President Bola Tinubu stated that African nations have a greater chance of overcoming economic and security difficulties if they turn internally for answers and follow through on all of their commitments and agreements.
The President made the remarks yesterday while receiving letters of credence from three envoys at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
The ambassadors were Mr. Awall Wagris Mohammed, Ambassador of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia; Mrs. Miriam Morales Palmero, Ambassador of the Republic of Cuba; and Salem Saeed Al-Shamsi, Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates.
During a side discussion with Ethiopia’s Ambassador, the President promised the envoy that Nigeria will continue to deepen its connections with African nations in the areas of trade, security, and economic growth.
Ajuri Ngelale, President Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, stated in a statement:
“Africans need to work for the progress of Africa.
“We should be able to resolve our internal problems, collectively. It requires a great commitment, but we must do that. No one can understand our people better than we do.
“Home-grown solutions are better for all of us, and the remedies will last longer.”
The Ethiopian Ambassador, Mohammed, commended the President on the historic decisions he had made in the country, as well as the impact of his policies on the continent, and assured him of his commitment to improving relations between Nigeria and Ethiopia.
Receiving the UAE Ambassador, the President instructed that concerns concerning ties with Emirates Airline and the issuing of visas to Nigerians be rectified “immediately,” highlighting his willingness to “personally” assist.
According to the President:
“We are a family with UAE. We only live in separate rooms, but we are in the same house. We should look at the issues as a family problem, and resolve it amicably.
“As you know, in every family there are peculiarities. You can have an erring son, or daughter, but we must work together.
“We need to agree on core aviation and immigration issues.”
The UAE Ambassador stated that he already considers himself a “Nigerian” because of the country’s historical antecedents, long-standing leadership position in Africa, and reputation for generosity to visitors.
cc: Vanguard Ng
