Nigerians in Poland pledge support to new ambassador, seek stronger bilateral ties

The Nigerian community in Poland on Sunday welcomed the wife of the former governor of Imo State and Nigeria’s Ambassador-designate to the Republic of Poland, Mrs Chioma Ohakim.

At a reception held on Sunday in Warsaw to welcome the ambassador-designate, the Nigerian community, according to a statement, pledged its full support for her mission and expressed optimism that her tenure would strengthen diplomatic, economic and cultural relations between the two countries.

Speaking at the event, the chairman of the APC Support Group and leader of the City Boy Movement in Poland, Hon. Adekunle Ayoola, congratulated Mrs Ohakim on her appointment, describing it as recognition of her record of public service and leadership.

Ayoola said the Nigerian community was confident that the ambassador-designate would consolidate the longstanding relationship between Nigeria and Poland through increased cooperation in trade, investment, education, technology and cultural exchanges.

ALSO READ: FG partners NIMC to strengthen transparency, security in mining sector

He said, “We are delighted to receive you in Poland and are confident that your tenure will further strengthen the longstanding diplomatic relations between Nigeria and the Republic of Poland.

“We look forward to a new era of enhanced cooperation in the areas of trade, investment, education, technology, culture and bilateral engagement, while fostering greater unity and welfare among Nigerians resident in Poland.”

Ayoola also reaffirmed the commitment of Nigerians in Poland to work closely with the embassy in promoting Nigeria’s image and supporting national development initiatives.

“As stakeholders in the Nigerian diaspora, we reaffirm our commitment to working collaboratively with the Embassy under your leadership to promote the image of our country, support initiatives that advance national development and contribute meaningfully to the successful implementation of the Renewed Hope Agenda,” he said.

Also speaking at the event, the chairman of the Nigerian Diaspora Community in Poland, Dr Emanuel Kalejaiye, said Mrs Ohakim’s arrival marked another chapter in the longstanding relationship between the Nigerian Embassy and the Nigerian community in Poland.

According to him, Nigerians in Poland have maintained close ties with the country’s diplomatic mission for more than four decades.

“Your arrival today reaffirms the strong bond between the Embassy and Nigerians in Poland, and we deeply appreciate and welcome you to Poland as our dear ambassador,” Kalejaiye said.

He noted that the diaspora community remained committed to dialogue, cooperation and partnership in support of Nigeria’s development and the welfare of Nigerians living in Poland.

Kalejaiye also expressed appreciation to the Government and people of Poland for their continued hospitality towards Nigerians residing in the country.

Responding, Mrs Ohakim lauded Nigerians living in Poland for the warm reception and pledged to use her tenure to further strengthen the bilateral relationship between Nigeria and Poland.

She also called for the support and cooperation of the Nigerian community in Poland, saying that all hands must be on deck to keep the banner of their fatherland flying high.

The event was attended by the former governor of Imo State, Chief Ikedi Ohakim, leaders of Nigerian organisations in Poland, elders and members of the Nigerian diaspora community.