The Ghana High Commission in Abuja has presented a commemorative cake to Nigeria to mark the country's 66th Independence Anniversary. This gesture is a symbol of friendship and solidarity between the two countries. The presentation was made by Ghana's High Commissioner to Nigeria, His Excellency Baba Sadiq Abdulai Abu. The event took place on October 1, 2026.
Nigeria's Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Olusola Enikanolaiye, received the cake and described the presentation as rare and historically unique. He said it demonstrates the depth and strength of the longstanding relationship between Nigeria and Ghana. Ambassador Enikanolaiye recalled the influence of Ghana's first President, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, on his generation, particularly his Pan-African ideals.
Ambassador Enikanolaiye stressed the need for both countries to continue dialogue and negotiations while advancing their national interests. He urged Nigeria and Ghana to prevent bilateral irritants from escalating, stressing the importance of open communication and stronger cooperation for the benefit of both peoples. This, he believes, will foster a stronger relationship between the two nations.
The Minister commended Ghana's partnership in addressing attacks against Africans on the continent. He reiterated Nigeria's position that attacks targeting fellow Black Africans should be described as Afrophobia rather than xenophobia. He stressed that the rule of law must prevail in addressing irregular migration and criminality. This stance is in line with Nigeria's commitment to promoting African unity.
Ambassador Enikanolaiye further commended Ghana's initiative at the United Nations on the recognition of colonialism as a crime against humanity and its advocacy for reparations. He disclosed that Nigeria is reactivating its Joint Commissions with West African countries, including Ghana, Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger, to strengthen cooperation on economic prosperity, security and defence. These efforts aim to enhance regional cooperation.
Earlier, Ghana's High Commissioner to Nigeria, His Excellency Baba Sadiq Abdulai Abu, described Ghana and Nigeria as members of the same family. He noted that their relationship is rooted in strong cultural, economic and diplomatic ties. The High Commissioner recalled Dr. Kwame Nkrumah's 1959 visit to Nigeria, where he met Nigerian leaders including Prime Minister Abubakar Tafawa Balewa and Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs says Nigeria remains committed to deepening its historic and strategic partnership with Ghana for the mutual benefit of both countries and the African continent. The presentation of the cake is a testament to the strong people-to-people connections between Nigerians and Ghanaians. Key areas of cooperation include economic prosperity, security, defence, and cultural exchange.
Key points
- The Ghana High Commission presented a commemorative cake to Nigeria to mark its 66th Independence Anniversary.
- Nigeria and Ghana have a longstanding relationship rooted in strong cultural, economic, and diplomatic ties.
- Both countries are committed to deepening their historic and strategic partnership for mutual benefit.
