The Rwanda High Commissioner to Nigeria, Christophe Bazivamo has expressed his commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with Nigeria.
At Rwanda’s 30th National Heroes and Dignity Day celebrated in Abuja on Saturday, where distinguished guests gathered to pay homage to the heroic figures who shaped the narrative of East African history, Bazivamo noted that Rwanda and Nigeria had weathered storms of adversity, adding that both can build a brighter future for their people by shared experiences and expertise.
In the distinguished audience with Bazivamo were former Commandant of the National Defence College, Rear Admiral Samuel Alade (rtd.); Country Director of Mercy Corps, Ndubuisi Anyanwu; and Special Adviser to the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dr. Jerry Nwohu.
“It is also fitting to restate our appreciation for the strong bonds of friendship and excellent bilateral cooperation marked by fruitful partnerships in various areas, including parliamentary diplomacy, defence and security, aviation, governance, sectoral peer-to-peer exchange, and trade and investment.
“As the new High Commissioner of Rwanda to Nigeria, I am committed to further strengthening this vital bilateral relationship.
“By working together and sharing our experiences and expertise, together we can build a brighter future for our people”, the High Commissioner stated.
He emphasised the importance of acknowledging and celebrating those who have demonstrated unwavering integrity, patriotism, sacrifice, vision, humanity, and magnanimity. He urged both Rwanda and Nigeria to draw vital lessons from their respective histories, recognising that the foundation of a strong and prosperous nation lies in honouring and learning from its heroes.
Bazivamo spoke of the need for countries, particularly in Africa, to prioritise the education of their youths, adding that fostering a sense of national identity and understanding the struggles of the past can instill a profound appreciation for the values that build resilient societies.
On the theme ‘Our Heroism, Our Dignity’, Bazivamo said that the history of Rwanda was built on the values of resilience, unity, and dignity.
“On this day, we reflect on the sacrifices of those who came before us, those who fought for our freedom, unity, and progress, those who have embodied the highest values of patriotism for our country and Rwandans”, he noted.
The High Commissioner said Rwanda, since the 1994 genocide, has embarked on a transformational journey adding that, “we have emerged from the ashes of genocide to become a nation of peace, unity, and progress.
“This transformation is a tribute to the heroes who have paved the way and a testament to the power of choices: Unity, Accountability, and Thinking Big”, he stated.
He further said that Rwanda is committed to fostering mutually beneficial partnerships with other countries.
Bazivamo said: “There are investment opportunities in Rwanda that can be tapped into in the sectors of manufacturing, ICT, real estate, agriculture and agribusiness, tourism, and hospitality, amongst others”.
The event served as a powerful reminder for Nigeria and Africa as a whole to prioritise the recognition of their heroes and the transmission of their stories to younger generations. By embracing the lessons of the past and instilling values of integrity, patriotism, and sacrifice in the youth, nations can forge a path towards sustainable development and a harmonious future.
The event also underscored the shared responsibility of nations to cultivate leaders who can inspire positive change and contribute to the well-being of their societies.
National Heroes Day is held every year on 1st February, honouring the exceptional Rwandans who demonstrated the highest values of patriotism and sacrifice and made significant contributions to nation-building, liberation, and unity.
It serves as an opportunity to reflect on their legacy, inspire future generations, and reaffirm Rwanda’s commitment to building a better future for all.
The Rwandan genocide, also known as the genocide against the Tutsi, occurred between 7th April and 4th July 1994, during the Rwandan Civil War.
During this period of around 100 days, members of the Tutsi minority ethnic group, as well as some moderate Hutu and Twa, were killed by armed Hutu militias.
