THE SIGNING of several bilateral agreements promoting economic and social development in both Jamaica and Nigeria yesterday signalled a successful end to the state visit to the island by Nigerian president Olusegun Obasanjo.
In issuing the joint communiqué between the heads of both governments at Jamaica House, Prime Minister P.J. Patterson said President Obasanjo's visit was not one of mere reunion of friendship and kinship, but an opportunity to pool the individual resources of both countries to improve the standard of living for their citizens.
"We both recognise that our future development will ultimately depend on our ability to realise, maximise and utilise the tremendous human and natural resource potential with which we are blessed," said Mr. Patterson.
The two agreements between Jamaica and the Federal Republic of Nigeria were: The Technical Aid Corps Agreement and the Agreement on the Reciprocal Promotion and Protection of Investments. There was also the agreed Minutes of the second meeting of the Jamaica/Nigeria Joint Commis-sion which met on the 2nd and 5th of this month.
The Technical Aid Corps Agreement allows the assignment of Nigerian technical personnel to assist in various areas, including energy, health and education. The meeting of the Joint Commission examined proposals to develop further co-operation in the areas of energy, trade finance, banking and tourism.
President Obasanjo, who described Jamaica as his "second home" yesterday, expressed thanks to the Prime Minister for the invitation to Jamaica, quipping that Mr. Patterson should "make a habit" of inviting him to Jamaica.
He said the bilateral agreement between Jamaica and Nigeria was a good move, particularly in the area of energy. Nigeria is a gas producing country, he explained, and Jamaica was in need of a regular supply of energy.
President Obasanjo, who left the island yesterday, has been here since August 5 to participate in the celebration of Jamaica's 40th independence anniversary.
