Dr Benson Bana, Tanzania’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, has emphasized the importance of continuous dialogue on political and economic issues in Africa in order to boost continental growth.
Bana made the call during his welcome address at the Special Dialogue organized by the mission in Abuja to commemorate Tanzania’s five-day 60th anniversary of independence.
He explained that the special dialogue marked the culmination of the mission’s independence celebration, which began on Saturday, December 5, and will last until Wednesday, December 9, 2021.
According to him, the dialogue is intended to foster a dialogue about shared African concerns, such as the consolidation of independence and the continuity of civilian rule on the continent.
“The dialogue will address Pan-African issues as well as liberation struggles in Southern Africa.”
“The dialogue will see some African countries’ foreign policies in the emergence of African Continental Free Trade Area protocols.”
“The dialogue will attempt to identify missing links in Africa’s political and economic development; we know from other jurisdictions that the two go hand in hand, but are uncommon on the continent.”
“We have made enormous strides on the political front, with free civil society organizations and free media outlets, but the same development has not manifested itself in the economic development of the citizenry.”
“There are still a lot of people living in abject poverty,” Bana said.
He acknowledged the rise of women in leadership positions in Africa, stating that “Tanzania has a female president who is also Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces and Chairman of the ruling party for the first time.”
He suggested that Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan serve as an inspiration to other African women seeking elective political positions, emphasizing that women can succeed in politics just as much as men.
Mr Geoffrey Onyeama, Minister of Foreign Affairs, also spoke and congratulated Tanzania on its 60th anniversary of independence.
Onyeama, represented by Engr. Ahmed Amshi, Chairman of the National Assembly Service Commission, praised Bana in particular for the initiative to commemorate the country’s independence.
“A well-packaged program, particularly the Special Dialogue, through which we have identified a number of issues that will contribute to the development of our respective countries.”
“We hope that all of the issues raised will be considered and taken back to our respective countries, so that we can help Africa grow.”
“All of the issues are about Africa, and I believe that the more we talk about them, the better; although there have always been complaints about how much we talk, one day someone will hear it and things will improve.”
“So, let us keep talking, discussing, and filing ideas, and I am confident that these will help us,” Onyeama said.
He urged other African countries to follow Tanzania’s example of long-term democratic rule.
He urged Africans, particularly Nigerians, to always think positively about their fatherland, saying that if you only see the negative aspects of the country, you will never see the positive.
Mrs Esther Mshelia, Convener and CEO, Women Arise Development and Humanitarian Initiative, moderated the Special Dialogue, which included a panel discussion on the importance of including women in development planning and implementation.
Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, was represented by Habibat Pat-Eluame, Ambassador of Namibia, Amb. Humphrey Geiseb, and Mr Osita Okechukwu, Director-General Voice of Nigeria, at the discussion.
Mr Francis Anatogu, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Public Matters and Secretary Nigerian National Compassion Committee of AfCFTA, as well as Mr Stanislas Kamanzi, High Commissioner of Rwanda to Nigeria, were also present.