Tanzania@60: Mission prays for deeper Tanzania-Nigeria ties

The High Commissioner of Tanzania to Nigeria, Dr Benson Bana, on Sunday night prayed for deeper ties between Tanzania and Nigeria, as the two countries clocked 60 years in diplomatic relations. Bana prayed in Abuja at the Interfaith Prayers organised by the High Commission to commemorate Tanzania's 60th independence anniversary. According to him, this year's independence anniversary celebration is unique and as it provides an opportunity to thank God for provision, guidance and care.

Bana said that Nation building is not an easy task, particularly in Africa; Tanzania is a nation state which has so far not experienced internal conflicts. They thanked the almighty Allah, for enabling Tanzania to preserve its value for freedom, unity, peace, security, development and common language, Kiswahili, their lingua franca which has contributed towards nation-building. The people of Tanzania and Nigeria in the past 60 years have enjoyed cordial bilateral relations; Nigeria opened its diplomatic mission in Tanzania in 1962, while Tanzania opened its own here in 1970.

He said during this period, the two sister-countries have shared lots of ideas, especially in the international scene, including the UN, OAU now AU, the Commonwealth of Nations and other international organisations and fora. The thanksgiving through the interfaith prayers is intended for the almighty God to sustain diplomatic relations among Nigerians and Tanzanians; they prayed almighty Allah takes the bilateral ties to greater heights. He also prayed for divine intervention to enable Nigeria to overcome the security challenges facing it, noting that the interfaith prayers were intended to achieve a number of things. He expressed gratitude to God for enabling Tanzania to survive 60 years as a sovereign nation, with 120 tribes and ethnic groups.

Also speaking, Nigeria's Minister of Women Affairs, Pauline Tallen, congratulated the government and people of Tanzania on the celebration. Tallen, who was the Keynote Speaker at the event, noted that Tanzania and Nigeria were sister-countries that went through struggles of independence about the same time. According to her, Nigeria succeeded to gain independence one year ahead of Tanzania, saying thank God for great leaders, such as the late Julius Nyerere and the late President John Magufuli. She said Magufuli paved the way for President Samia Suluhu Hassan to become the first female President of Tanzania.

She added that Tanzania stands out among all the African countries because it is the only country with a female Head of State and I call on all Heads of African nations to stand by Hassan in prayers. This will enable her to leave an exemplary legacy as the first female president; it is clear that her coming to power is by providence. She called on well meaning Africans to showcase Tanzania, as one of the great African countries. Since independence, it has never experienced any military coup. Tallen said as Tanzania clocks 60 years, God gave them a woman as leader, it is unique.

Meanwhile, Sen. Rochas Okorocha (APC-Imo West), said that there was no better time to speak of African unity than now, in view of events happening globally. Okorocha, a former Governor of Imo, noted that it was time for Africans to come together, to achieve meaningful growth on the continent. According to him, the time to see themselves as their brothers' keeper is now, adding that when he saw the High Commissioner of Tanzania and those around him, together are just one people, no difference.

Okorocha said the two nations must continue to work together in peace and harmony; women have not been given their rightful place in African society, all Africans must rise and support our women. The lack of support to women has given rise to reasons women are failing gradually and to produce children has become a problem to us. There is the need to ensure that women are financially empowered and strong at home to give birth to children.

He added when there is no support women, then no support for the family and when there is no support for the family, there will be problem in the society. Okorocha said Nations have risen and advanced, but Africa is still in darkness, this is painful. Let give women a chance, let support them to come out. The interfaith prayers attracted the diplomatic community, captains of industry, government officials, as well as clerics. High points of the event were the cutting of the anniversary cake and presentation of souvenirs.