The need for closer ties and co-operation as catalysts for peace and development among the nations of the world has again been emphasised.
Speaking at Port Vila, Vanuatu over the weekend during the presentation of his Letters of Credence to His Excellency,President Nikenike Vurobaravu of the Republic of Vanuatu,the High Commissioner of Nigeria to Australia and the Pacific Region,Amb. Anderson N.Madubike, said his mission on the entire continent was to present to the countries of the region the many opportunities for mutual growth and development,which Nigeria with its over 200 million strong population and its abundant natural resources presents.
He said his experience since arriving Australia and the region as a whole was the apparent paucity of information that exists across the continent on Nigeria and its investment opportunities and economic potential. While pointing out that he was working hard at changing the sad narrative,Amb.Madubike emphasised the need for the entire continent of Australia to advance her relations with countries like Nigeria beyond the level of Government to Government,but also business to business and people to people.
While applauding the atmosphere of peace and unity that characterises life in the island nation that has been described as the fourth happiest country in the world,the Nigerian Envoy expressed pleasant surprise that,despite having about 145 diverse languages in a population of a little over 300,000, the Republic of Vanuatu has continued to provide itself as a model for unity-in-diversity across the globe. He said what the country continues to enjoy was a product of good leadership and welcomed its leaders to Nigeria to share experiences on development, growth and investment opportunities.
Also speaking during the visit,the Vanuatuan President conveyed his acceptance of the Letters of Credence from His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari,GCFR,and thanked the people of Nigeria for their envisaged co-operation.While looking up to years of robust relations between Nigeria and his country,the Vanuatuan leader noted the great roles Nigeria has continued to play across the world as the leader of the African continent and expressed the hope of a state visit to the country during the course of his tenure. He also pointed out the potential for tourism and leisure partnership that Vanuatu possesses and the friendliness of its people.
Amb. Madubike,who was treated to the different aspects of life in Vanuatu, including the country’s cuisines and historical sights and events,also visited the Prime Minister of the Republic,H.E.The Rt.Hon. Bob Loughman Weibur at the State House,Port Vila.
H.E. Mr. Vurobaravu,an accomplished diplomat and highly respected member of the ruling Vanua’aku Pati,who had represented his country over the years in Fiji and in other areas of official engagements, only took over the reins of leadership as President about a fortnight ago for an official term of five years.
Amb. Madubike,the Nigerian Envoy, was accompanied on the trip to the Republic of Vanuatu by the Special Envoy of Vanuatu to Nigeria,H.E. Mr Olorunfemi Festus, Mr Valentine Olaleye of Spry Support Services, Australia,and Mr Lawrence Suku,a member of staff of the Nigerian Mission in Australia.
Steve Kem
Abuja, Nigeria
