Nigeria mourns Angola’s former Vice President

Abdullateef Fowewe

The Nigerian government has expressed profound grief over the death of Fernando da Piedade Dias dos Santos, Angola’s former Vice President and Prime Minister, fondly known as “Nando.”

In a statement issued Sunday by Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, Spokesperson for the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nigeria hailed the late statesman as a “distinguished statesman, a veteran of Angola’s liberation struggle, and a pivotal figure in the Angolan post-independence political landscape.”

Ebienfa detailed dos Santos’ extensive career, noting his roles as Vice Minister, Minister, Prime Minister, Vice President, and President of the National Assembly.

“His lifelong dedication to public service was instrumental in shaping modern Angola and steering the country through critical periods of its history,” the statement read.

Nigeria also emphasised shared continental bonds, stating, “The late Fernando dos Santos was not only a pillar of Angolan stability but also a respected voice in the Southern African region and across the African continent.

His commitment to national unity, reconciliation, and development resonates deeply with our own continental aspirations for peace and progress.”

The message extended condolences on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the government, and the Nigerian people to President Joao Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço, dos Santos’ family, and the people of Angola.

It concluded with a prayer, “We pray that the Almighty God grant his soul eternal rest and comfort all who mourn his passing.”