Nigerian president, ECOWAS commission president hail Obama´s victory in election

Source: Xinhua | 11-06-2008 10:38

LAGOS, Nov. 5 (Xinhua) -- Nigerian President Umaru Yar'Adua on Wednesday hailed the election of U.S. Democratic president-elect, Barack Obama, saying he had broken the greatest barrier of prejudice in human race, reported the News Agency of Nigeria.

Yar'Adua stated this during opening of Tuesday federal executive council meeting, adding that Nigerians had a lot to learn from the historic event.

"The election of Barack Obama as president-elect has finally broken the greatest barrier of prejudice in human history," he said.

Also commenting on Obama's election, Mohammad Ibn Chambas, President of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)Commission, said Obama's victory was significant, especially at a time the world was going through financial crisis and especially food and energy crises in Africa.

"We hope the new administration will understand the aspiration of the African people to tackle issues of poverty and development," Chambas said.

"Naturally as somebody of African descent, we feel very proud that Obama will be able to inspire both young and old that with hard work and determination, all things are possible," he said.

Obama is indeed a big inspiration for the African continent, Chambas added.

Chambas also said Obama is expected to build on President George Bush's African policy thrust.

Chambas told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that "President Bush has set high goals in terms of aid delivery to Africa. There is support in terms of HIV and AIDS and the Millennium Development Goals."

"What we need is for Obama to keep the program going and even increase the support for the continent," Chambas said.

The ECOWAS boss called for more mutually beneficial relationship between the American and African continents.

Editor:Zheng Limin