Chidinma Iroegbu
Nigeria’s newly designated envoy to South Africa, Eswatini and Lesotho, Ambassador Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, is expected in Johannesburg as he assumes responsibility for Nigeria’s diplomatic representation in the three countries.
Fani-Kayode left Nigeria with members of his entourage as scheduled, but a fresh travel update put his expected landing time at 4:45pm, bringing forward the earlier 5pm arrival time.
His aircraft is expected at Fireblade Aviation in Kempton Park, Johannesburg, where officials of Nigeria’s diplomatic mission and representatives of the Nigerian community are scheduled to receive him.
Community members attending the airport reception have been asked to be at the facility by 4pm, ahead of the envoy’s expected arrival.
The visit will also provide Fani-Kayode with an early opportunity to meet Nigerians in South Africa as he settles into his new diplomatic responsibility.
Those unable to make it to the airport will have another opportunity to see the envoy later in the evening at The Michelangelo Towers in Sandton.
The High Commissioner is expected at the Sandton hotel from about 6:30pm, with his arrival possibly extending to 7pm, according to the notice circulated ahead of his trip.
The latest travel information confirmed that the envoy and his delegation had departed Nigeria according to schedule, while announcing the revised time for their arrival in Johannesburg.
It stated: “His Excellency and his entourage departed Nigeria on schedule,” adding that the touchdown time at Fireblade Aviation was now 4:45pm.
Fani-Kayode’s arrival is expected to formally usher in his engagement with Nigerian officials and citizens in South Africa as he begins his responsibilities covering South Africa, Eswatini and Lesotho.