UK Secretary of State visits, promises more opportunities for Brits, Africans

• Afenifere hails Badenoch’s emergence as Tory leader
• Obi calls for leadership renewal in Nigeria

The United Kingdom Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, David Lammy, yesterday, arrived in Nigeria on his first visit to Africa.

This was as the pan-Yoruba socio-cultural and socio-political organisation, Afenifere, described the emergence of Mrs Olukemi Badenoch as the Leader of the Conservative Party in the United Kingdom as a pride to the black race.

Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 general election, Peter Obi, celebrated the election of Nigerian-born Badenoch and described her achievement as a testament to the global potential of Nigerian and African youth.

Lammy is expected to announce the start of a five-month consultation process, to ensure African voices inform and sit at the very heart of the UK’s new approach to the continent.

Accommodating the diverse needs and ambitions of 54 countries, the consultation will guarantee the UK’s relationships across Africa are based on mutual respect and partnership.

He said, “Africa has huge growth potential, with the continent on track to make up 25 per cent of the world’s population by 2050.”Our new approach will deliver respectful partnerships that listen rather than tell, deliver long-term growth rather than short-term solutions and build a freer, safer and more prosperous continent. I want to hear what our African partners need and foster relationships so that the UK and our friends and partners in Africa can grow together.”

In a release signed on behalf of its National Leader, Reuben Fasoranti, by the National Publicity Secretary, Jare Ajayi, Afenifere stated that the election of the Nigerian-Briton was a landmark achievement for the black race as well as proof that steadfastness and commitment have rewards.

The 44-year-old politician was elected as the new head of a major political party in the UK, popularly known as Tories, on Saturday morning after securing 53,806 votes against Robert Jenrick’s 41,388.

By the election, she is the first African to occupy the highest major political office in the Western Hemisphere. The LP leader writing on his X-handle, yesterday, expressed that Badenoch’s rise to leadership came at a time when many Nigerians were questioning their potential amid challenges.

“Badenoch’s election is a powerful testament to the strength of diversity and what can be achieved when competence, capacity, integrity, and inclusivity are prioritised,” Obi stated, noting that her success highlighted a stark contrast in Nigeria’s leadership, where younger, competent leaders were often overlooked for older figures, who might lack the same drive.

Obi urged Nigerians to use Badenoch’s achievement as an inspiration for change within the country’s leadership structure.

“Congratulations, Kemi Badenoch. A new Nigeria is indeed possible!” Obi declared.