By Taiye Olayemi
President Ramos-Horta of Timor‑Leste, Southeast Asia, has urged Nigeria to leverage its significant resources to shape its future in international trade, technology and diplomacy.
Ramos-Horta made the call during a symposium organised in honour of a diplomat, Prof. Babafemi Badejo’s 70th birthday on Tuesday in Lagos.
Badejo is a scholar and former deputy special representative of the UN Secretary-General at the UN Political Office for Somalia
The theme of the symposium is “Politics is Interest: Interrogating the Role of Special Interests in Nigeria’s development”.
The president called on Nigerian and African leaders alike to assert themselves in the evolving global order.
“Rather than being a pawn in global rivalries, Nigeria should leverage its position to shape international trade, technology and diplomatic partnerships that align with its developmental goals.
“Nigeria must define its interests, not have them dictated by others. A huge country, with the human and natural resources that Nigeria has, should not have anything to do with competing for paltry international aid that only builds dependency.
He urged Nigerian leaders to prioritise national development.
He said this was important considering Nigeria’s history which is characterised by resilience, also a history shaped by competing interests of political elites, multinational corporations and global powers.
He said that this was what Badejo aptly referred to as “external dynamics”.
“Nigeria must harness its wealth, its intellectual capital, human resources, and its abundant natural endowments to serve its people first.
“Just like Donald Trump has been reiterating “America First”, Nigerian governments and its people should increasingly insist on “Nigeria First”.
“This projection of “Nigeria First” must be done in a manner that boosts production and productivity and promotes healthy competition in the lookout for the best Interests of its people.
“Ideally, “America or Nigeria first” does not equate to crushing down on other countries.
“Our lives are so interconnected across the globe that economic illnesses starting in a major economy quickly reverberate and sink other economies across its borders and beyond.
“And instability and conflicts in mineral rich countries of the South fuelled by external interests always have a boomerang effect,” he said,” he said.
The president commended Badejo’s wealth of contribution toward nation building.
He describeed the scholar as an accomplished academia who writes beautifully.
He said “Prof. Badejo was my Chief of Staff in Guinea-Bissau when we began a working relationship that evolved into friendship lasting till today.
“I am very pleased to join you today in celebrating the life and achievements of a distinguished scholar, friend and colleague in global affairs, Prof. Badejo.
“His contributions to political thought and governance have enriched Nigeria’s intellectual society and offered insights into the complex interplay of interests that shape politics.
“He facilitated meetings with Heads of State in the West African sub-region. We worked hard together to restore constitutional order, return the military to the barracks, and hold free and transparent elections in Guinea-Bissau.”
Also speaking, Badejo’s school teacher at Ijebu Ode Grammar School, Mr Tony Finch relayed beautiful memories with Badejo as Finch described him as a brilliant fellow.
Going forward, Badejo said, “I will have to reinvent myself because as you know, this is retirement at the formal level. However, if you want to be taking annual extension, I will not find it difficult.
“There is so much that I need to write. I have many books that I’ve written. One is almost ready on the peace process in Somalia.
“I am also interested in looking at federal character in Nigeria and the problem of development that we face as a result. I will reinvent myself for all of these.
“The essence of this symposium is to make people realise that it is important they always get involved… getting their interests satisfied in society.”
