Nigerians living in Rwanda view the country as their second home, where they feel welcomed and connected due to its journey of transformation. They believe that Nigeria and Rwanda have a lot to learn from each other, particularly in social and economic development.

This affirmation was one of many highlighted-on Tuesday, October 1, when hundreds of Nigerians living in Rwanda celebrated their country’s 64th Independence Day.

The event, organised with support from the Nigeria High Commission in Rwanda, gathered around 500 people, including Rwandans and friends from other communities, a gesture showing the close ties between the two nations.

The celebration held in Kibagabaga in Gasabo District, featured traditional Nigerian cuisine, providing attendees with a rich taste of Nigeria&039;s various culinary heritage. Among the dishes served were the famous Jollof rice, Egusi soup, Banga soup, Moi Moi, Edikang-Ikong, among flavours that contribute to Nigeria’s cultural identity.

The lively atmosphere was further enhanced by traditional music and dance, which saw both Nigerians and their Rwandan friends join in the festive mood, sharing experiences and cultural stories.

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Speaking to The New Times, Ozonnia Ojielo, the One UN Resident Coordinator and a member of the Nigerian community in Rwanda, commended the positive relationship between the two countries.

"For Nigerians, Rwanda is also home. We feel at home while in Rwanda, and we feel a strong connection given the journey that Rwanda has taken,” Ojielo said.

"Rwanda is creating a new quintessential of Africa, especially in terms of social and economic transformation. There is a lot for us to learn here,” he said.

"However, we also feel that we have something to offer to a brother country in its transformation journey, and we can take lessons back home. Importantly, a sizable portion of those attending are from the private sector in various fields, and many consider Rwanda a second home.”

Ozonnia highlighted that the 64 years after Nigeria’s independence meant a lot: "It shows that we're working in the right direction. We may not have achieved everything yet, but we've made significant progress in many areas. The journey of social and economic transformation is not an overnight process.”

"The advantage for us Nigerians in Rwanda is that we will learn many things, including Rwanda's homegrown solutions that can benefit us in Nigeria. It is a shared journey where we learn from each other as brothers and sisters," he added.

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Kelechi Anyanwu, Vice President of the Association of Nigerians in Rwanda, emphasised the essence of the celebration of Nigeria’s independence in the host country.

"It is an opportunity for those who consider Rwanda their home to discuss and share more about our relationship, which we call the ‘Rwanda experience,’” Anyanwu said.

"It also gives us a chance to encourage each other, assess where we are now, and identify areas for further improvement," he said.

Nigeria and Rwanda have maintained relations since Rwanda’s independence in 1962.

The two countries have collaborated in various bilateral and multilateral forums, including the United Nations, the African Union, and the Commonwealth of Nations. Both countries have also signed and implemented multiple agreements aimed at fostering stronger ties.

Notably, the Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA) has enabled RwandAir to operate weekly flights between Kigali, Abuja, and Lagos, facilitating travel and boosting trade and tourism between the two nations.

In addition to the BASA, the Technical Aids Corps (TAC) agreement, signed in 2001, has seen numerous Nigerian volunteers deployed to Rwanda, sharing expertise in sectors like education and healthcare.

A military and police training agreement is another area of cooperation, with many senior Rwandan military officers having received training at the prestigious Nigerian Defence Academy.

On the economic front, Nigerian businesses have established a presence in Rwanda, particularly in the financial sector. Access Bank and Guaranty Trust Bank are among the Nigerian firms contributing to Rwanda’s growing economy, supporting local businesses.

Reflecting on the celebrations, several attendees expressed their appreciation for Rwanda, describing it as a country that has provided them with a stable environment in which to live and thrive.

"Rwanda is a place where we have been able to fare well, grow, and feel at home," said Folayan Folaranm Shalewa, who relocated to Rwanda in 2022. She had been visiting Rwanda since 2016 for personal business and later decided to settle and make it her home.