Director-General of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), Prof. Eghosa Osaghae has advocated the need to strengthen ties between Nigeria and Australia.
Osaghae, who spoke when the Australian High Commissioner to Nigeria Mr. John Donnelly and his wife visited him in Lagos said both countries are in the Commonwealth of Nations and it behoves the two nations to be sisters, especially since the Commonwealth is now stronger after Brexit.
The Director-General explained that since 2012, nothing concrete has happened between Nigeria and Australia, adding that it was good the ambassador visited the institute at the time the NIIA is celebrating its 60th anniversary.
Head, NIIA Public Affairs Helen Onwuasor, in a statement, said Osaghae welcomed Mr. and Mrs. Donnelly to the institute and they discussed at length about Nigeria-Australia relationship.
He mentioned that many Nigerians live in Australia because it’s a safe; multicultural and multilingual country with a strong indigenous heritage.
Osaghae also told the envoy that the NIIA has a platform for ambassadors, diplomats and country’s representatives called the “Ambassadorial Forum”, which is held once a month.
The DG asked the ambassador if he would be NIIA’s guest on September 27, an offer the Australian envoy accepted.
Mr. Donnelly also responded that he had fruitful deliberations with Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Geoffrey Onyeama, stressing that the minister reiterated his commitment and welcomed collaborations between the two countries.
The envoy promised to strengthen relations between the two countries and their agencies.
Mrs. Donnelly, an Indian national, in her remarks, appreciated Nigeria and said she looks forward to more collaboration between Australia and Nigeria. She also mentioned that a lot of Nigerians in Australia are in the ICT sector.
The ambassador visited the institute’s library, conference chambers and the lecture theatre, expressing his satisfaction with what they saw.
He hoped that the visit was the beginning of a very strong relationship between Nigeria and Australia.
The NIIA Acting Director of Library and Documentation , Mrs. Pamela Momah told the ambassador that she looks forward to the NIIA Library having relations with the Australian Institute of International Affairs.
Mrs. Momah told the envoy that the NIIA has a robust relation with Chatham House, where they exchange ideas, library skills, reference materials and visits.