NIGERIANS IN POLAND WELCOME AMBASSADOR-DESIGNATE CHIOMA OHAKIM

The Nigerian community in Poland has welcomed Nigeria’s Ambassador-designate to the Republic of Poland, Mrs Chioma Ohakim, wife of former Imo State Governor Ikedi Ohakim, pledging its full support for her mission and expressing optimism that her tenure will strengthen diplomatic, economic and cultural relations between the two countries.

The Nigerian community in Poland disclosed this in a statement released on Sunday following a reception held in Warsaw to welcome Ohakim.

Speaking at 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 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.

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 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 said.

He prayed for a successful diplomatic assignment for the envoy, expressing confidence that her tenure would be marked by stronger bilateral relations and notable achievements.

Also speaking, the Chairman of the Nigerian Diaspora Community in Poland, Dr Emanuel Kalejaiye, said 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.

“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 said.

Responding, Ohakim, a lawyer, hailed Nigerians living in Poland for the warm reception and pledged to use her tenure to further strengthen bilateral relations between Nigeria and Poland.

She called for the support and cooperation of the Nigerian community in Poland, saying all hands must be on deck to keep the nation’s flag flying high.

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