The President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Goodluck Ebele Jonathan will jet in today for a one day working visit.
During his visit it is expected the Nigerian Head of State will be decorated with the highest national award, Grand Commander of the Order of the Republic of Sierra Leone by his counterpart President Koroma at a State House ceremony.
According to Nigerian High Commission sources top on President Jonathan’s agenda is to strengthen and promote the bilateral relationship between both countries and reiterate Nigeria’s commitment to an impartial and peaceful democratic transition come November 17th as enshrined in its new foreign policy ride in West Africa and beyond.
He will also seize the opportunity to hold discussions with NEC, PPRC and the various political parties to ensure a free and fair election.
Nigeria is committed to her Policy thrust of Africa as the centre-piece of her foreign policy and has been at the forefront of promoting peace in the sub-region evidenced by the roles she played during the civil wars in Liberia and Sierra Leone, stabilizing the situation in Cote d’Ivoire and spearheading the operation for a possible UN-backed military intervention in Mali.
Nigeria High Commissioner, Eyo Asuquo stressed that the key components of President Jonathan’s transformation agenda are; to engender social trust, good governance, credible elections, accountability, transparency, rule of law and improved quality of life for citizens. He maintained that the focus of the Nigerian foreign policy is attraction of foreign direct investment to Nigeria.
Sierra Leone and Nigeria have enjoyed a long history of cordial and mutual relationship evident in the expanded and strengthened developmental and investment links. This includes the steady deployment of Technical Aid Corps volunteers in the health and education sectors and establishment of the Obasanjo Skills Acquisition Center, investment in banking, oil, manufacturing and other sectors.
The recent package of assistance to NEC consists of one million dollars, 24 Hilux Pick-Up vehicles and offer to train ten ICT staff of the commission in Nigeria and also one brand new Toyota Land Cruiser Jeep and office equipment worth one hundred thousand dollars donated to the National Revenue Authority.
His Excellency Goodluck Ebele Jonathan was born on 20 November 1957. Prior to his role as President, he served as Governor of Bayelsa State and Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Jonathan holds a B.Sc. second class honours degree in Zoology. He holds an M.Sc. degree in Hydrobiology and Fisheries biology, and a Ph.D. degree in Zoology from the University of Port Harcourt. He worked as an education inspector, lecturer, and environmental-protection officer before he entered politics in 1998.
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