Nigeria and South Africa are exploring ways to strengthen their ties and work collaboratively for a better Africa.
Speaking virtually on the topic of “Strengthening South Africa and Nigeria Relations: A Cultural and People-to-People Co-operation: Building Bridges for Africa’s Progress,” Jermaine Sanwo-Olu, Special Advisor to the Governor of Lagos State, said that the relationship between the two countries diplomatically has been very strong. However, he noted that significant differences of opinion persist between the citizens of Nigeria and South Africa, often fueled by gross historical ignorance and stereotypes.
Sanwo-Olu said that there is a need to shed more light on the direction that Nigeria and South Africa can go to further ensure that a relationship that is mutually beneficial is fostered between the two great nations. He said that the two countries can explore cultural diplomacy, explaining it as a way to ensure understanding and appreciation of both nations’ cultures, foods, and other things such as arts, literature, or music traditions. He said that Nigeria and South Africa can engage in cultural diplomacy through Nollywood films by exchanging roles, adding that cultivating cultural diplomacy between these two sister nations presents a golden opportunity to bridge the gaps in national identity, dispel misunderstandings, and overcome implicit biases that often arise between Nigerians and South Africans.
Sanwo-Olu also said that cultural exchange programs and related activities can also help boost their relationship. He applauded MTN Nigeria for its plan to take the MTN MIP-2 Fellow to South Africa, saying that this kind of program helps strengthen the two nations’ relations.
Prof. Bobby Moroe, the South African Consul General, also spoke on the topic of “Nigeria and South Africa: Indispensable Bilateral Relationships to Foster Cultural Relations through the Media Fraternity.” He said that the relationship between Nigeria and South Africa is an indispensable one, stating that Nigeria was an integral part of the frontline of the struggle against the apartheid regime in South Africa. He argued that though there are always diplomatic relations between the two countries, the relationship has to go beyond diplomatic smile sessions.
Moroe said that Nigeria and South Africa, as the dominant economic powers in Africa, need to play a significant role in the continent’s economic, political, and cultural diplomatic realms in order to succeed in the fight to free the African continent from the shackles of economic poverty, and the exploitation of the continent.
He added that collaboration between Nigeria and South Africa, both culturally, politically, and bilaterally, is important to ensure the provision of the leadership necessary for the African continent to go forward.
Moroe also stated that the role of the media is very critical in pushing positive narratives between Nigeria and South Africa. He urged the Journalists to provide objective reporting of their stories and showcase the positive things happening between the two nations.
