I had fabulous time here, declares departing UK envoy

Olayinka Oyegbile ooyegbile
Olayinka Oyegbile ooyegbile

The outgoing British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Her Excellency Catriona Wendy Laing, says she’s fascinated by Nigeria, particularly the music, dance, culture, and she’s had “a fabulous time here.”

Malam Garba Shehu, the President’s spokesman in a statement, said the High Commissioner spoke on Wednesday during a farewell visit to President Muhammadu Buhari at State House, Abuja, after four and-a half years tour of duty.

She said: “I’m sad to be leaving. Nigeria is so much fun, I had a fabulous time here, and I’ll be back. I love the dance, the music, the culture. It’s been good to experience Nigeria. I’ve been to over 20 States, and I’ve told my successor to also do the same. I’ll be back, and still travel wider.”

She congratulated the president for very successful eight years in office, saying he had done very well to hold the country together.

 

The President said the UK is second home for many Nigerians, and relations between the two countries would continue to wax strong.

“In fact, some wealthy Nigerians don’t feel complete till they’ve had a home in the UK,” he added.

Buhari said he looked forward to retirement in Daura, Katsina State, after handing over on May 29, reiterating: “I’ll be as far away from Abuja as possible.”

He lauded the UK for cooperation on many fronts, particularly in the rebuilding of the North East, hitherto ravaged by insurgency.

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