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South Africa calls for better cooperation with Nigeria

By Laolu Adeyemi
18 June 2016   |   1:12 am
As the new Consul-General of South Africa, Darkey Africa resumed work in Lagos, South Africa High Commission in Nigeria has advocated for a continuous better working relationship between Nigeria and South Africa for a greater Africa.
L-R: Ambassador Lulu Louis Mnguni, South Africa High Commissioner to Nigeria; Professor Ademola Abbas, representative of Governor of Lagos State and Mr. Darkey Africa, South Africa Consul-General in Lagos.

L-R: Ambassador Lulu Louis Mnguni, South Africa High Commissioner to Nigeria; Professor Ademola Abbas, representative of Governor of Lagos State and Mr. Darkey Africa, South Africa Consul-General in Lagos.

As the new Consul-General of South Africa, Darkey Africa resumed work in Lagos, South Africa High Commission in Nigeria has advocated for a continuous better working relationship between Nigeria and South Africa for a greater Africa.

Speaking at the celebration of South Africa Freedom Day in Lagos, the South Africa High Commissioner to Nigeria, Ambassador Lulu Mnguni, stated that building a better Africa must be the focus of South Africa and Nigeria.

Explaining that the growth of Africa depends on the bilateral relationship between Nigeria and South Africa; Muguni disclosed that the total trade between the two countries has increased exponentially from N268 billion in 2010 to more than NN831 billion in 2015.

“Building a better Africa must therefore be our main focus; it is in our interest and future prosperity to do so,” he explained.Citing the recent meetings of both Presidents Muhammadu Buhari and Jacob Zuma in Johannesburg and Abuja respectively, Mnguni said both leaders are committed to provide an enabling environment for business to take place and for people, goods and services to move freely between the two countries.Africa who resumed duty on 5th of May, this year, appreciated the warmth hospitality of Nigerians for the short period he arrived the country.

He said, “You have always, as the people of Nigeria extended yourselves to help us- we shall forever remain grateful and thankful. We owe these 22 years of democracy to your unyielding support.”

“The spirit of our forebears such as; Awolowo, Azikiwe, Bello, Mandela, Tambo, Sisulu and others, continue to imbue our two countries with a new determination, never to depart from the path they set for the renaissance of Africa. Our people must renew their trust in each other and the collective future of Africa. In this, we must never falter, despite our geographical locations and inherent challenges. Our business people must never doubt our two countries commitment to create a conducive environment for their success and the protection of their well-being. Conducting business in Nigeria and South Africa must be both fulfilling, exciting and without hassles,” he continued.

Professor Ademola Abbas who represented Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State disclosed that Lagos has always played a good host city to very many South African companies and will continue to do in the spirit of promoting Africa’s oneness.

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