By Stella Woke
Nigeria’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Ambassador Femi Fani-Kayode, has pledged to strengthen diplomatic and economic cooperation between the two countries, describing the rebuilding of their relationship as a major priority of his assignment.
Fani-Kayode arrived in Johannesburg on Sunday, to begin his diplomatic mission, with concurrent accreditation to the Kingdoms of Lesotho and Eswatini.
A statement issued on Monday said the ambassador was received at the O. R. Tambo International Airport by officials of the Nigerian High Commission and members of the Nigerian community in South Africa.
Speaking on arrival, Fani-Kayode said he was committed to restoring the bonds of friendship between Nigeria and South Africa while ensuring that the interests of Nigerians living in the country received adequate attention.
He said his mission, entrusted to him by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, would focus on promoting cooperation and advancing the shared interests of both countries.
According to him, Nigeria and South Africa, as two of the continent’s largest economies, have important roles to play in advancing African unity, economic development and regional stability.
The high commissioner’s appointment comes at a time when concerns over tensions between Nigerians and South Africans have underscored the need for stronger diplomatic engagement and mutual understanding.
He is expected to hold discussions with relevant South African authorities on issues affecting Nigerians, with a view to addressing existing challenges, protecting their interests and promoting peaceful coexistence.
Fani-Kayode, a strong advocate of Pan-Africanism, is also expected to pursue initiatives aimed at expanding trade and investment, strengthening cultural relations and encouraging closer interaction between citizens of both countries.
His arrival was marked by a reception attended by a large gathering of Nigerians, who welcomed him with songs, cultural displays and expressions of goodwill.
Those present included Ambassador Temitope Ajayi, former Charge d’Affaires of the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria; Ambassador Ninikanwa Okey-Uche, Nigeria’s Consul-General in Johannesburg; and Puleng Chaba, Acting Director for West Africa at South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation.
Representatives of various Nigerian organisations also attended the reception, including the Nigerian Union South Africa (NUSA), Nigerian Citizens Association South Africa (NICASA), Nigeria Doctors Forum, Nigerian Lawyers Association, National Association of Nigerian Students South Africa, All Progressives Congress South Africa, City Boys South Africa, Egbe Omo Yoruba Association, Igbo Union South Africa, Ohanaeze South Africa, Nigerian Muslim Community South Africa and AREWA Union South Africa, among others.
The commencement of Fani-Kayode’s assignment is expected to open a new phase of diplomatic engagement aimed at strengthening bilateral ties, promoting economic opportunities and advancing the welfare of Nigerians in South Africa.