I leave Nigeria with good memories – Musavyi

You have worked in Nigeria for just two and a half years, having stayed this far, what are your impressions about Nigeria?Thank you. Indeed, my tour of duty to Nigeria was just a little over two years and a half. During that period I have come to discover the real and beautiful Nigeria of friendly, […]

You have worked in Nigeria for just two and a half years, having stayed this far, what are your impressions about Nigeria?
Thank you. Indeed, my tour of duty to Nigeria was just a little over two years and a half. During that period I have come to discover the real and beautiful Nigeria of friendly, hardworking and generous people living in a rich and diverse culture. I have discovered breathtaking panorama and a people very attached to their African cultural identity. I have witnessed the enterpreneuring spirit of Nigerians, especially women. I have seen considerable improvement in road infrastructure across the country. My travels to the various states have exposed me to the uniqueness of Nigeria and the promise of greatness she holds.
Why are you leaving after just two and half years?
My departure from Nigeria has been necessitated by my promotion as Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign affairs of the Republic of Namibia. I give all the glory to my creator for His abundant blessing throughout my career. I pray that I always remember the journey I have travelled to reach where I stand today and to continue to hold the hands of all those who look up to me. To all my friends in Nigeria, I ask that they continue to remember me in their prayers for me to succeed in my new assignment.
How has your stay in Nigeria in any way enhanced your chances for this promotion?
I believe that to be the case. I am proud to have been the first female High Commissioner of Namibia to Nigeria and my government is pleased with what I have achieved in a relatively short time. I believe my promotion also speaks to the importance of our bilateral relations with Nigeria and I can only see these relations continuing to grow for the mutual benefit of our two countries.
What have been your difficult and pleasant moments while in Nigeria?
I only have good memories of Nigeria. I feel honoured to have been given the rare opportunity to serve in a country I hold in such high regard. I have made many friends, some of whom we have bonded like blood relatives.  I have enjoyed the Nollywood movies and especially meeting with some of my favourite actors and actresses. I call them the ambassadors of Africa, because they have succeeded in projecting a positive image of the continent. Naturally, one cannot be indifferent to the killing of innocent lives in some parts of this great country. Notwithstanding, I am highly optimistic and convinced that Nigeria will persevere and take her rightful place in the comity of nations. When Nigeria succeeds, Africa will prosper and the world will benefit.
Could you compare the relations between Nigeria and Namibia before you came and now?
Namibia and Nigeria are two sisterly countries with relations dating back to pre – independent Namibia. These relations are deeply rooted so much that the diplomatic envoys of the two countries can only build on that firm foundation. I leave Nigeria contented with the status of our bilateral relations. I for one am of the view that it is not enough for only our governments to interact but,  people to people contacts are equally vital. I am pleased that increasingly, Namibians have begun to visit Nigeria and vice versa. This is important because in the final analysis, African unity is about people and not merely institutions.
What is the level of bilateral cooperation at the moment?
The level of bilateral cooperation has improved considerably. At the federal level, we have an all encompassing Bilateral Cooperation Framework agreement that include sectors such as education, health, energy, trade, youth development, tourism, culture, agriculture, aviation, etc.  We have concluded an agreement for our foreign service officers to undergo diplomatic training at the Foreign Service Academy in Lagos. Various agreements in these sectors have been signed and are being implemented, while others are being concluded. We are also concluding arrangements with various states to cooperate in the area of animal husbandry and tourism and many more.
You tried much to boost investment while you worked here, what is the level of economic cooperation between Nigeria and Namibia now?
Trade remains very low but that could be attributed to multiple factors, chief among them being the dearth of information and exposure about our two countries. The private sectors of our two countries do not know enough about the business opportunities and environment of the two countries. Namibia is a country well endowed with natural resources and well developed transportation infrastructure and an investment friendly environment. My focus has been on disseminating information about Namibia. Since the launching of the Nigeria – Namibia Chamber of Commerce, I am glad to mention that interests in Namibia and vice versa have increased, and I am happy about that. We are in the process of appointing our first Honorary Consul to Nigeria, and I am confident that my successor will reap the benefit of the ground laid.
There has been no direct air link between the two countries. What is the current situation as you leave?
Our national airline- Air Namibia, operates direct flights between Windhoek the capital city of Namibia and Accra. We have signed the Bilateral Air Service Agreement and Air Namibia has a representative and a sales office in Lagos. It is now up to Air Namibia to commence flying to Nigeria. I hope that soon there will be an inaugural flight to Nigeria. I shall also take this opportunity to invite any reputable Nigerian airline to fly to Windhoek.
When will Namibia start importing oil from Nigeria?
Negotiations are ongoing between the relevant institutions for the supply of oil to Namibia. So stay tuned.
 What is the result of the recent seminar on doing business in Nigeria which was held in Windhoek?
Indeed, in 2012, the High Commission of Namibia to Nigeria in collaboration with the Nigerian High Commission to Namibia and the NIPC organised a very successful seminar in Windhoek. We had resource people from Nigeria and the Governor of Benue State, Dr. Gabriel Suswam graced the occasion with his active participation and presentation of Benue State. I should say if there is one state that is fairly well known by the Namibian private sector, it is Benue. Being an agricultural state, there are business people showing interest in the agricultural products of that state, since Namibia is an arid country. In short, the objective of the seminar has been achieved which was to familiarise the Namibian private sector with the business terrain of Nigeria.  Let me mention that in building on the momentum that stemmed from this seminar, in October this year, about 70 business and professional Nigerian women will travel to Namibia to interact with their counterparts in Namibia. This is an initiative jointly organised with the Murtala Muhammed Foundation. Preparations are very advanced and we are looking forward to hosting our sisters in Namibia.

In the recent past, Nigeria hosted the Global Power Women Network Africa summit as well as the Abuja +12 summit on HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. What are your views on these summits in the context of African development?
Mhhm, good question! The past weeks have been very busy on the diplomatic front.  Let me congratulate the Government and people of Nigeria for the two successful events. I would also like to congratulate His Excellency Dr. Goodluck  Ebele Jonathan,  President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for the well deserved award conferred to him  by the Global Power Women Network Africa in recognition  of his efforts in the advancement of Nigerian women.  The president has appointed many Nigerian women of calibre to hold important cabinet positions. It takes a man of strength and confidence to do that. The success of this summit lies in the outcome. The declaration adopted is action oriented and placed emphasis on women and girls. We in Namibia are looking forward to working with the newly elected president of the Global Power Women Network Africa, Professor Viola Onwuliri, Minister of State 1 for Foreign Affairs of Nigeria.  In a way, the two summits were interrelated. The Abuja +12 was an important summit for HIV/AIDS, Malaria and Tuberculosis which to many African countries are not just ailments but real development challenges. What transpired at that summit was encouraging in that African countries are realising that in order for us to address these challenges, the assistance we receive from our development partners can only be complementary to our own resources and efforts. To me that amounts to ownership.
Nigeria will next year commemorate it’s Centenary, does this have any relevance to Namibia?
The Centenary of Nigeria is very much relevant to Namibia. The Nigerian narrative will be incomplete without including the role and contributions of Nigeria to the decolonisation process in Africa in general and the struggle against colonialism and apartheid in Namibia. The role Nigeria has played I believe has contributed to shaping the foreign policy of this great country. When we in Namibia talk about Nigeria’s contributions to our liberation struggle it is because without that history, our two countries will have very little in common. It is that part of our history which binds us together, it is the compass of our bilateral relations. It is for these reasons that Namibia will participate in the Centenary celebrations.
What is your favourite Nigerian food?
I have enjoyed all Nigerian food. Fortunately for me there is a Nigerian restaurant in Windhoek and I intend to be regular customer there. If they do not match up I can always come to my second home, Nigeria.