Nigeria’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Femi Fani-Kayode, has officially commenced his diplomatic assignment after presenting copies of his Letters of Credence to the South African Department of International Relations and Cooperation.
Fani-Kayode announced the development in a post on his X handle on Saturday, explaining that he submitted the documents to the department’s Deputy Director-General of Public Diplomacy and Acting Chief of State Protocol, Clayson Monyela, on Friday.
He wrote, “I formally presented copies of my Letters of Credence to Mr Clayson Monyela, Deputy Director-General, Public Diplomacy, and Acting Chief of State Protocol, at the South African Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO).”
He described the presentation as a significant step in his diplomatic assignment, noting that it marked the official commencement of his responsibilities as Nigeria’s High Commissioner to South Africa on October 30.
Fani-Kayode also disclosed that he held a separate meeting with another senior official of the South African diplomatic department as part of his initial engagements.
“Following the presentation, I also met with Ambassador Seboga, Deputy Director-General of DIRCO, in his office, as part of my initial diplomatic engagements with senior South African government officials,” he added.
The former Minister of Aviation explained that the submission of copies of the diplomatic documents would be followed by a formal ceremony involving South African President Cyril Ramaphosa.
“The presentation of copies of my Letters of Credence precedes the ceremonial presentation of my Letters of Credence to His Excellency, President Cyril Ramaphosa of the Republic of South Africa, which will take place in a few days’ time,” he stated.
