By: Samuel Ayammah
The Ghana High Commission in Abuja has presented a commemorative cake to the Federal Republic of Nigeria to mark Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary as a symbol of friendship and solidarity between the two countries.
Receiving the gift at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, described the gesture as rare and historically unique.
Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye said the presentation demonstrates the depth, width and strength of the relationship between Nigeria and Ghana, two countries bound by shared history and common aspirations.
He said in all his years in the diplomatic service, he could not recall a similar gesture.
“It’s very rare” he stated, adding “what you’ve done is historically very unique.”
Recalling his student days when the works of Ghana’s first President, Dr Kwame Nkrumah, formed part of his readings, he said Ghana’s Pan-African ideals continue to resonate today. He stressed the need for both countries to continue to dialogue and negotiate while holding firmly to principles that advance their national interests.
“We need to work harder to ensure that irritants are prevented from snowballing” he said, adding that the relationship had been nourished by their forefathers.
On continental issues, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye underscored the importance of open communication and commended Ghana’s commitment to joint efforts in addressing attacks on Africans, which he said should be termed Afrophobia.
“What is going on is totally unacceptable” he said. “It is barbaric” stressing that the rule of law must prevail.
He further commended Ghana for its role at the United Nations in getting colonialism defined as a crime against humanity and for championing reparations.
He disclosed that Nigeria is reactivating all its Joint Commissions, beginning with West Africa, including Ghana and the AES countries of Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger, to address trans-boundary issues of economic prosperity, security and defence.
“An extraordinary show of warmth and solidarity” he said, thanking Ghana on behalf of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu.
Ghana’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, H.E Baba Sadiq Abdulai Abu, described Ghana and Nigeria as members of the same family, bound by long-standing cultural, economic and diplomatic ties.
He said Nigeria remains one of Ghana’s major sources of investment, while Ghanaian businesses also maintain strong presence in Nigeria.
Tracing the bond to 1959 when Dr Kwame Nkrumah visited Nigeria and met Prime Minister Abubakar Tafawa Balewa and Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe, he said the relationship has grown across sectors and must be built upon by younger generations.
He also cited music, football and social media as examples of friendly rivalry between the two nations.
In a sporting twist to the celebration, the High Commissioner presented a Ghanaian football jersey to Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, sparking light-hearted exchanges over football rivalry.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to deepening its historic and strategic partnership with Ghana for the mutual benefit of both peoples and the African continent.
