The Nigerian community in Poland has formally welcomed Nigeria’s Ambassador-designate to the Republic of Poland, Mrs. Chioma Ohakim, wife of former Imo State Governor Ikedi Ohakim, expressing confidence that her appointment will further strengthen diplomatic, economic and cultural relations between Nigeria and Poland.
The assurance was contained in a statement issued on Sunday following a reception organised in Warsaw in honour of the ambassador-designate.
Speaking during the event, the Chairman of the APC Support Group and leader of the City Boy Movement in Poland, Adekunle Ayoola, congratulated Ohakim on her appointment, describing it as a recognition of her experience, leadership and record of public service.
Ayoola said members of the Nigerian community were optimistic that her tenure would usher in stronger collaboration between both countries across several sectors.
According to him, the community expects increased cooperation in trade, investment, education, technology, cultural exchanges and broader diplomatic engagement.
“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 said.
He also reaffirmed the commitment of Nigerians living in Poland to work closely with the Nigerian Embassy in promoting the country’s image and supporting initiatives geared towards national development.
“As stakeholders in the Nigerian diaspora, we reaffirm our commitment to working collaboratively with the embassy under your leadership in promoting the image of our country, supporting initiatives that advance national development and contributing meaningfully to the successful implementation of the Renewed Hope Agenda,” he added.
Ayoola prayed for a successful diplomatic assignment for the ambassador-designate, expressing confidence that her tenure would produce significant achievements and deepen relations between both nations.
Also addressing guests at the reception, the Chairman of the Nigerian Diaspora Community in Poland, Dr. Emanuel Kalejaiye, said the arrival of Ohakim represented another important milestone in the relationship between the Nigerian Embassy and Nigerians residing in Poland.
He noted that the Nigerian community had maintained close ties with the country’s diplomatic mission for over 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 explained that the diaspora community remained committed to dialogue, partnership and constructive engagement in support of Nigeria’s development and the welfare of Nigerians living in Poland.
Kalejaiye also commended the Government and people of Poland for their continued hospitality towards Nigerians residing in the country.
“We look forward to robust engagement with you on key matters of importance to our community. We are confident that your tenure will deepen engagement, transparency and collaboration between the embassy and the Nigerian community in Poland,” he stated.
Responding to the goodwill messages, Ohakim, who is a legal practitioner, expressed appreciation for the warm reception accorded to her by members of the Nigerian community.
She pledged to use her tenure to further strengthen diplomatic relations between Nigeria and Poland while promoting opportunities that would benefit citizens of both countries.
The ambassador-designate appealed to Nigerians living in Poland to continue supporting the embassy and work together to project a positive image of Nigeria abroad.
She stressed that collective efforts would be required to sustain the country’s reputation and strengthen bilateral cooperation.
The reception was attended by former Imo State Governor Ikedi Ohakim, leaders of various Nigerian organisations in Poland, elders and members of the Nigerian diaspora community.
