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By Gloria Ikibah

The Ghana High Commission in Abuja has presented a commemorative cake to Nigeria to mark the country’s 66th Independence Anniversary, describing the gesture as a symbol of the longstanding friendship and solidarity between both countries.

The cake was presented at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abuja on Wednesday by Ghana’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, His Excellency Baba Sadiq Abdulai Abu.

Receiving the gift, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, described the presentation as an unusual and historically significant gesture.

“I must say, it’s very rare. I have been in the diplomatic service for quite some time. I do not have a recollection of any occasion in which this kind of presentation has taken place in the Ministry by a diplomatic mission. It may have, quite frankly, I cannot remember. So what you’ve done is historically very unique,” he said.

Enikanolaiye said the gesture demonstrated the depth and strength of the relationship between Nigeria and Ghana, describing both countries as brotherly and sisterly nations bound by shared history and common aspirations.

He recalled his days as a student when the works of Ghana’s first President, Dr Kwame Nkrumah, formed an important part of his academic readings.

According to him, Nkrumah’s Pan-African ideals remained relevant to contemporary African realities, stressing that Nigeria and Ghana must continue to dialogue and negotiate while upholding principles that advance their respective national interests.

The minister also thanked the Ghana High Commission for its observations on the need to further strengthen bilateral relations.

According to him, both countries were committed to ensuring that their longstanding relationship produced greater benefits for their citizens.

“We need to work harder to ensure that irritants in this relationship are prevented from snowballing into situations in which our peoples begin to question the basis and rationale of a relationship that had so long been nourished by our forefathers,” he said.

Enikanolaiye stressed the importance of maintaining open channels of communication between Abuja and Accra, particularly in addressing issues capable of affecting bilateral relations.

He also commended Ghana for its cooperation with Nigeria in efforts to address attacks against Africans on the continent.

Ambassador Enikanolaiye reiterated Nigeria’s position that such attacks should be described as Afrophobia rather than xenophobia, given that most of those affected in South Africa are fellow Black Africans.

“What is going on is totally unacceptable. It is barbaric. The punishment for irregular migration is certainly not death. The punishment for criminality where guilt has not been proven in court is also not death. We believe that the rule of law must be allowed to prevail,” he said.

Enikanolaiye further commended Ghana for its historic initiative at the United Nations to secure recognition of colonialism as a crime against humanity and for championing calls for reparations.

He said Nigeria would continue to work with Ghana to promote issues that serve the interests of their citizens and the wider African continent.

Earlier, the Ghanaian High Commissioner, Baba Sadiq Abdulai Abu, described Nigeria and Ghana as members of the same family, saying the cake presentation reflected the longstanding cultural, economic and diplomatic ties between the two countries.

He said the special relationship between Ghana and Nigeria had continued to grow since the establishment of diplomatic relations between both countries.

According to him, Nigeria remains one of Ghana’s major sources of investment, while Ghanaian businesses and investors continue to maintain a strong presence in Nigeria.

The High Commissioner traced the roots of the relationship to Ghana’s former President, Dr Kwame Nkrumah, who visited Nigeria in February 1959 and held discussions with prominent Nigerian leaders, including Prime Minister Abubakar Tafawa Balewa and Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe, during the struggle for independence.

He said the relationship had since expanded across several sectors, urging younger generations in both countries to build on the foundation laid by their predecessors.

Abu also highlighted the strong social and cultural connections between Nigerians and Ghanaians, pointing to music, football, social media interactions and the popular “Jollof Wars” as examples of the friendly rivalry between both countries.

The celebration also took on a sporting flavour when the High Commissioner presented a Ghanaian football jersey to Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, with both sides engaging in a light-hearted exchange over the football rivalry between the two countries.

The gesture added a touch of sporting camaraderie to the anniversary celebration, reflecting the cultural affinity and friendly competition that have long characterised Nigeria-Ghana relations.

The minister reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to deepening its historic and strategic partnership with Ghana for the mutual benefit of both countries and the wider African continent.

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As Nigeria marks its 66th Independence anniversary, the Executive Director of Olotu & Ekuogbe Rowland Akpodiete Foundation, Hon. Dr. Olotu Akpodiete JP, has felicitated with Nigerians, Deltans and the people of Ughelli North, Ughelli South and Udu Federal Constituency (U3) on the historic occasion.

In his Independence Day message released on Wednesday, Dr. Akpodiete congratulated citizens for their resilience, unity and unwavering faith in the Nigerian project despite years of challenges.

He said 66 years of nationhood is a testament to the strength and diversity of the Nigerian people, noting that though the journey has been rough, the future holds greater promise if citizens remain united and hopeful.

“On behalf of the Olotu & Ekuogbe Rowland Akpodiete Foundation, I heartily felicitate with all Nigerians, Deltans and my beloved people of U3 on the occasion of Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary. We have come a long way as a nation, and despite our challenges, we have remained one indivisible people,” he said.

Dr. Akpodiete urged Nigerians not to lose faith in the country, stressing that nation-building is a collective responsibility that requires patience, patriotism and sacrifice from all.

He particularly called on the youths of U3 and Delta State to remain law-abiding and optimistic, assuring them that a greater Nigeria is achievable.

Looking ahead to the 2027 general elections, the Foundation’s Executive Director said Nigerians have another golden opportunity to shape the future of the country by electing credible, competent and people-oriented leaders at all levels.

According to him, “As we celebrate Nigeria @ 66, we must remember that the destiny of this nation is in our hands. The 2027 general election is around the corner and it presents us with another opportunity to select new leaders who will truly serve the people and build the greater Nigeria we all desire. Let us keep faith, get involved, and choose wisely.”

He prayed for peace, unity and prosperity for Nigeria, Delta State and the U3 Federal Constituency, and wished all citizens a joyful Independence celebration.

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The Coalition for Good Governance in Nigeria (CGGN) has issued a formal and complete retraction of its earlier statement demanding the resignation or suspension of Mr. Olusegun Ayo Omosehin, Commissioner for Insurance and Chief Executive Officer of the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM).

In a statement dated 29 September 2026 and signed by Salisu Mohammed, the group said the assertions contained in its previous release were inaccurate, incomplete and not supported by verifiable evidence, and that it was therefore withdrawing the statement in its entirety.

“The Coalition for Good Governance in Nigeria (CGGN) hereby issues this formal and complete retraction of its earlier statement calling for the resignation or suspension of Mr. Olusegun Ayo Omosehin,” the group declared.

“Upon rigorous internal review, further engagement with relevant documents, and careful consideration of additional facts that have since come to light, the Coalition has determined that the assertions contained in that earlier statement were inaccurate, incomplete, and not supported by verifiable evidence.

“We therefore withdraw the statement in its entirety.”

CGGN specifically withdrew its earlier characterisation of NAICOM’s regulatory actions during the recapitalisation exercise as unlawful.

It also retracted claims relating to alleged unlawful demands, forced transfers of capital into CBN escrow accounts, and the collection of funds for consultants who were never engaged.

The group further abandoned its assertion that Omosehin’s continued presence in office constituted a “clear and present danger” to the insurance sector or an affront to accountability.

“The characterisation of NAICOM’s regulatory actions during the ongoing recapitalisation exercise as unlawful or lacking legal foundation was erroneous,” the statement said.

“Claims relating to alleged ‘unlawful demands,’ forced transfers into escrow accounts contrary to statute, and the collection of funds for consultants who were ‘never engaged’ have been found to be based on incomplete information and misapprehension of the applicable legal and regulatory framework.”

The Coalition expressed regret over any distress, reputational harm or public anxiety its earlier statement may have caused Omosehin, NAICOM staff, insurance operators, policyholders and the general public.

It offered an unreserved apology for publishing claims that subsequent scrutiny had shown to be incorrect.

CGGN stressed that good governance requires not only the courage to raise concerns but also the integrity to correct the record when those concerns prove misplaced.

“The Coalition regrets any distress, reputational harm, or unnecessary public anxiety that the earlier statement may have caused Mr. Omosehin, the management and staff of NAICOM, operators in the insurance industry, policyholders, and the general public,” the group stated.

“We unreservedly apologise for the publication of claims that subsequent scrutiny has shown to be incorrect.

“Good governance requires not only the courage to speak when concerns arise, but also the integrity to correct the record when those concerns are shown to be misplaced.”

As a result, the Coalition formally retracted every demand for Omosehin’s immediate resignation or suspension.

It also withdrew any suggestion that the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy should take disciplinary action against him on the basis of the earlier petition narrative.

The group reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, accountability and the strengthening of Nigeria’s financial services sector, while recognising the critical role of an independent insurance regulator.

“We therefore retract, without reservation, every demand for the immediate resignation or suspension of the Commissioner for Insurance,” the statement continued.

“We further withdraw any suggestion that the Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy should take disciplinary action against him on the basis of the earlier petition narrative.”

CGGN said nothing in the retraction diminished its interest in the orderly and lawful conduct of the recapitalisation exercise.

It simply corrected the record where the organisation had previously fallen short.

The Coalition urged all stakeholders to allow the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, the Federal Ministry of Finance and NAICOM to discharge their statutory mandates without the distraction of unsubstantiated public campaigns.

“The Coalition reaffirms its commitment to transparency, accountability, and the strengthening of Nigeria’s financial services sector,” the group added.

“We recognise the critical role of an independent and professional insurance regulator in protecting policyholders, attracting investment, and safeguarding systemic stability.

“Nothing in this retraction diminishes our ongoing interest in the orderly and lawful conduct of the recapitalisation exercise; it simply corrects the record where we previously fell short.”

In closing, CGGN said the retraction was issued in the public interest and in the spirit of fairness and accuracy that must always guide civic advocacy.