Ramos-Horta Urges Nigeria to Prioritize Trade, Technology, and Diplomacy

President José Ramos-Horta of Timor-Leste urged Nigeria to leverage its vast resources to enhance its international trade, technology, and diplomacy during a symposium in Lagos. He emphasized the importance of declaring national interests independent of external influences, advocating for a ‘Nigeria First’ approach to development. The event honored Prof. Babafemi Badejo for his contributions to governance and political thought.

President José Ramos-Horta of Timor-Leste has called upon Nigeria to utilize its extensive resources to foster advancements in international trade, technology, and diplomacy. His remarks were made during a symposium in Lagos organized to honor the 70th birthday of Prof. Babafemi Badejo, a prominent diplomat and former UN representative. The symposium was themed “Politics is Interest: Interrogating the Role of Special Interests in Nigeria’s Development,” focusing on the need for Nigeria to assert itself in the shifting global context.

Ramos-Horta encouraged Nigeria not to succumb to becoming a mere pawn in global rivalries. He emphasized that the country must take control of its interests rather than allowing them to be dictated by external forces. Highlighting Nigeria’s vast human and natural resources, he noted that the nation should refrain from depending on minimal international aid, which can lead to dependency.

The President urged Nigerian and African leaders to focus on national development, given Nigeria’s resilience and the challenges imposed by political elites, multinational corporations, and global powers. He cited these challenges as “external dynamics” impacting the nation’s progress. Furthermore, Ramos-Horta insisted that Nigeria harness its wealth, intellectual assets, and resources to benefit its citizens primarily, advocating a policy akin to “America First,” but operationalized as “Nigeria First.”

He clarified that prioritizing Nigeria’s interests does not mean undermining other countries, noting that global interconnections mean economic issues can have broad repercussions, including conflicts exacerbated by foreign interests in resource-rich areas.

In his address, Ramos-Horta praised Prof. Badejo for his significant contributions to nation-building and acknowledged their long-standing friendship. He recounted how Badejo was instrumental during their work together in Guinea-Bissau, where they aimed to restore constitutional governance.

Following the symposium, Prof. Badejo expressed his commitment to remaining active in academic pursuits despite retiring from formal positions. He revealed plans to write several books, particularly on the peace process in Somalia and the intricacies of federal character in Nigeria, emphasizing the importance of civic engagement and personal interest advocacy in society.

In summary, President Ramos-Horta’s address highlights the necessity for Nigeria to prioritize trade, technology, and diplomacy to maximize its resources and advance national development. Encouraging Nigerian leaders to adopt a proactive stance on defining their interests illustrates the urgency of navigating external pressures. The symposium not only honors Prof. Badejo’s legacy but also reinforces the concept of active engagement in societal interests, marking a significant step towards Nigeria’s developmental goals.

Original Source: nannews.ng