Former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has called for a stronger relationship between Nigeria and the United Kingdom to birth the potential of both countries. He delivered the keynote address at the 16th Osigwe Anyiam-Osigwe lecture series in Lagos on Monday. He emphasised the need for Nigeria and the UK, which he described as two great democracies, to lead the world.
“Nigeria can be a renewable superpower while still producing oil and gas. We could be much more together. You need a society that is open and is nurturing to develop human potentials,” he said, adding that modern successes are built on freedom under the law. Johnson listed areas for continued collaborations with Nigeria, including free trade, free speech, and elections. He also noted that democracy remains the best option for the people, positing that it was the fear that the Russian citizens may choose the democratic way that pushed Vladimir Putin to invade Ukraine.
Chief Emeka Anyaoku, former Secretary General of the Commonwealth, chairman of the occasion. He called on politicians to see the welfare of the people as the bedrock of their policies in government. Lagos Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by his Deputy, Dr Kadri Obafemi Hamzat. He [Hamzat] emphasised the need to focus on the positives of Nigeria as a nation and continue building the country.
In his speech, Chief Anyaoku hailed the legacies of the former PM and how he prioritised the people’s welfare, saying,
“He’s a remarkable British politician and leader. A Prine minister that followed the decision of the most British people… He got Brexit done.
Chief Emeka Anyaoku
To effectively pursue the theme of the 16th lecture series of the Osigwe Anyiam-Osigwe, “Rehumanising Human Experience,” the comprehensive welfare of the people should be the foundation of policies and actions of politicians worldwide, said Chief Anyaoku.
Johnson’s call for a stronger relationship between Nigeria and the UK is expected to enhance both countries’ economic and social development.
