The Ghana High Commission in Abuja has presented a commemorative cake to Nigeria to mark the country’s 66th Independence Anniversary, in a gesture underscoring the longstanding friendship and solidarity between both countries.
According to a statement by the Special Assistant, Digital Media and Public Diplomacy office of the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Raphael Oni, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye received the cake at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, describing the gesture as historically unique and a demonstration of the strong bilateral relations between Nigeria and Ghana.
“I must say, it’s very rare. I have been in the diplomatic service for quite some time. I do not have a recollection of any occasion in which this kind of presentation has taken place in the Ministry by a diplomatic mission,” he said.
Enikanolaiye called for sustained dialogue and stronger cooperation to prevent disagreements from undermining the historic relationship between 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 stated.
He also commended Ghana’s advocacy for reparations for colonialism and its commitment to addressing attacks against Africans, stressing the need to uphold the rule of law.
Earlier, Ghana’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, Baba Sadiq Abdulai Abu, described Nigeria and Ghana as members of the same family, highlighting their longstanding cultural, economic and diplomatic ties.
He recalled the contributions of Ghana’s first President, Dr Kwame Nkrumah, and Nigerian leaders to strengthening relations between both countries, urging younger generations to sustain the legacy.
According to him, both countries share strong cultural, economic and diplomatic connections, with Nigeria remaining one of Ghana’s major sources of investment, while Ghanaian businesses and investors also maintain a significant presence in Nigeria.
The event also featured the presentation of a Ghanaian football jersey to Enikanolaiye, highlighting the friendly sporting rivalry and cultural connections between the two countries.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening its strategic partnership with Ghana for the mutual benefit of both countries and the African continent.
