His Excellency Ambassador Mohamed Yongawo, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Sierra Leone to the Russian Federation, on Monday welcomed His Excellency Ambassador Iji Joseph Olusola, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to the Russian Federation, on a courtesy visit at the Embassy of Sierra Leone in Moscow.
The meeting was conducted in an atmosphere of warmth, mutual respect, and fraternal camaraderie, reflecting the longstanding and cordial relations between Sierra Leone and Nigeria.
Ambassador Olusola expressed his profound appreciation for the warm reception accorded to him and his delegation, remarking that the Sierra Leone Embassy felt “close to home.” He commended Ambassador Yongawo’s leadership and reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to working closely with Sierra Leone in advancing African unity, strengthening diplomatic cooperation, promoting trade and investment, and collaborating with the Russian authorities on matters affecting the welfare of their respective citizens.
In his remarks, Ambassador Yongawo reflected on the deep historical ties between Sierra Leone and Nigeria, which date back to the colonial era. He fondly recalled the period when the University of Sierra Leone’s Fourah Bay College was widely regarded as the “Athens of West Africa,” attracting students and scholars from across the continent and beyond in pursuit of higher education.
Ambassador Yongawo further underscored Nigeria’s strategic importance as Africa’s most populous nation and one of its largest economies. He noted that Nigeria’s demographic strength and territorial expanse position it as a key driver of economic growth and regional integration in West Africa, drawing comparisons to the leadership roles played by Germany, France, and the United Kingdom within the European context.
The Sierra Leonean Ambassador also paid tribute to Nigeria’s unwavering support during Sierra Leone’s civil war, acknowledging the immense sacrifices made by Nigerian personnel under regional peacekeeping efforts. He highlighted the enduring gratitude of the Sierra Leonean people, reflected in the naming of a street in Freetown after former Nigerian Head of State, General Sani Abacha. He further emphasized the shared language, cultural heritage, and longstanding people-to-people ties that continue to strengthen relations between the two sister nations.
In his capacity as Deputy Dean of the African Heads of Mission in the Russian Federation, Ambassador Yongawo offered strategic guidance and practical insights to Ambassador Olusola as he begins his diplomatic assignment in Moscow.
Ambassador Olusola expressed his sincere appreciation for the valuable guidance and assured his colleague that he would implement the recommendations while working closely with fellow African ambassadors to advance common interests.
As a gesture of mutual respect and enduring friendship, Ambassador Yongawo pledged his continued support to his Nigerian counterpart and confirmed that he would reciprocate the courtesy visit at a mutually convenient date.
The meeting concluded with both ambassadors exchanging views on the successful ECOWAS Summit recently held in Freetown under the chairmanship of His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio, then Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government. They commended the Government and people of Sierra Leone for successfully hosting the historic summit. They reaffirmed their shared commitment to strengthening regional integration, peace, security, and economic cooperation across West Africa.
For More Inquiries:
Festus J. Lahai
Information Attaché
Embassy of the Republic of Sierra Leone
Moscow, Russian Federation
Email:
information.attache@ru.slembassy.gov.sl
Website: www.slembassyrussia.org
Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Monday, 10th August 2026 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)
