By Milton Tella – Ahead of Africa Day celebration on 25 May 2022, Nigeria’s flagship diplomatic mission in the United Kingdom became a beehive of activities, events and engagements.
Africa day is celebrated annually on May 25. It commemorates the founding of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) on this day in 1963.
The Nigerian Ambassador to the United Kingdom, His Excellency, Sarafa Tunji Isola welcomed the High Commissioners from Africa and the Caribbean in an audience at the Nigeria High Commission London.
The diplomats visited the Nigeria High Commission London between 20th to 24th May 2022 with the aim of building on the strong ties between their various countries and Africa’s most populous nation, Nigeria.
First to visit was Her Excellency, Mrs Therese Rath, the High Commissioner of Belize to the United Kingdom. Her Excellency, was at the Nigeria High Commission London on 20th of May, in company of Jordan Allis Craig, First Secretary to discuss areas of mutual interests and partnership with both countries.
On the 23rd of May, His Excellency, Johnson Busingye, the High Commissioner of Rwanda to the United Kingdom, who recently presented his credentials to the Queen of England, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II was on a courtesy call to the Nigeria High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, His Excellency, Sarafa Tunji Isola.
The newly appointed High Commissioner was accompanied by Mr Johnson Rwigeman, First Secretary, Rwanda High Commission London.
His Excellency Busingye in his remarks reaffirmed the importance of cooperation among Africa & the Commonwealth countries in the UK. The diplomats discussed areas of common interest and promised to foster strong relationships.
On 24th of May, His Excellency, Sarafa Tunji Isola and some of the Mission’s diplomatic staff also received another newly posted High Commissioner, His Excellency, Anthony Severin (OBE), the High Commissioner of Saint Lucia to the United Kingdom at the Nigeria High Commission London.
The diplomats also deliberated on how the various countries could work together to promote human rights, democracy, and accelerating sustainable economic developments.
Further discussions focussed on the prospects on the horizon, from Africa’s growing and vibrant youth population, to initiatives like the African Continental Free Trade Area, and the multiple challenges preventing Africa from reaching its full potential, including the COVID-19 pandemic and its devastating impact on African economies, climate change, unresolved conflicts and a severe food crisis.
The Nigerian High Commissioner, His Excellency, Ambassador Sarafa Tunji Isola, during his remarks to the visiting diplomats, focussed on ways to improve areas of mutual interests and possible future cooperation.
Ambassador Isola emphasised to the High Commissioners of Rwanda and Saint Lucia who were both newly appointed into office, the primary roles of their position, that of representing, promoting and defending the vital interests of citizens of their respective countries in the United Kingdom.
The visiting diplomats all thanked His Excellency, Ambassador Isola for his warm welcome and hospitality.
Photo credit: Library, Nigeria high Commission London
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