Ambassador Femi Fani-Kayode has officially assumed his role as Nigeria’s High Commissioner to South Africa after presenting his Letter of Credence to President Cyril Ramaphosa. The ceremony took place on Friday at the Sefako Makgatho Presidential Guest House in Pretoria, according to THISDAYLIVE.
During the event, Fani-Kayode, who also holds concurrent accreditation to the Kingdom of Lesotho and the Kingdom of Eswatini, extended warm greetings from President Bola Tinubu. He stressed that a primary focus of his mission is to mend bridges, tackle lingering concerns, and restore full confidence between both nations.
Addressing the South African leader, the envoy revisited the deep historical ties between both countries, pointing out Nigeria’s sacrifices during the anti-apartheid movement. He described both countries as pivotal trading partners whose unity remains central to the continent’s stability.
“Part of my job here is to reset that relationship, to come and build that bridge, and to ensure that whatever concerns we have, we can work them out and move forward together,” Fani-Kayode said. He further praised South Africa's global diplomatic efforts, noting its involvement in BRICS, the Global South, and its backing of Nigeria's participation within the G20.
In his response, President Ramaphosa welcomed the incoming envoys and urged them to collaborate with South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation. He pointed out economic growth, industrial expansion, job creation, and skills acquisition as key areas requiring practical partnership.
Ramaphosa noted that diplomatic missions should actively work with stakeholders to build connections that directly benefit ordinary citizens. He assured the newly received envoys of his government’s complete support throughout their diplomatic postings.
The accreditation ceremony saw Fani-Kayode submit his official documents alongside incoming diplomats from several other nations, including France, Germany, Belgium, South Sudan, Somalia, and representatives of the European Union.
