Ramos-Horta Urges Nigeria to Prioritize Trade, Technology, and Diplomacy
President José Ramos-Horta of Timor-Leste urged Nigeria to leverage its extensive resources to enhance its position in international trade, technology, and diplomacy during a symposium for Prof. Babafemi Badejo. He emphasized the need for national assertiveness, self-determination, and prioritizing development over foreign aid dependencies, while Badejo expressed his intention to continue contributing to political discourse post-retirement.
President José Ramos-Horta of Timor-Leste has called for Nigeria to utilize its substantial resources to enhance its role in international trade, technology, and diplomacy. This appeal was made during a symposium held in Lagos on the occasion of the 70th birthday of Prof. Babafemi Badejo, a diplomat and noted academic. The symposium’s theme centered on the influence of special interests on Nigeria’s development.
Ramos-Horta emphasized the importance of Nigeria asserting itself within the changing global landscape, advising against being manipulated by global power struggles. He stated that Nigeria should harness its resources for its own development rather than rely on minimal foreign aid that fosters dependency. Emphasizing national priorities, he urged leaders to take a proactive stance in defining Nigeria’s interests.
The President highlighted Nigeria’s historical resilience shaped by various competing interests, noting external dynamics that have influenced the nation’s trajectory. To realize its potential, Ramos-Horta insisted that Nigeria must concentrate on its wealth, intellectual capital, and natural resources to serve its populace effectively. He compared this approach to the “America First” policy, suggesting that Nigeria should similarly adopt a “Nigeria First” mentality without undermining other nations.
He further cautioned that interconnected global economies mean that crises in one country can affect others. He underscored the importance of fostering healthy competition and boosting productivity for the benefit of Nigerian citizens. Ramos-Horta praised Prof. Badejo’s contributions to nation-building and expressed his gratitude for their longstanding friendship, noting Badejo’s critical role in political thought and governance in Nigeria.
In his remarks, Prof. Badejo expressed his intent to reinvent himself in retirement, focusing on writing and exploring topics related to the peace process in Somalia and federal character in Nigeria, which he believes impacts national development. He stressed the need for public engagement to ensure societal interests are met and fulfilled.
Overall, both Ramos-Horta and Badejo highlighted the vital interconnections between national interests and the global order, urging a renewed focus on development and self-advocacy for Nigeria in the international arena.
In summary, President Ramos-Horta’s address at Prof. Badejo’s symposium underscores the need for Nigeria to prioritize its resources for its own national development within the global economic framework. His call for a ‘Nigeria First’ approach, alongside Prof. Badejo’s emphasis on public engagement, stresses the significance of self-determination in the face of external pressures. The discussions advocate for a strategic direction that supports Nigerian interests while contributing to a stable global community.
Original Source: nannews.ng
