Nigeria's High Commissioner to South Africa, Eswatini and Lesotho, Femi Fani-Kayode, has arrived in South Africa, pledging to strengthen bilateral relations and protect the interests of Nigerians living there.
Fani-Kayode arrived on Sunday, October 25, and was received by officials of the Nigerian High Commission, alongside representatives of Nigerian community organisations.
Speaking with journalists, he said rebuilding relations between Nigeria and South Africa would be a priority of his diplomatic assignment, which was entrusted to him by President Bola Tinubu.
He said both countries, as two of Africa’s largest economies, needed closer cooperation to promote economic prosperity, regional stability, peace and African unity.
Fani-Kayode, who is also accredited to Lesotho and Eswatini, said his mission would focus on restoring friendship between the countries while safeguarding the welfare of Nigerians residing in South Africa.
His arrival comes amid concerns over tensions between Nigerians and South Africans, including xenophobia-related challenges. He is expected to engage South African authorities on ways to address these concerns, protect Nigerians and promote peaceful coexistence.
The ambassador-designate’s diplomatic agenda is also expected to cover political cooperation, economic and cultural partnerships, and stronger people-to-people relations.
A large crowd of Nigerians resident in South Africa welcomed him with songs and cultural displays at the reception.
Those present included 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 Puleng Chaba, Acting Director for West Africa at South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation.
Representatives of several Nigerian community, professional, cultural, religious, student and political organisations also attended.
They included the Nigerian Union South Africa, Nigerian Citizens Association South Africa, Nigeria Doctors Forum, Nigerian Lawyers Association, Group of Nigerian Professionals Johannesburg and the National Association of Nigerian Students South Africa.
Other groups represented were the Congress of Nigerian Students at the University of Johannesburg, All Progressives Congress South Africa, City Boys South Africa, Egbe Omo Yoruba Association, Association of Yoruba in Diaspora South Africa, Yoruba Leaders Council, Igbo Union South Africa and Ohanaeze South Africa.
Representatives of the Nigerian Muslim Community South Africa, Arewa Union South Africa, Niger Delta Association and Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives South Africa were also present.
Fani-Kayode has previously advocated Pan-Africanism, calling for greater unity among African countries to address common challenges and advance the continent’s collective interests.
Discussion0