Catriona Laing, the outgoing British High Commissioner to Nigeria, has expressed regret at leaving the country after spending “a fabulous time” engaging with its music, dance, and culture.
Despite this, Laing announced that she would return to the nation after four and a half years as Britain’s envoy there.
“I’m sad to be leaving. Nigeria is so much fun, I had a fabulous time here, and I’ll be back. I love the dance, the music, the culture,” she told President Muhammadu Buhari, during a farewell visit to him at the State House in Abuja, on Wednesday.
Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, disclosed this in a statement he signed on Wednesday titled ‘I had a fabulous time here, says British high commissioner in farewell visit to President Buhari.’
Laing said, “It’s been good to experience Nigeria. I’ve been to over 20 states, and I’ve told my successor to also do the same. I’ll be back, and still travel wider.”
She congratulated Buhari for a successful eight years in office, saying he had done very well to hold the country together.
On his part, the President said the United Kingdom was second home for many Nigerians and relations between the two countries would continue to wax strong.
“In fact, some wealthy Nigerians don’t feel complete till they’ve had a home in the UK,” he added.
Buhari said he looked forward to retirement in Daura, Katsina State, after handing over on May 29, reiterating, “I’ll be as far away from Abuja as possible.”
He lauded UK for cooperation on many fronts, particularly in the rebuilding of the North East, hitherto ravaged by insurgency.
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