The Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Republic of Namibia have underscored the need to deepen bilateral relations for the benefits of both countries.
This decision was reached when the President of Namibia, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, paid courtesy visit to Vice President Kashim Shettima, on the sidelines of the ongoing 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) holding in New York.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports Shettima is representing President Bola Tinubu at the global stage and will deliver Nigeria’s national statement to the assembly on his behalf.
During the visit, Nandi-Ndaitwah, the first female President of Namibia who assumed office on March 21, appreciated Nigeria’s significant role in supporting her country from pre-independence.
She also appreciated the roles of Nigerian diplomats in Namibia’s government and national life.
The Namibia leader said, she found it appropriate to leverage the UNGA opportunity to meet with Vice President Shettima.
“I will still find time to pay a visit to Nigeria, to introduce myself to the President,” she promised.
Responding, Shettima appreciated Nandi-Ndaitwah for the courtesy visit while wishing her administration well.
The Vice President stressed the need for the Nigeria-Namibia relations to be taken to the next level, going forward.
NAN reports the courtesy call was witnessed by several diplomats and government officials on both sides including Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar.
Others are the Ministers of Women Affairs and Social Development, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim; and Education, Dr Maruf Alausa.
In a related development, the vice-president also held a high-level meeting with a delegation from the Gates Foundation, led by its Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Mr Mark Suzman.
Shettima, who appreciated the foundation’s effort in improving the Nigeria’s health sector, called for more investments from the foundation.
He applauded the foundation in boosting agricultural productivity, especially the investment in the cassava projects.
The Vice President also commended the foundation for expanding access to financial services, gender empowerment initiatives, noting that entrepreneurial capitalism is embedded in the very psychic of an average Nigerian.
“In Gates Foundation, we have a partner that we trust and believe in.
“If all high network individuals can even make half of Bill Gates investments, this world will be a better place to live in” he said.
Shettima disclosed that the Tinubu’s administration’s targets in the coming couple of years is to have an annual growth rates of nothing less than seven per cent.
“We have to surpass the population growth rates anchored on microeconomic stability improved productivity, investment in infrastructure, healthcare, agriculture and education,” he said.
Shettima told the delegation to convey the highest regards of his boss, President Tinubu, to Mr Bill Gates.
On his part, the Minister of Education, Alausa, solicited the support of the foundation in the area of education in Nigeria.
He specifically solicited assistance, in the area of technical support, technology, Artificial Intelligence, machine learning and others.
” I have met with your representatives in Africa and they said the initial focus over the years had been on child, nutrition but not in education.
“But now, I think there is more focus on education.
“I am seeking for more of your support in foundational education. We don’t have that much support at all, ” the minister said.
For his part, Suzman of the Gates Foundation, pledged enhanced investment in human capital development, education, health.
He added that the foundation recorded significant progress in the area of digital identity and digital financial inclusion in Nigeria.
He commended the strong commitment of President Tinubu and his Vice saying, “Nigeria is really one of our strongest partners on the continent of Africa.
“I am really looking forward to hear from you about where and how we might be more helpful and also just to assure you of our continued support.
“We just signed a new grants with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to support some of the works around that, and we are very encouraged by your broader efforts, ” Suzman said.
Other members of the delegation from the foundation are the President, Global Growth and Opportunity Division, Mr Rodger Voorhies, Director, Nigeria Country Office, Global Development, Mr Uche Amaonwu, and Director Africa Dr Paulin Basinga.
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