Nigerians in Yaounde troop out for former Chief of Defence Staff, Olonisakin, as Nigeria’s High Commissioner to Cameroon
Jubilant Nigerians resident in Cameroon trooped out Tuesday evening to welcome the immediate past Chief of Defence Staff, General Abayomi Gabriel Olonisakin (retd) who arrived in Yaounde with his wife, Omobolanle, to assume duty as Nigeria’s new High Commissioner.
He is billed to present his letter of credence to President Paul Biya of Cameroon soon, diplomatic sources said, describing his arrival as the dawn of a new era in the historical relationship between Nigeria and the French-speaking country.
According to local media reports monitored in Abuja, Ambassador Olonisakin’s reception in the West African nation, was unprecedentedly warm, elaborate and carnival-like, fuelling expectations in that country of increased opportunities for many Nigerians largely the business class, estimated at over 5 million people presently living in Cameroon.
A popular Yaounde-based newspaper, The Guardian Post, in its front-page report said that the new envoy’s reception commenced as soon as the plane (confirmed last night as the first direct flight from Abuja to Cameroon) landed at the Younde Nsimalen Imternational Airport.
Ambassador Olonisakin, who wore a pair of glasses over a purple kaftan and pair of trousers made of local fabric with a pair of black shoes to match, exchanged pleasantries with different categories of Nigerians including staff memberd of the High Commission with the ceremony extending from the airport into Yaounde city.
Among the high-powered delegation that received the former CDS was the Deputy High Commissioner, Lami Sanda Remawa-Ahmed, the Consul General, Consulate General of Nigeria, Douala, Queen Efe Alexandra Clarl-Omeru, the Defense Adviser, Commodore Nnamdi Ekwon and the Head of Chancery, Nigerian Consulate Bues, Samuel T. Amuh.
A team of top diplomats from the Cameroonian Ministry of External Relations and a strong presence of the Nigerian community were also treated to the colorful dance groups and rich cultural displays at the well-attended historic welcome party for Ambassador Olonisakin who was said to have twice visited the country’s Chief of Defence Staff as Nigeria’s defence helmsman.
In his remarks on the occasion, Olonisakin pledged to work assiduously to brighten and strengthen the cordial and excellent bilateral relationship existing between Cameroon and Nigeria.
He solicited the co-operation and support of the staff members of the High Commission to achieve the objective for the benefit of both countries.
Commenting on Olonisakin’s appointment and posting to Cameroon, the local newspaper stated that Olonisakin won the confidence of President Muhammadu Buhari to earn the posting shortly after serving as Nigeria’s CDS.
‘’A native of Ekiti State, Abayomi, 59, won the confidence of Nigerian President, Muhammadu Buhari, to serve as his country’s High Commissioner to Cameroon few weeks after he quit the barracks. The appointment came as the countyr’s leadership appointed diplomats to serve its interests in several countries across the globe,’’ the newspaper said.
