The Director General of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), Irina Bokova, who arrive in Nigeria on Wednesday for an official visit, is expected to discuss and strengthen UNESCO’s programmes in the country, with the prevention of violent extremism topping the agenda.

She is expected to engage with President Muhammadu Buhari, Geoffrey Onyeama, the minister of foreign affairs, and Adamu Adamu, who is the minister of education and chairman of the Nigeria National Commission for UNESCO.

Other notable issues to be discussed will focus on the fields of education, the sciences, culture, as well as communication and information.

The official visit will provide an opportunity to discuss ongoing cooperation with UNESCO in a number of key priorities for the organization and in relation to the African Union Agenda 2063.

Agenda 2063 is an approach of the African Union to effectively learn from the lessons of the past, build on the progress now underway, and strategically exploit all possible opportunities available in the immediate and medium terms, with a view to ensuring positive socioeconomic transformation within the next 50 years.

The AU intends to achieve this vision through an integrated, prosperous and peaceful Africa that will be driven by its own citizens, and representing a dynamic force in the global arena.

It will also serve as an occasion to reaffirm UNESCO’s commitment to strengthen its action in support of societies and governments in Africa, a global priority for the organization.vv