperation and promoting sustainable development, both continents can co-exist in peace, security, democracy, prosperity, solidarity and human dignity.
“In the face of big challenges such as pandemics, security, finding green and digital solutions, climate change and migration, Africa and the EU have already proven to be more effective working together,” said the EU ambassador.
Teni, who combines her career in music with farming, said she was excited by the opportunity to work with the EU.
“We have had the wrong information that farmers are poor, but you can’t do anything without eating.
“We have to educate our people about agriculture. We have the capacity; the population and soil, but the thing lacking is education,” she said. NAN
