Nigeria’s ambassador to the Republic of Benin, Mopelola Ibrahim, has promised to deepen collaboration and engage robustly with her host country to build on the existing relationship between the two countries.

Ms Ibrahim, a career diplomat with over 25 years of experience, said this on Friday after presenting her letter of credence to the president of the Republic of Benin, Romuald Wadagni.

She said Nigeria and the Republic of Benin had always had a wonderful relationship.

According to her, although there was no substantive Nigerian ambassador to the Republic of Benin for a while, there was no vacuum.

“The embassy has always had reliable and qualified staff who have been driving Nigeria’s policies here and keeping the embassy running smoothly.

“However, my appointment will make a difference because we will be engaging at a higher level, such as having the opportunity to meet with the presidency of the host country,” she said.

The ambassador said that Nigerians and Beninoise were like brothers and sisters who could not do without one another because of the proximity between the two countries.

“We want to see better integration of our peoples and enhanced collaboration in terms of commerce that will facilitate trade across the borders.

“We also want to see how both countries can leverage each other’s strengths and resources toward positive development that will be mutually beneficial.

“For instance, if there is peace, prosperity and security in the Benin Republic,  definitely, Nigeria will benefit;  that is why it is a strategic relationship that either country cannot do without,” she said.

Ms Ibrahim said that achieving such integration and collaboration would be easy because both countries would want to see each other progressing.

 “I believe both countries want the same thing. Nigeria wants to see a prosperous Benin Republic, and the Benin Republic wants to see a thriving Nigerian state. 

“When you have two sides that want the same thing, it is a lot easier to achieve set goals and objectives. 

“I think my job here will be relatively easy and, with God on my side and with the support of the Nigerian president and the Benin Republic president, we will attain greater heights,” she said.

 The ambassador urged Nigerians living in the Republic of Benin to remain law-abiding and adhere to rules and regulations.

 “I assure them that the embassy stands ready to support them in their endeavours. Whatever they need us to do, we will be there for them.

 “The only thing we want from them is for them to be law-abiding; then, it will be easy for the embassy to pursue their interest in the Benin Republic and make their stay as comfortable as it can be,” she said. 

(NAN)