Nigerian Foreign Minister Geoffrey Onyeama has described Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman as “an icon in the struggle for the independence of Bangladesh, and a personification of the principles of freedom and equity.”
He said Bangabandhu was a true leader, an undaunted advocate of the interests of the Bangalis, and a hero not only to the Bangalis but also to all peace-loving people across the world.
The Nigerian foreign minister expressed satisfaction that his country released the commemorative stamp to mark the birth centenary of Bangladesh's founding father.
He said this would surely go a long way in further strengthening the existing cordial relations, the Bangladesh High Commission in Abuja, Nigeria said on Friday.
The Nigerian foreign minister concluded sharing the famous quote by Cuban leader Fidel Castro about Bangabandhu: “I have not seen the Himalayas, but I have seen Sheikh Mujib, in personality and courage, this man is the Himalayas. I have thus had the experience of witnessing the Himalayas.”
On Thursday, Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen and his Nigerian counterpart Onyeama jointly released a commemorative stamp to mark the birth centenary of Bangabandhu.
Held at the auditorium of the Bangladesh High Commission, both the ministers attended the event digitally.
Bangladesh State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam, Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen, Bangladesh envoys stationed in Africa, and senior officers of both the foreign ministries also joined digitally.
Bangladesh High Commissioner to Nigeria Md Shameem Ahsan made the welcome remarks.
At the outset, there was a digital projection on the life of Bangabandhu.
'Bangabandhu continues to inspire'
In his remarks, while sincerely thanking the Nigerian government for the release of the commemorative stamp, Dr Momen said that the sacrifice, ideology and struggle of Bangabandhu will continue to inspire all freedom-loving people of the world.
The release of the commemorative stamp is a fitting tribute to Bangabandhu and to the cordial relationship between the two friendly countries, he added.
Dr Momen also highlighted on the impressive progress Bangladesh is making in various sectors, turning it into a role model under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Bangabandhu’s elder daughter.
Noting that Nigeria is the largest economy of Africa, the Bangladesh foreign minister expressed his satisfaction that both countries are currently working for signing of few agreements/MoUs on agriculture, education, culture, defence, avoidance of double taxation, etc.
In his remarks, the Dr Ismail Adebayo Adewusi, post master general of the Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST), expressed his satisfaction for being part of the initiative while informing that the commemorative stamp is one historic piece and will travel beyond Nigeria.
He said the commemorative stamp, which comes in a single denomination of 100 Nigerian naira, is now available for purchase at all post offices across Nigeria and at the Nigerian Philatelic Bureau, Lagos.
Among others, Salaheddine-Abbas Ibrahima, dean of the Diplomatic Corps and high commissioner of Cameroon; Abhay Thakur, high commissioner of India; and members of the Bangladeshi community were present at the event.
The Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST), in association with the Bangladesh High Commission to Nigeria, published the commemorative stamp. It is a part of the year-long celebratory programs of the high commission to observe Bangabandhu’s birth centenary.
