The Nigeria Ambassador to Bénin Republic, Mrs Mopelola Adeola-Ibrahim, says Nigeria remains committed to economic renewal, food and energy security.
She said the country was also committed to technological innovation and creating greater opportunities for Nigerians at home and in the Diaspora.
Mr Emmanuel Nwosa, Head, Chancery, Embassy of Nigeria, Cotonou, said in a statement that Adeola-Ibrahim spoke at a reception marking Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary in Cotonou.
The reception brought together senior officials of the Government of the Republic of Benin, members of the diplomatic corps, Nigerians resident in Benin and captains of industry.
It also attracted other distinguished guests.
Adeola-Ibrahim reflected on Nigeria’s journey since independence in 1960 and its contributions to peace, security, decolonisation and regional integration in Africa.
She highlighted Nigeria’s role in global peacekeeping and its advocacy for a more representative international order, including permanent African representation on the United Nations Security Council.
Adeola-Ibrahim also highlighted ongoing reforms under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and Nigeria’s 4D Foreign Policy Doctrine of Demography, Development, Democracy and Diaspora.
On Nigeria-Benin relations, Adeola-Ibrahim described the two countries as more than neighbours, saying they shared deep historical, cultural, familial and economic ties.
She noted the growing tempo of high-level engagements between both countries and underscored their expanding cooperation in trade, investment, agriculture, security and human capacity development.
Adeola-Ibrahim said 14 Nigerian Technical Aid Corps volunteers were currently serving in the Republic of Benin in education.
She said their service further demonstrated Nigeria’s commitment to knowledge-sharing and capacity development.
The ambassador reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to working closely with the Government of the Republic of Benin to strengthen bilateral cooperation.
She said both countries could transform their geographical proximity and historical affinity into greater opportunities for their peoples.
Responding on behalf of the Government of the Republic of Benin, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr Franck Afoukou, congratulated Nigeria on its 66th Independence Anniversary.
He acknowledged the longstanding bonds between Nigeria and Benin and underscored the importance both countries attached to their bilateral relations.
He also expressed appreciation for the spirit of friendship and cooperation that continued to characterise relations between the two neighbouring countries.
The reception featured interactions among members of the diplomatic community, government officials and the Nigerian community.
It also celebrated Nigeria’s national day and the enduring friendship between the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Republic of Benin. (NAN)
