The Embassy of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in Cotonou on Thursday, 1st October, 2026 hosted a reception to commemorate Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary, bringing together senior officials of the Government of the Republic of Benin, members of the diplomatic corps, Nigerians resident in Benin, captains of industry and other distinguished guests.
In her remarks, the Ambassador of Nigeria to the Republic of Benin, H.E. Mopelola Adeola-Ibrahim, reflected on Nigeria’s journey since independence in 1960 and the country’s longstanding contributions to peace, security, decolonisation and regional integration in Africa. She also highlighted Nigeria’s role in global peacekeeping and its continued advocacy for a more representative international order, including permanent African representation on the United Nations Security Council.
The Ambassador further highlighted ongoing reforms under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, as well as Nigeria’s 4D Foreign Policy Doctrine of Demography, Development, Democracy and Diaspora. She noted that the country remained committed to economic renewal, food and energy security, technological innovation and the creation of greater opportunities for Nigerians at home and in the Diaspora.
Speaking on Nigeria-Benin relations, Ambassador Adeola-Ibrahim described the two countries as more than neighbours, bound by deep historical, cultural, familial and economic ties. She recalled the growing tempo of high-level engagements between both countries and underscored their expanding cooperation in trade, investment, agriculture, security and human capacity development. In this regard, she noted that fourteen Nigerian Technical Aid Corps volunteers were currently serving in the Republic of Benin in the field of education, further demonstrating Nigeria’s commitment to knowledge-sharing and capacity development.
Responding on behalf of the Government of the Republic of Benin, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Franck Armel Afoukou, congratulated the Government and people of Nigeria on the country’s 66th Independence Anniversary. He acknowledged the longstanding bonds between Nigeria and Benin and underscored the importance both countries attach to their bilateral relations. He also expressed appreciation for the spirit of friendship and cooperation that continues to characterise relations between the two neighbouring countries.
Ambassador Adeola-Ibrahim reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to working closely with the Government of the Republic of Benin to further strengthen bilateral cooperation and transform the countries’ geographical proximity and historical affinity into greater opportunities and shared prosperity for their peoples.
The reception featured interactions among members of the diplomatic community, government officials and the Nigerian community, in celebration of Nigeria’s national day and the enduring friendship between the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Republic of Benin.
