By Stella Odueme
The Ghana High Commission in Nigeria has presented a commemorative cake to the Federal Republic of Nigeria to mark the country’s 66th Independence Anniversary, in a gesture highlighting the enduring friendship and strong bilateral relations between both countries.
The cake was presented on Thursday to the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, who described the gesture as rare and “historically very unique.”
Enikanolaiye said he could not recall any previous occasion where a diplomatic mission had made a similar presentation at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, describing the gesture as a reflection of the depth of the relationship between Nigeria and Ghana.
He noted that the two countries remained brotherly nations connected by a shared history, culture and common aspirations, stressing the need for sustained dialogue and engagement to protect their mutual interests.
The minister recalled studying the works of Ghana’s first President, Dr Kwame Nkrumah, as a student, describing Nkrumah’s Pan-African vision as an enduring contribution to the continent.
He urged Nigeria and Ghana to continue addressing differences through dialogue, warning that unresolved issues should not be allowed to undermine the historic relationship built by the founding leaders of both countries.
“We need to work harder to ensure that irritants in this relationship are prevented from snowballing into situations in which our peoples begin to question the basis and rationale of a relationship that had so long been nourished by our forefathers,” he said.
On regional concerns, Enikanolaiye commended Ghana’s collaboration with Nigeria on issues affecting Africans, particularly attacks against African nationals in South Africa.
He maintained that such attacks should be regarded as Afrophobia rather than xenophobia, noting that many of those affected are fellow Africans.
“What is going on is totally unacceptable. It is barbaric. The punishment for irregular migration is certainly not death,” he said, adding that criminal allegations should be determined through due process and the rule of law.
The minister also acknowledged Ghana’s efforts at the United Nations towards the recognition of colonialism as a crime against humanity and its advocacy for reparations.
He said Nigeria would continue to work with Ghana on initiatives aimed at advancing the interests of both countries and promoting broader African development.
Enikanolaiye further disclosed that Nigeria was taking steps to reactivate its Joint Commissions, beginning with countries in West Africa, including Ghana and members of the Alliance of Sahel States — Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger.
According to him, the commissions would provide platforms for sustained discussions on economic development, security, defence and other trans-boundary issues.
“Countries do not choose their neighbours and must therefore continue to collaborate,” he said.
Earlier, Ghana’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, Ambassador Baba Sadiq Abdulai Abu, described Nigeria and Ghana as members of the same family, saying the cake presentation symbolised the longstanding cultural, economic and diplomatic ties between the two countries.
Abu said bilateral relations had continued to expand since the establishment of diplomatic ties, noting that Nigeria remained a major source of investment for Ghana, while Ghanaian businesses and investors also maintained a significant presence in Nigeria.
He recalled the historical links between both countries, particularly the February 1959 visit of Ghana’s former President, Dr Kwame Nkrumah, to Nigeria, where he met prominent Nigerian leaders, including Prime Minister Abubakar Tafawa Balewa and Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe.
The envoy urged younger generations in both countries to preserve and strengthen the foundation established by the founding leaders.
He also cited the strong social and cultural interactions between Nigerians and Ghanaians, including music, football, social media and the popular “Jollof Wars,” as manifestations of the close relationship and friendly rivalry between the two nations.
As part of the celebration, Abu presented a Ghanaian football jersey to Enikanolaiye, prompting a light-hearted exchange over the longstanding football rivalry between Nigeria and Ghana.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening its historic partnership with Ghana and promoting cooperation for the mutual benefit of both countries and the wider African continent.