FANI-KAYODE PLEDGES TO STRENGTHEN NIGERIA-SOUTH AFRICA RELATIONS, PROTECT NIGERIANS

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By Aishat Momoh. O.

Nigeria’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Femi Fani-Kayode, has pledged to strengthen diplomatic relations between both countries and protect the interests of Nigerians living in South Africa.

Fani-Kayode made the pledge on Sunday after arriving in Johannesburg to begin his diplomatic assignment, identifying friendship, cooperation and the promotion of Nigeria’s interests as key priorities.

According to a statement issued on Monday and signed by his media assistant, Lizzy Okoji, the former Minister of Aviation said his mission was to advance Nigeria’s interests and promote closer bilateral relations.

Speaking to journalists on arrival at O. R. Tambo International Airport, Johannesburg, Fani-Kayode said his primary responsibility was to rebuild ties between the two countries while safeguarding Nigerians residing in South Africa.

“My primary focus in carrying out the diplomatic mission entrusted to me by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is to rebuild the bridge of friendship and cooperation between Nigeria and South Africa, while protecting the interests of Nigerians living in the country,” he said.

He stressed the importance of cooperation between both countries, noting that their positions as Africa’s largest economies placed a responsibility on them to advance shared interests.

According to him, stronger bilateral relations would contribute to economic prosperity, regional stability and African unity.

His appointment comes amid concerns over challenges affecting relations between Nigerians and South Africans, highlighting the need for dialogue, mutual understanding and peaceful coexistence.

Fani-Kayode is expected to engage South African authorities on measures to address issues affecting Nigerians, strengthen their protection and promote harmonious relations between citizens of both countries.

His diplomatic assignment is also expected to focus on expanding economic and cultural partnerships, strengthening people-to-people relations and deepening cooperation between the two nations.

The statement said members of the Nigerian community in South Africa welcomed the high commissioner at the airport with songs, cultural displays and expressions of support.

Those present included the former Chargé d’Affaires of the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria, Ambassador Temitope Ajayi; Nigeria’s Consul-General in Johannesburg, Ambassador Ninikanwa Okey-Uche; and the Acting Director for West Africa at South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation, Puleng Chaba.

Representatives of various Nigerian community, professional, cultural, religious, student and political organisations also attended the reception.

They included the Nigerian Union South Africa, Nigerian Citizens Association South Africa, Nigeria Doctors Forum, Nigerian Lawyers Association, Group of Nigerian Professionals Johannesburg, National Association of Nigerian Students South Africa and Congress of Nigerian Students at the University of Johannesburg.

Other groups represented were the All Progressives Congress in South Africa, City Boys South Africa, Egbe Omo Yoruba Association, Association of Yoruba in Diaspora South Africa, Yoruba Leaders Council, Igbo Union South Africa, Ohanaeze South Africa, Nigerian Muslim Community South Africa, Arewa Union South Africa, Niger Delta Association and Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives South Africa.

The reception underscored the involvement of Nigerians living in South Africa in the new diplomatic mission as Fani-Kayode prepares to engage the country’s authorities on issues affecting the community.

His diplomatic responsibilities will also cover Nigeria’s relations with Lesotho and Eswatini, to which he is concurrently accredited.