By Chibuike Nwabuko
ABUJA (PRECISE POST) – Former Minister of Aviation and Ambassador-Designate to South Africa, Femi Fani-Kayode, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for their intervention in the ongoing repatriation of Nigerians affected by recent challenges in South Africa.
In a Democracy Day message delivered on his X handle on Friday, Fani-Kayode expressed delight that a number of Nigerians stranded in South Africa had been safely returned home, noting that the evacuation exercise was still underway.
He specifically praised President Tinubu for what he described as a timely intervention, while also applauding the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Ojukwu, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, and other officials of the ministry for their efforts in facilitating the return of affected citizens.
The former minister also acknowledged the contributions of Nigeria’s diplomatic representatives in South Africa, including the Charge d’Affaires, Mr. Temitope Ajayi, and the Consul-General, Mrs. Ninikanwa Okey-Uche, whom he credited with working tirelessly to assist Nigerians in the country.
According to him, the two diplomats have remained actively engaged in addressing the concerns of Nigerians and keeping relevant authorities informed about developments on the ground.
Fani-Kayode paid tribute to the resilience and courage of members of the Nigerian community in South Africa, many of whom, he said, had endured significant hardships and suffered substantial losses over the years.
He welcomed those who had already returned to Nigeria and those expected to arrive in the coming days, assuring them of support to help them rebuild their lives and reintegrate into society.
The Ambassador-Designate emphasized that diplomatic channels would continue to be explored in resolving the issues confronting Nigerians in South Africa, stressing that the Federal Government remained committed to protecting its citizens abroad.
He assured Nigerians residing in South Africa that they would not be abandoned, pledging that the government would continue to stand by them in the face of challenges.
Looking ahead to his anticipated diplomatic assignment, Fani-Kayode said he was committed to ensuring that Nigerians in South Africa enjoy adequate protection and are treated with dignity and respect.
He further expressed optimism about strengthening bilateral relations between Nigeria and South Africa, describing the relationship between both countries as one built on a shared history of collaboration and mutual support.
According to him, fostering greater understanding and cooperation between the governments and peoples of both nations would be critical to addressing existing challenges and advancing Africa’s development agenda.
Fani-Kayode therefore offered prayers for the safety and protection of Nigerians living in South Africa and across the world, while extending Democracy Day greetings to citizens at home and abroad.
