In his speech, Börner took guests on a journey through Germany’s post-war transformation under its 75-year-old constitution, the “Grundgesetz” or Basic Law. “Germany found its way back to peace, democracy, and a liberal and social state under the rule of law,” he stated. Highlighting Germany’s global achievements in democratic participation, freedom of expression, and social justice, Börner also underscored the country’s enduring relationship with Nigeria.
He celebrated 50 years of development cooperation between the two nations, focusing on vocational training, academic exchanges, and entrepreneurial partnerships. Notable milestones included the success of the DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service), which awarded over 1,600 scholarships to Nigerians in 2023, and a groundbreaking entrepreneurial exchange program between North Rhine-Westphalia and Lagos.
