Obasanjo Commends Obiano On Completion Of The Anambra Airport
Former President of Nigeria, Olusegun Obasanjo has commended Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra state on the completion of Anambra International Cargo and Passenger Airport, Umueri, describing it as a great achievement for the State.
President Obasanjo made this known when Emeka Anyaoku Institute for International Studies and Diplomacy, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, organized their maiden symposium with the theme: Nigeria in the Comity of Nations, today the 8th March, 2022, at the ASUU Secetariat Conference Hall, Unizik, Awka.
The former Nigerian President who chaired the event, while thanking all who contributed to the founding of the Emeka Anyaoku Institute for International Studies and Diplomacy, President Obasanjo, noted that Nigeria has continued to follow the principles stated by Tafawa Balewa in 1960 during the 15th regular session of the General Assembly which admitted Nigeria as the 99th member of the United Nations,that has aided Nigeria’s role in the comity of nations.
He stated that Nigeria has become a frontier state as a result of her foreign policies such as decolonization and the abolition of apartheid in South Africa, while also stating that Nigeria is not powerless but requires nation builders to make Nigeria matter in the comity of nations.
In a remark, former Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, Chief Emeka Anyaoku described education as the gateway to development, and called on Nigerian leaders to focus more on education in order to reposition the country.
He mentioned a few landmarks of Nigeria during what he called the "golden era" when Nigeria had great respect all over the world, such as the United Nations' appointment of Late Brigader Aguiyi Ironsi as the first African Commander of a UN peacekeeping force, the era when Nigeria's Prime Minister Sir Tafawa Balewa played a leading role in the formation of the Organization of African Union in 1963, and so on.
He did, however, state that Nigeria's standing in the world has declined in recent years, saying that the Nigerian passport is regarded with disdain in many parts of the world.
Chief Anyaoku expressed confidence that with Nigeria's natural resources and the proven capacity of Nigerians to innovate and adapt both at home and in the diaspora, Nigeria's aspirations in the comity of nations can be assured.
In a welcome address by the Vice Chancellor, Professor Charles Esimone, who appreciated Chief Emeka Anyaoku for domiciling the Institute launched in October 2017 which aims at fostering diplomacy and promoting International peace, said the symposium signals the university’s commitment to make the institute functional.
The keynote speaker, Professor Akinjide Osuntokun, stated in a paper presentation titled "Nigeria's Foreign Policy: A Retrospective View" that in executing its foreign policy, Nigeria has operated multilaterally and bilaterally by sending its most experienced diplomats to posts around the world.
He did, however, note that, despite advances in communication science that make the role of embassies appear obsolete, diplomatic missions will remain relevant in the foreseeable future.
The Symposium was attended by the Former President of Nigeria, Olusegun Obasanjo, the Governor of Anambra State, Governor Willie Obiano, Anambra state Governor-elect, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, Former Governor of Anambra State, Mr Peter Obi, the Senator representing Anambra Central Senatorial District, Senator Uche Ekwunife, the Vice Chancellor, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Professor Charles Esimone, the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Achebe, the MD/CEO of Anambra Broadcasting Service, Chief Dr. Uche Nworah, and others.
More photos below.
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