A former president of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, has called for the sustenance of those principles of foreign relations the founding fathers of Nigeria laid down which according to him gave the nation a pride of place globally.
Chief Obasanjo made this known at Emeka Anyaoku Institute for International Studies and Diplomacy, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, maiden symposium with the theme: Nigeria in the Comity of Nations, at the ASUU Building, Unizik, Awka.
ABS reports that 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, 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, a 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.
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, the Vice Chancellor of UNIZIK, Professor Charles Esimone, who appreciated Chief Emeka Anyaoku for domiciling the Institute in the University 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.
The Symposium was attended by the Governor of Anambra State, Governor Willie Obiano, Anambra state Governor-elect, Professor Chukuwma Soludo, Former Governor of Anambra State, Dr. 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, among others.
