In a meeting with Richard Montgomery, the United Kingdom’s High Commissioner in Nigeria and Sri Lanka’s Velupillai Kananathan, President Muhammadu Buhari has called on diplomats to respect Nigerian culture and traditional institutions. Buhari, who is set to end his tenure in 10 days, advised both diplomats to consider Nigeria’s local culture, traditional rulers and institutions.
During the meeting, the special adviser to the president on media and publicity, Femi Adesina, revealed that the president acknowledged the roles and importance of traditional institutions in Nigerian culture and advised that they be respected by all.
Buhari, who welcomed both diplomats separately, commended Nigeria’s long-standing diplomatic relations with the United Kingdom, citing education and training as a significant exchange point between the two nations.
The President also emphasised women’s participation in politics and governance in Nigeria during his meeting with Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner, citing the progress made in close succession to having the first female governor in the country.
According to the United Kingdom’s High Commissioner, the British monarchy has held Nigerian cultural institutions in high esteem, maintaining a productive dialogue with Nigeria over several issues, including security, economic partnership, and home affairs.
During the meeting, Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner assured President Buhari of the country’s support in sharing its skills and experience with the Nigerian military in tackling insurgency while also promising to strengthen bilateral relations on energy projects in East Africa.
In conclusion, President Buhari urged the diplomats to learn from Nigerian culture and respect traditional institutions, which remain pivotal forces in shaping the country’s cultural and social norms.
