Luanda - The political journey of the first President of Angola, António Agostinho Neto, was highlighted on Tuesday in the city of Lagos (Nigeria), during a round table organised by the Angolan Embassy in that country, under the theme ‘Pan-Americanism in the political journey of Agostinho Neto’.
In his opening message, the Angolan ambassador to Nigeria, José Bamóquina Zau, said that Agostinho Neto's political career made him an essential figure in the history of the country's and Africa's political ideas, whose principles today shape the philosophy of African brotherhood.
The ambassador said that with his political coherence, he redefined Angola after the achievement of independence, which served as a starting point for the struggles for the independence of Namibia and Zimbabwe, as well as for the liberation of South Africa.
In his speech, the former President of Nigeria, Olusegun Obasanjo, gave an account of the moments he shared with Agostinho Neto and Murtala Mohammed, as well as the entire political and military movement that preceded the proclamation of Angola's independence in 1975.
He said that Neto fought for political and cultural Pan-Africanism, and managed to impose the philosophy of his political ideas, which have lasted to this day.
Former President Obasanjo revealed that Nigeria had provided 20 million dollars to accommodate Angola's first government, so that it wouldn't feel the turbulence of the transition from the colonial period to national independence.
He emphasised that Neto had challenged the new generation to fight for economic independence, to have a flag, an anthem and political parties.
Former Prime Minister Lopo Fortunato do Nascimento described Nigeria's contribution as decisive for the survival of Angola's first government.
The nationalist confirmed that the MPLA and Agostinho Neto's strategy for independence included military and political support from Nigeria and the search for consensus through the Organisation of African Unity (OAU).
‘Nigeria's support with airplanes, equipment and military training helped to end the disagreement between the three political movements and to create a single state and armed forces,’ confirmed Lopo do Nascimento.
The round table had as guest speakers the former president of Nigeria, Olusegun Obasanjo, the former prime minister of Angola, Lopo do Nascimento and the professor of history at the University of Lagos, Adewale Onagbesan. SJ/SEC/DAN/DOJ
