On the evening of November 21, 2024, the serene garden of the German Consulate General in Victoria Island, Lagos, was transformed into a vibrant celebration of unity, history, and international cooperation. The occasion? The 34th anniversary of the Day of German Unity. Under a canopy adorned with colorful balloons and surrounded by cocktail tables, distinguished guests gathered to mark this significant event, blending tradition and diplomacy with warm hospitality and cultural exchange.
The evening began with a soft blend of music as attendees, dressed in business attire, national dress, and uniforms, arrived at the beautifully decorated venue. A special photo booth, complete with an event banner, provided the perfect backdrop for pictures. The event officially commenced at 7:30 PM with the national anthems of Nigeria and Germany, followed by a welcome address by Weert Börner, the German Consul General.
In his speech, Börner took guests on a journey through Germany’s post-war transformation under its 75-year-old constitution, the “Grundgesetz” or Basic Law. “Germany found its way back to peace, democracy, and a liberal and social state under the rule of law,” he stated. Highlighting Germany’s global achievements in democratic participation, freedom of expression, and social justice, Börner also underscored the country’s enduring relationship with Nigeria.
He celebrated 50 years of development cooperation between the two nations, focusing on vocational training, academic exchanges, and entrepreneurial partnerships. Notable milestones included the success of the DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service), which awarded over 1,600 scholarships to Nigerians in 2023, and a groundbreaking entrepreneurial exchange program between North Rhine-Westphalia and Lagos.
He said, “In the first half of 2024, 10 Nigerian startup entrepreneurs spent two months in North Rhine-Westphalia, one of Germany’s states. Shortly afterwards, 10 startup entrepreneurs from North Rhine-Westphalia spent one month in Lagos, a very successful booster for all of them.”
Mr. Börner also spotlighted the German-Nigerian business forum, which recently witnessed the signing of a €40 million contract to enhance the waste management and recycling landscape in Lagos, as well as Germany’s co-funding of the MOWAA Institute, a museum project promoting archaeological and cultural collaboration between Nigeria and Germany.
The Consul General’s speech ended with heartfelt gratitude to sponsors such as Bosch, Henkel, Julius Berger, KSP, and Millo for their contributions to fostering German-Nigerian partnerships. Special appreciation was also extended to his wife, Dr. Imke Börner, and the consulate staff for organising the event.
He said, “A special thank you goes to you my dear Imke for all your engagement to foster the German-Nigerian friendship. Another big thank you goes to the consulate’s team, the consulate’s gardeners, our electricians and decorators for preparing this garden venue so nicely. A big thank you also goes to Radisson Blu for their excellent catering.”
Adding a Nigerian perspective to the celebration, the Governor of Enugu State, Peter Mbah, delivered a spirited speech. He lauded the significance of German reunification, calling it “a bold indicator of the power of unity” and emphasised Germany’s influence as a respected global economy. Governor Mbah also reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening bilateral ties with Germany, underscoring the friendship between the two nations.
As the speeches concluded, the guests indulged in a delightful array of refreshments, including wine, prosecco, and expertly crafted canapés. The mingling continued well into the evening, with laughter and conversations filling the air, complemented by the soothing music that set a relaxed ambiance.
The Day of German Unity reception not only celebrated a historic moment for Germany but also reinforced the dynamic and growing partnership between Germany and Nigeria. It was an evening of diplomacy, cultural exchange, and camaraderie—a testament to the enduring power of unity.
Melissa Enoch
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