The legacies of a former South African President and a Legend, Late Nelson Mandela have been described as tools for peace, unity and development in Africa.
Mandela is known for advocating a non-racial, non-racist democratic South Africa and the voice that spoke against apartheid, using peace to end it.
The United Nations General Assembly in 2009, declared 18th July of every year as “Nelson Mandela International Day.”
Observing Mandela Day
In this regard, UN Information Centre, Lagos in collaboration with the South African consulate and the Nigeria Institute of International Affairs organised an event in Lagos to observe the Day.
The Consular General of South Africa to Nigeria, Mr Darkey Africa says “Nigeria and South Africa will continue to work together in their best interests but both countries must ensure that the desired good wishes of past leaders be inculcated in today’s Africa.
”If Mandela were to be alive, his wish will be for Africa not to lose hope but to work harder to defeat the surge of racism, tribalism, ethnicity, because he believed that racism cannot grow a nation but destroy it,” Mr. Africa said.
The Director of the United Nations Information Centre in Nigeria, Mr Roland Kayanja says ”the Nelson Mandela International Day is an opportunity to reflect on the life and work of a legend, who embodied the highest values of the United Nations.”
Racism
Defeating the surge of racism, tribalism and ethnicity formed the discussion at the event to mark the 100 years of late Nelson Mandela.
The centenary celebration is an occasion to reflect on times and legacies of Nelson Mandela and to follow his call to make the world a better place.
Nelson Mandela was a South African anti-apartheid revolutionary, political leader, and philanthropist, who served as President of South Africa from 1994 to 1999.
He was a global advocate for human rights. He remained a devoted champion of peace and social justice in his own nation and around the world until his death.
Born in Mvezo, South Africa on July 18, 1918, Nelson Mandela died on December 5, 2013 in Johannesburg, at the age of 95.
This year’s Nelson Mandela International day marks his 100 years.
Source- Voice of Nigeria
