The relationship between Britain and Nigeria is deeply intertwined, the British Deputy High Commissioner (DHC) to Nigeria, Ben Llewellyn-Jones has said.
Llewellyn-Jones made this known in his keynote address at a book presentation titled “ The Making of Modern Nigeria – From Pre-colonial Era Till Date,’’ by the Sun Publishing Limited, the publisher of Sun Daily on Thursday in Abuja.
”Britain or Nigeria can not escape history. As two nations, our past and present are deep and intertwined.’’
Llewellyn-Jones added that both countries strive together for peace, prosperity, and democracy.
“We have a shared togetherness today. We share the Commonwealth values as members of the Commonwealth.
“We share the values of democracy, of human rights of international peace and security, of tolerance, respect and underhand understanding of freedom of expression, separation of powers, and the rule of law.
“Nigeria has been independent since 1960. We will celebrate 63 years of independence on Oct. 1. We also celebrate the return to democracy in 1999.’’
Llewellyn-Jones added that both countries did not only share deep history, but also working relationship.
“As an indication of our history, His Majesty the King has made four visits to Nigeria. One of the earliest visitors received after his accession to the throne was that of President Muhammadu Buhari.
“I’m pleased to have seen that our Minister of Foreign and Commonwealth and Development Minister, Mr James Cleverly, visited in August and President Bola Tinubu and our Prime Minister Sunak met in New Delhi only a few weeks ago.
“A sign of our future is that the UK issued 65,000 student visas to Nigerian students to come and study in the UK.
“Nigeria is the third largest country in the world in terms of students in the UK. There are many Nigerians and people of Nigerian descent operating at the top of our society, as Secretary of State for business and trade, kemi Badenoch is a Nigerian descent.
“Perhaps a little closer to home, when I was treated for malaria back in the UK, the doctor was from Lagos. we base our relationship not only on our history, but on our current issues and our shared future,’’ she said.
The deputy high commissioner due to finish her tenure in Nigeria by the end of 2023 said she had lived in the country for four years and have come to love Nigeria complexity, diversity, deep cultures and her special people.
Also speaking, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume commendied the Sun Publishing Limited for the book project.
Akume described it as a wonderful document, urging the youths to read it.
“It is a bridge gap between the ancient and the modern, trying to bring to the concept of readership to our teeming youths who may have lost touch with history.
“So I am quite appreciative of this very excellent work by your team and commenced you so much
“I wishe that the teeming youths and all Nigerians in general should avail themselves opportunity of having knowledge of what has happened and what is happening to Nigeria through this very wonderful work,’’ Akume said.
Contributing, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep Tajudeen Abbas, represented by Rep. Phili Agbese, Deputy Spokesperson of the House, said that the book would contribute to knowledge and research work in the country.
“This is considered to be an incredible piece of well research work to enrich the literature of to fill the gaps in the chronicle of the Nigerian story.
“ It is surely a contribution to shape the political knowledge of our journey to nationhood.
“The book showcases and details into cases of Nigerians journey from pre-colonial to contemporary approach of nation building and provides a comprehensive insight into Nigerian social, economic and political trajectories.
“I commend management of the Sun limited for this good contribution to knowledge. It is a ready resource for policymakers, academics, and students of Nigeria political history,’’ he said.
He said that the public presentation could not have come at a better time, because young Nigerians have begun the quest for participation and inclusion in governance.
NAN
