By Reginald Tapfumaneyi
Nigeria remains committed to support global peace and development in Africa and the world; this was revealed by the Nigerian Ambassador to Zimbabwe H.E Janet Odeka during the 58th celebrations of her country’s independence.
In a speech read on his behalf by ambassador Odeka, Nigerian President Muhammad Buharis said his country remained a responsible and respected member of the international community, playing a pivotal role within Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
“We will continue to support initiatives aimed at addressing the challenges of our times: global and regional crises and conflicts, terrorism, trans-border crime, climate change, human rights, gender equality, development, poverty and inequality within and between nations.
“In this context, we are working hard to achieve both the AU 2063 Agenda for socio-economic transformation of our continent; and the UN 2030 Agenda for sustainable development, which together aims at addressing these challenges,” said President Buharis.
Ambassador Odeka said that her President’s viewpoint was an indication that Nigeria’s determination to support programs and policies that promotes global peace and world order were their priorities.
Turning on to the bilateral relations the Ambassador said that Zimbabwe and Nigeria enjoyed special relations.
“The relationship between Nigeria and Zimbabwe predates the independence of Zimbabwe when the Nigerian Government supported her liberation struggle from the shackles of colonialism, although not located in Southern Africa, Nigeria, earned a name ‘Frontline state’ because of its commitment and support in their fight against colonialism.
“Nigeria also supported the newly independent state of Zimbabwe, in infrastructural and human capacity development, including training of the Zimbabwe military in Nigeria as well as training of several civilians in Nigeria tertiary institutions,” added the Ambassador.
Over the years relations between the two countries have remained cordial with the exchange of high-level of official visits and the continued similarities on views of African and the global issues.
