Bola Babarinde, a former chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), South Africa chapter, has called on President Bola Tinubu to strengthen relationships with his South African counterpart, Cyril Ramaphosa, to promote economic growth.

Mr Babarinde, in a statement on Sunday, said for Africa to be respected and regain its place among the rest of the continents, countries must respect and love themselves unconditionally.

He explained that for this to happen, the mutual relationship and understanding among African leaders must be genuine, with great love for one another, mutually beneficial, and not parasitic.

Mr Babarinde said the countries must unite and trust each other to improve citizens’ lives.

“By promoting trade and commerce within the continent across borders, local economies will be boosted, and the continent will be socio-economically stabilised.

“The above can only be achieved if the giant countries of Nigeria and South Africa decide today to cooperate and work together for African emancipation. Nothing can stop the African continent.

“But for this to happen, the mutual relationship and understanding must be genuine, with great love for one another.

“President William Ruto of Kenya is on this, President Paul Kagame of Rwanda has been vocal about it, and if the Nigerian and South African governments can cooperate and work together, the African continent will be great for it,” he said.

Mr Babarinde, also the general secretary of the APC Committee of Diaspora Chairmen, urged Mr Tinubu to appoint a diplomat with empathy for humanity as ambassador to South Africa.

He suggested that a diplomat from the pool of those with adequate knowledge of South Africa and love for both countries be considered.

“A patriotic ambassador must be considered—a diplomat with empathy for humanity and committed to fostering cooperation,” Mr Babarinde said.

(NAN)