Jacob Zuma receives Nigerian envoy

South African President Jacob Zuma receiving Nigeria's new envoy, Sunny Yusuf.

Jacob Zuma receives Nigerian envoy
Collins Atohengbe, South Africa

The South African government has received the letters of credence of twenty seven new envoys accredited to the country including Nigeria’s Ambassador Sunny Yusuf of Nigeria; with a pledge to continue to work toward ensuring mutual cooperation for the realization of a better international community.

In his address to the new envoys, President Jacob Zuma said South Africa is committed to the establishment of mutually beneficial international partnerships that would contribute to the achievement of the national development priorities of Africa and the international community.

Zuma expressed the belief that the new envoys were posted by their individual nations to join Pretoria in creating a better life for humanity as well as to create a credible diplomatic corps.

The South African leader acknowledged that it was the support of Africa and the international community that saw his country and the African National Congress through in the liberation struggle to overthrow the racist regime and establish an all inclusive government headed by the majority black South Africans.

He said , ”As we reflect on these, we also take an opportunity to thank all countries, including anti-apartheid movements, for the wavering support rendered during our fight against colonialism and apartheid. We are grateful that you could be here with us to witness that your efforts did not go in vain”.  

Nigeria’s High Commissioner

Speaking after presenting his letter of credence, the Nigerian High Commissioner to South Africa, Ambassador Sunni Yusuf said he will engage in constant communication, consultation and work toward establishing a formidable partnership between Nigerians and South Africans.

Ambassador Yussuf said he would take steps to ensure that the transformation agenda of President Good luck Jonathan is realised through the encouragement of investments and mutually beneficial business activities between Abuja and Pretoria.

 “To earnestly commence work in ensuring that the transformation agenda of President Goodluck Jonathan is realized by way of encouraging investment from potential investors from South Africa into the Nigerian economy particularly in mining, agriculture and power sector and to establish opportunity for job creation and of course improvement in the standard of living of our people and poverty reduction”, the Nigerian envoy said.

Accredited to South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland; Ambassador Sonni Yusuf arrived Pretoria about six months ago but did not get a date to formally present his letters of credence to the South African authorities until Wednesday 1st of February, 2012.

He took over from Gen. Buba Marwa who has since returned to Nigeria to pursue a political career.

Ugo