Nigeria’s Consul-General in Johannesburg, Ms Ninikanwa Okey-Uche, has called for sustained promotion of African unity as a pathway to meaningful growth and development on the continent.
Okey-Uche made the call in a message to mark Freedom Day celebrations held on Monday night in Johannesburg.
She described the occasion as a reminder of the triumph of courage, sacrifice, and the enduring human spirit over oppression.
“Africans, united by destiny and heritage, must rise above divisions and reject all forms of hate. The freedom we cherish must not be diminished by discord among ourselves,” she said.
The envoy stressed that the call for African unity has become more urgent, noting that the continent’s strength lies in its collective resolve across economic, social, and cultural spheres.
“By deepening cooperation and fostering mutual respect, we can unlock the immense potential of our continent for the benefit of present and future generations,” she added.
She recalled the words of former South African President Nelson Mandela, who said freedom goes beyond casting off oppression to include respecting and enhancing the freedom of others.
Okey-Uche highlighted Nigeria’s historical role in the struggle against apartheid, saying the solidarity of African nations strengthened South Africa’s journey to freedom.
“This shared history binds us together in a relationship rooted in sacrifice, brotherhood, and a collective vision for a just and equitable Africa,” she said.
She added that celebrations like Freedom Day should serve as a reminder that the true essence of freedom must be reflected in how Africans treat one another.
Okey-Uche expressed hope that the occasion would inspire renewed commitment to peace, unity, and shared prosperity across the continent.
She reaffirmed that Nigeria would always stand in solidarity with South Africa, stressing that the victory of any African nation is a collective achievement for all.
