Fulfil your commitments to Africa, Yar’adua urges G-8 leaders

While welcoming the pledge of $20 billion by the G-8 leaders for efforts to boost food production in poorer nations, President Yar’adua said African leaders are concerned that previous pledges have not been fulfilled.

“Nigeria values the African Outreach Session of the G-8 which started in 2000 and we also acknowledge the various commitments that the G-8 has made to our continent over the last decade.

“While we appreciate these commitments which indicate the willingness to build an enduring partnership between the developed and developing countries, we are concerned that we are yet to see the fulfillment of some of these pledges even as concrete actions have become more urgent due to the impact of the current global economic crisis.

 “On our part as African leaders, we are determined to make those difficult choices that will enable us deal with the complex challenges facing us because we recognize that the responsibility for peace and development in Africa rests squarely on our shoulders.

“Some of our efforts are, however, being eroded by the prevailing global economic and financial crisis. That is why we are calling on the G-8 to, as a matter of urgency, fulfill all past and present commitments to Africa,” President Yar’adua said.