Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has urged African countries to strengthen their economic connections and pool resources to build a more unified economic power. His call came on Tuesday, September 17, during the commemoration of Angola’s National Founder and Hero’s Day in Lagos.
The event celebrated the legacy of Angola’s first President, Agostinho Neto, who declared the country’s independence on November 11, 1975. The theme of the commemoration was “Pan-Africanism in the Political Course by Agostinho Neto,” and it was organized by the Embassy of Angola in Nigeria.
Obasanjo, who was a former chairman of the African Union (AU), emphasized the need for economic Pan-Africanism. “We have achieved political and cultural Pan-Africanism to some extent, but now it is crucial to focus on the economic liberation of Africa,” he said.
He pointed out that although significant strides have been made in political and cultural integration, economic ties need more attention. “We have seen the introduction of African Continental Free Trade Agreements, but our economic cooperation must be stronger. The struggles of the past, such as slavery and colonialism, were driven by the quest for resources and economic power. To counter this, we must now focus on economic Pan-Africanism,” he added.
Obasanjo praised the contributions of former Cuban President Fidel Castro in Angola’s liberation struggle, highlighting the support Nigeria provided with financial aid worth 20 million dollars. He stressed that economic strength is vital for Africa’s progress and that collective effort is necessary to achieve it. “Economic Pan-Africanism is crucial for the economic liberation of Africa, and we must continue from where Agostinho Neto left off,” he stated.
Angolan Ambassador to Nigeria, José Zau, noted that the choice of Lagos for the commemoration reflects the historical ties between Neto and the city. He recalled that during Obasanjo’s presidency, Neto was honored by the University of Lagos with an honorary Doctorate in the 1970s.
Yusuf Tuggar, Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, represented by Olamide Adediro, reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening ties with Angola. “Nigeria is proud to have supported Angola’s independence struggle, guided by the same ideals that shaped our own journey. Neto’s vision of a united and self-reliant Africa is one we share with our Angolan brothers and sisters,” he said.
The commemoration underscored the ongoing solidarity and cooperation between Nigeria and Angola, aiming to address challenges and advance the aspirations of the African continent.
