The Cotonou-Abuja axis has recently been thriving. This is evidenced by the renewed closeness between Benin and Nigeria since the inauguration of President Bola Tinubu. This diplomatic advancement is credited to President Patrice Talon, according to Honoré Cocou Hounkpatin, President of the Union of Beninese Residents in Nigeria (UBEN).
The warming diplomatic relations between Cotonou and Abuja bring joy to Beninese residents in Nigeria. Through their president, they have extended their heartfelt congratulations to Patrice Talon, who has been working for the consolidation of ties between the two countries over the past few weeks.
UBEN has noted with satisfaction the exchange meetings held between Patrice Talon and Bola Tinubu, the visit of the businessman Aliko Dangote to Cotonou, and Tinubu’s notable presence at the celebration of Benin’s 63rd Independence Anniversary.
As Beninese living in Nigeria, we are firsthand witnesses to the improving relations between the two countries, marked by a series of positive events, culminating in the participation of Nigerian President H.E. Bola Tinubu in the celebration of our National Day on August 1, 2023.
Honoré Cocou Hounkpatin
The President of UBEN took the opportunity to make an appeal to President Patrice Talon. He kindly drew Patrice Talon’s attention to “the challenge of reorganizing the High Council of Beninese Abroad (HCBE), tasked with uniting all energies of the diaspora for the development of our country but is currently divided into two factions.”
Furthermore, the Beninese diaspora in Nigeria eagerly looks forward to meeting the Head of State during his upcoming visits to Abuja.
