March 27, 2022

Nigeria’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Amb. Muhammad Manta, says the upcoming inaugural people-to-people dialogue will be “stepping stone toward sincere conversations for improved relations” between both countries.

The ambassador said in a statement that the South Africa-Nigeria Social Cohesion Dialogue holding in Pretoria on Thursday would be a take-off point for people to understand the historical dynamics of the two nations to engage and enlighten one another.

The forum, with the theme, “include, engage and enlighten”, would also help in dispelling rumours and perceptions that have affected the relationship between both countries, the envoy said.

“Beyond this inaugural dialogue, there are plans in the pipeline to engage and interprete bilateral relations through music, movie and drama among other artistic expressions.

“I thank the South African government, companies, and institutions for supporting the laudable initiative,” Manta said in the statement issued by Zingiswa Makanda, Managing Director, Milla Communication, organising the dialogue.

Makanda said that over 5000 Nigerians and South Africans had registered online to converge at
Freedom Park in Pretoria to dialogue around perceptions that have birthed conflicts between the two nations.

According to her, such a people-to-people dialogue between both countries is long overdue.

“We believe that a harmonious relationship between South Africa and Nigeria from governmental levels to the grassroots will strengthen the much-needed leadership on the continent.

“In Africa, whenever we have a family heart-to-heart talk, peace is automatic,” Makanda said.

She further said the dialogue would allow robust conversations on Xenophobia: Hospitable host and Responsible guests, Tribalism: Peaceful Socio-cultural relations Dialogue and Gender-Based Violence: Restoring Humane Woman Dignity.

The organisers noted that the dialogue was being sponsored by Multichoice, South African Department of Sports, Arts, and Culture, Thabo Mbeki Institute, SA Human Rights Commission, and generously supported by the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria.

She said the forum would also discuss critical issues of social cohesion at community levels, iron out unfounded perceptions of each other, prevent and resolve conflicts that had hitherto hinder the deep harmonious relationships. (NAN)