Joel Ajayi
Italy’s Ambassador to Nigeria, His Excellency Roberto Mengoni, has reaffirmed Italy’s commitment to democracy, peace, gender equality and deeper bilateral relations with Nigeria as the country marked the 80th anniversary of the Italian Republic.
Speaking during the celebration of Italy’s National Day on Tuesday Night in Abuja, Ambassador Mengoni reflected on the country’s journey since June 2, 1946, when Italians voted to abolish the monarchy and establish a republic after the devastation of World War II.
Describing the Italian Republic as “imperfect, troubled and beloved,” the envoy said the historic decision laid the foundation for a new society built on freedom, democracy, inclusion and the rejection of fascism, colonialism and oppression.
He recalled Article 3 of Italy’s Constitution, which guarantees equality before the law regardless of gender, race, language, religion or political affiliation, noting that Italy’s progress over the past eight decades has been driven by democratic values, solidarity and social inclusion.
A major highlight of his address was the recognition of the role of women in shaping modern Italy. Ambassador Mengoni noted that June 2, 1946, also marked the first time Italian women were allowed to vote and participate fully in national politics.
He praised the pioneering women who helped draft Italy’s post-war Constitution and acknowledged the struggles that followed in dismantling discriminatory laws and societal barriers.
Women have built modern Italy with their work and dedication,” he said, while stressing that challenges such as unequal pay, underrepresentation in leadership positions, and gender-based violence still persist.
The ambassador also underscored Italy’s longstanding commitment to peace and international cooperation, citing Article 11 of the Constitution, which rejects war as a means of resolving international disputes.
According to him, peace goes beyond the absence of conflict and involves building a fair, democratic and rules-based international order. He reiterated Italy’s support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and its active role in the United Nations, international peacekeeping missions, and multilateral diplomacy.
Turning to Nigeria-Italy relations, Ambassador Mengoni highlighted decades of cooperation between both nations, recalling the contributions of Italian businesses to Nigeria’s economic development.
He expressed optimism that the resolution of long-standing issues involving Italian energy giant ENI would encourage greater investment and stronger commercial ties between the two countries.
The envoy pledged Italy’s continued support for Nigeria’s democratic development, security, and economic progress while commending the efforts of the Nigerian government in protecting citizens regardless of religion or ethnicity.
He also pointed to growing collaboration in education, noting that Nigeria and Italy will jointly chair the forthcoming replenishment conference of the Global Partnership for Education, a major international initiative aimed at expanding access to quality education, particularly across Africa.
Ambassador Mengoni further acknowledged the contributions of Nigerians living in Italy, revealing that more than 132,000 Nigerians are legally resident in the country and actively contribute to sectors such as transportation, agriculture, industry, hospitality and commerce.
Citing Olympic volleyball champion Paola Enogu, an Italian born to Nigerian parents, he said the Nigerian community continues to enrich Italian society and strengthen people-to-people relations between both countries.
Concluding his remarks, the Ambassador described Africa as Italy’s neighbour and strategic partner, stressing that global challenges such as terrorism, poverty, transnational crime and climate change require collective action.
“Italy does not teach lessons. We can only offer our imperfect example of a country that, through decades of hard work, has changed for the better,” he said.
The celebration served as both a reflection on Italy’s democratic journey and a reaffirmation of its commitment to strengthening cooperation with Nigeria and Africa in pursuit of peace, development, and shared prosperity.
